Ezekiel 33:9

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Nevertheless, if thou warn {H2094} the wicked {H7563} of his way {H1870} to turn {H7725} from it; if he do not turn {H7725} from his way {H1870}, he shall die {H4191} in his iniquity {H5771}; but thou hast delivered {H5337} thy soul {H5315}.

On the other hand, if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he doesn't turn from his way; then he will still die guilty, but you will have saved your own life.

But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 33:9 is a pivotal verse that highlights the prophet Ezekiel's divine commission as a 'watchman' and the critical principle of individual responsibility before God. It underscores the prophet's duty to warn the wicked, the consequences of unrepentance for the wicked, and the spiritual deliverance of the one who faithfully delivers the message.

Context

This verse is part of a renewed commission given to Ezekiel by God after the destruction of Jerusalem. While Ezekiel had received a similar charge earlier in his ministry (Ezekiel 3:17-19), this reiteration in Chapter 33 emphasizes the individual accountability for sin, especially as the nation faced exile. God clarifies that despite the national judgment, individual choices to repent or persist in wickedness still hold eternal consequences. Ezekiel's role is not to force repentance, but to clearly communicate God's truth and warning.

Key Themes

  • The Watchman's Responsibility: The verse explicitly defines the prophet's duty to warn. This role is not merely passive observation but active proclamation of God's word, particularly concerning sin and its consequences.
  • Individual Accountability: It stresses that each person is responsible for their own choices. If the wicked person "do not turn from his way," their death in iniquity is a direct result of their own unrepentance, not a failure on the watchman's part.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: God's justice ensures that sin is judged, but His mercy is evident in providing a warning and an opportunity to "turn from it" before judgment falls.
  • Deliverance Through Obedience: For the watchman, faithfully delivering the warning ensures that he has "delivered thy soul." This means he is absolved of responsibility for the wicked's ultimate fate and is spiritually clear before God. This principle of being innocent of their blood is a profound relief for those called to difficult ministries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "warn" is zahar (זָהַר), which implies admonishing, cautioning, or instructing. It’s a strong call to heed a serious danger. The phrase "turn from it" uses the Hebrew verb shuv (שׁוּב), a foundational concept in the Old Testament meaning to return, repent, or turn back. It signifies a complete change of direction, a spiritual transformation from a sinful path to God's ways. "Delivered thy soul" (natsal nephesh) means to rescue or save one's self/life, indicating that by fulfilling his duty, Ezekiel preserves his own integrity and standing before God.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel was a prophet, the principles in this verse extend to all believers today. We are all called to be 'watchmen' in our spheres of influence, sharing the truth of God's word, especially the call to repentance and faith in Christ. This verse teaches us:

  • Our Responsibility: We are responsible for faithfully proclaiming God's message, not for the response of the hearer. This applies to evangelism, discipleship, and speaking truth in love.
  • The Power of Choice: Every individual has the freedom to choose whether to heed God's warnings or persist in sin. God honors that choice.
  • Freedom in Faithfulness: When we have shared the gospel or a biblical warning, our responsibility is fulfilled. The outcome rests with the individual and God. This frees us from the burden of others' choices and allows us to find peace in our obedience, much like the Great Commission instructs us to teach and make disciples.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 3:19

    Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

  • Acts 20:26

    Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

  • Ezekiel 3:21

    Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

  • Proverbs 15:10

    ¶ Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.

  • John 8:24

    I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins.

  • Acts 13:40

    Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3

    For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

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