Ezekiel 3:18
Ezekiel 3:18 in Multiple Translations
If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
When I say to the evil-doer, Death will certainly be your fate; and you give him no word of it and say nothing to make clear to the evil-doer the danger of his evil way, so that he may be safe; that same evil man will come to death in his evil-doing; but I will make you responsible for his blood.
For example, if I give a warning to someone who's wicked, saying, ‘You are going to die for sure,’ but you don't warn them, if you don't speak out to warn them to stop their wicked ways so they can go on living, then that wicked person will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their death.
When I shall say vnto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die, and thou giuest not him warning, nor speakest to admonish the wicked of his wicked way, that he may liue, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquitie: but his blood will I require at thine hande.
In My saying to the wicked: Thou dost surely die; and thou hast not warned him, nor hast spoken to warn the wicked from his wicked way, so that he doth live; he — the wicked — in his iniquity dieth, and his blood from thy hand I require.
When I tell the wicked, ‘You will surely die;’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand.
When I say to the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
If, when I say to the wicked, Thou shalt surely die: thou declare it not to him, nor speak to him, that he may be converted from his wicked way, and live: the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but I will require his blood at thy hand.
When I say about some wicked people, ‘They will surely diebecause of their sins,’ if you do not warn them or tell them that they must turn from their wicked behavior if they want to ◄save their lives/remain alive►, those wicked people will die because of the sins that they have committed, but I will consider that you are responsible for their deaths [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 3:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אָמְרִ֤/י
לָֽ/רָשָׁע֙
מ֣וֹת
תָּמ֔וּת
וְ/לֹ֣א
הִזְהַרְתּ֗/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֥א
דִבַּ֛רְתָּ
לְ/הַזְהִ֥יר
רָשָׁ֛ע
מִ/דַּרְכּ֥/וֹ
הָ/רְשָׁעָ֖ה
לְ/חַיֹּת֑/וֹ
ה֤וּא
רָשָׁע֙
בַּ/עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
יָמ֔וּת
וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ
בְּ/אָמְרִ֤/י
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
לָֽ/רָשָׁע֙
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
תָּמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִזְהַרְתּ֗/וֹ
zâhar
H2094
to shine
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
דִבַּ֛רְתָּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
לְ/הַזְהִ֥יר
zâhar
H2094
to shine
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
רָשָׁ֛ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
מִ/דַּרְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs | Suff
הָ/רְשָׁעָ֖ה
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Art | Adj
לְ/חַיֹּת֑/וֹ
châyâh
H2421
to live
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
רָשָׁע֙
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
בַּ/עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יָמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ
dâm
H1818
blood
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 3:18
בְּ/אָמְרִ֤/י
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָֽ/רָשָׁע֙
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
תָּמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִזְהַרְתּ֗/וֹ
zâhar
H2094
"to shine"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this verb means to warn or enlighten someone by caution, like in Proverbs 27:12 where it says to warn the wise. It can also mean to teach or admonish, as seen in Psalm 2:10. This word is about giving guidance.
Definition: 1) to shine, send out light, be light, be shining 1a) (Hiphil) to shine, send out light (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing). See also: Exodus 18:20; Ezekiel 3:20; Psalms 19:12.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דִבַּ֛רְתָּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לְ/הַזְהִ֥יר
zâhar
H2094
"to shine"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In Hebrew, this verb means to warn or enlighten someone by caution, like in Proverbs 27:12 where it says to warn the wise. It can also mean to teach or admonish, as seen in Psalm 2:10. This word is about giving guidance.
Definition: 1) to shine, send out light, be light, be shining 1a) (Hiphil) to shine, send out light (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing). See also: Exodus 18:20; Ezekiel 3:20; Psalms 19:12.
רָשָׁ֛ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מִ/דַּרְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָ/רְשָׁעָ֖ה
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לְ/חַיֹּת֑/וֹ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
רָשָׁע֙
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
בַּ/עֲוֺנ֣/וֹ
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
יָמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:18
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- Context
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- Ezekiel 3:18 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:18
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
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- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:18
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- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
- Sermons on Ezekiel 3:18
Context — A Watchman for Israel
16At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
18If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.
