Ezekiel 3:21
Ezekiel 3:21 in Multiple Translations
But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.”
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.
Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning; and thou hast delivered thy soul.
But if you say to the upright man that he is not to do evil, he will certainly keep his life because he took note of your word; and your life will be safe.
However, if you warn those who are living right not to sin, and they don't sin, they will live for sure, because they paid attention to your warning, and you will have saved yourself—you won't die.”
Neuerthelesse, if thou admonish that righteous man, that the righteous sinne not, and that he doeth not sinne, he shall liue because he is admonished: also thou hast deliuered thy soule.
And thou, because thou hast warned him — the righteous — that the righteous sin not, and he hath not sinned, he surely liveth, because he hath been warned; and thou thy soul hast delivered.'
Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man, that the righteous not sin, and he does not sin, he will surely live, because he took warning; and you have delivered your soul.”
Nevertheless if thou shalt 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.
But if thou warn the just man, that the just may not sin, and he doth not sin: living he shall live, because thou hast warned him, and thou hast delivered thy soul.
But if you warn righteous people not to sin, and they do not sin, they will surely remain alive because they heededyour warning, and you will have saved yourselffrom my punishing you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:21
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 3:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
כִּ֧י
הִזְהַרְתּ֣/וֹ
צַדִּ֗יק
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
חֲטֹ֛א
צַדִּ֖יק
וְ/ה֣וּא
לֹא
חָטָ֑א
חָי֤וֹ
יִֽחְיֶה֙
כִּ֣י
נִזְהָ֔ר
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
אֶֽת
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
הִצַּֽלְתָּ
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִזְהַרְתּ֣/וֹ
zâhar
H2094
to shine
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
צַדִּ֗יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
חֲטֹ֛א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Inf-a
צַדִּ֖יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָטָ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חָי֤וֹ
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Ptc
יִֽחְיֶה֙
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִזְהָ֔ר
zâhar
H2094
to shine
V-Niphal
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
הִצַּֽלְתָּ
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 3:21
וְ/אַתָּ֞ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
כִּ֧י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִזְהַרְתּ֣/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.
צַדִּ֗יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
חֲטֹ֛א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
צַדִּ֖יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | 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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
חָטָ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
חָי