19But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. 20Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 33:6 | But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ |
| 2 | James 5:19–20 | My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 3:20 | Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood. |
| 4 | Acts 20:26–27 | Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:8–10 | If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. 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. Now as for you, son of man, tell the house of Israel that this is what they have said: ‘Our transgressions and our sins are heavy upon us, and we are wasting away because of them! How can we live?’ |
| 6 | Luke 13:5 | No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” |
| 7 | Acts 2:40 | With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 4:16 | Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. |
| 9 | Ephesians 5:5–6 | For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. |
| 10 | John 8:21 | Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” |
Ezekiel 3:18 Summary
[This verse means that if God tells us to warn someone about their sinful life, and we don't do it, we'll be partly responsible for their spiritual death. It's like if someone is walking towards a cliff and we know it, but we don't warn them - we'd feel terrible if they fell off. It's the same with warning people about sin, as seen in Ezekiel 33:8. We need to care about others and warn them so they can turn to God and be saved, just like Jonah did in Jonah 3:1-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't warn someone who is living a wicked life?
According to Ezekiel 3:18, if you don't warn someone who is living a wicked life, you will be held responsible for their blood, meaning their spiritual death will be partly your responsibility, as seen in Ezekiel 3:20 and Ezekiel 33:8.
Is it my job to save everyone from their sins?
No, it's not your job to save everyone, but rather to warn them and give them the opportunity to repent, as stated in Ezekiel 3:19, and as seen in the example of Jonah 3:1-10, where Jonah warned the people of Nineveh.
What if the person I warn doesn't listen?
If the person you warn doesn't listen, they will die in their iniquity, but you will have saved yourself, as stated in Ezekiel 3:19, similar to the principle in Acts 18:6, where Paul washed his hands of responsibility for those who rejected the gospel.
Why is it so important to warn others about their wicked ways?
It's essential to warn others because God holds us accountable for the spiritual well-being of those around us, as seen in Ezekiel 3:18 and Ezekiel 33:7-9, and warning them is a way to show love and care for their souls, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can lovingly warn others about their wicked ways without being judgmental or pushy?
- How can I balance my responsibility to warn others with the understanding that I'm not responsible for their choices?
- What are some personal sins or habits that I need to repent of, and how can I seek help and support from others to overcome them?
- How can I prioritize warning others about their spiritual condition, just as Ezekiel was called to do, and what steps can I take to make this a regular part of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:18
When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die,.... Not only a corporeal but an eternal death for this is what the law threatens with, and there the Lord says this; and this is the wages, end, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:18
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
When I say, either by the, menaces of my law, or by motion of my Spirit stirring thee up to reprove and warn. The wicked; any wicked one whatever, rich or poor, mean or mighty. Thou shalt surely die; such courses will certainly end in death, and in damnation if not left. Givest him not warning; frequently, and with repeated monitions, as the word signifies, and as the apostle, . This to those that will hearken. Nor speakest; some will profanely scoff and deride, yet speak to warn them, till it do appear they are such as will turn again and rent you. Or else it is the same thing repeated. From his way; men must be told of their own sins; these are their dangers. To save his life; that thou mayst preserve his life, his soul, and recall him at once from sin and death. Shall die in his iniquity; the man who is not warned by thee will certainly die in his sin, the sinner’ s ignorance will not be sufficient to prevent his death, but thy not admonishing him will involve thee also in guilt and death.
I will punish thee, who possibly mightest have saved by warning, however oughtest to have warned.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.Ver. 18. When I say to the wicked, Thou shalt surely die.] When I bid thee tell the wicked from me, it shall be ill with him; for "the reward of his hands shall be given," even "death the wages of sin," death of all sorts, which is the just hire of the least sin: woe then to the wicked, say. And thou givest him not warning.] Heb., Non expolieris; Gr., Non distinxeris; if thou do not distinctly and clearly warn him, seeking to rub off his rust, and to make his soul clear and circumspect. To save his life.] That "iniquity may not be his ruin." Sin hales hell at the heels of it. But his blood will I require at thine hand.] These are fulmina, non verba, not words, but thunderbolts, saith Erasmus. This sentence sounding much in his ears made Augustine constant and instant in preaching, and warning the people of their danger. Bernard also, for the same reason, thus bespeaketh his hearers: If I deal not freely and faithfully with you, it will be to your loss, and mine own danger. Timeo itaque damnum vestrum: timeo damnationem meam, si tacuero. Lib. iii. De Verb.
Dom., Serm. 12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
Verse 18. Thou shalt surely die] That is, If he turn not from his wickedness, and thou givest him not warning, as above, he shalt die in his iniquity, which he should not have committed; but his blood will I require at thy hand-I will visit thy soul for the loss of his. O how awful is this! Hear it, ye priests, ye preachers, ye ministers of the Gospel; ye, especially, who have entered into the ministry for a living, ye who gather a congregation to yourselves that ye may feed upon their fat, and clothe yourselves with their wool; in whose parishes and in whose congregations souls are dying unconverted from day to day, who have never been solemnly warned by you, and to whom you have never shown the way of salvation, probably because ye know nothing of it yourselves! O what a perdition awaits you! To have the blood of every soul that has died in your parishes or in your congregations unconverted laid at your door! To suffer a common damnation for every soul that perishes through your neglect! How many loads of endless wo must such have to bear! Ye take your tithes, your stipends, or your rents, to the last grain, and the last penny; while the souls over whom you made yourselves watchmen have perished, and are perishing, through your neglect. O worthless and hapless men! better for you had ye never been born!
Vain is your boast of apostolical authority, while ye do not the work of apostles! Vain your boast of orthodoxy, while ye neither show nor know the way of salvation! Vain your pretensions to a Divine call, when ye do not the work of evangelists! The state of the most wretched of the human race is enviable to that of such ministers, pastors, teachers, and preachers. But let not this discourage the faithful minister who teaches every man, and warns every man, in all wisdom, that he may present every man perfect to Christ Jesus. If after such teaching and warning they will sin on, and die in their sins, their blood will be upon themselves; but thou, O man of God, hast delivered thine own soul.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:18
18. When I say unto the wicked] The watchman spies danger approaching, so the prophet receives intimation from the Lord (Ezekiel 3:17). This intimation given to the prophet is represented as a threat spoken directly to the wicked. If the prophet as a watchman perceive this danger of death to the wicked and fails to warn him, the wicked shall die for his own sin indeed, but his blood will be upon the watchman. He that fails to save life kills; and blood will be required of him, of every man’s hand the blood of his brother. Proverbs 24:11-12, “Deliver them that are carried away unto death … If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this, Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it?” in his iniquity] Perhaps: through his iniquity. It is of the nature of sin that it is made the instrument of its own punishment, Job 8:4. “Warning” will naturally be of many kinds, suitable to those warned; some may be deterred and others allured from their evil.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 3:18
This passage anticipates the great moral principle of divine government Ezek. 18 that each man is individually responsible for his own actions, and will be judged according to these and these alone.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:18
18. In his iniquity — Perhaps, through his iniquity. “It is of the nature of sin that it is made the instrument of its own punishment (Job 8:4).” — Davidson.
Sermons on Ezekiel 3:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Covenant Word Ministries) Hell! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the belief held by many that life ends with death and there is no purpose or accountability beyond that. He emphasizes the shock that awaits |
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The Secrets of the Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing before God's judgment seat and giving an account of our actions. He highlights that as Christians, we will face t |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 18-19 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to continue studying the word of God and to let it dwell richly in their hearts through faith. They emphasize the importance of |
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Fix Your Eyes on the Star - Part 1 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a captain who passed away while urging his crew to keep their eyes on a star. The preacher uses this story as a metaphor for the Go |
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The Task of the Church by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Church's supreme task, which is the evangelization of the world. He distinguishes between evangelization and Christiani |
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Four R's of the Gospel: Ruin by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the four key doctrines of Rune, Redemption, Repentance, and Regeneration in the proper order. He highlights |
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How Are the Mighty Fallen by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and fulfilling the call of God, even in the face of opposition and attacks. It highlights the struggles faced by ded |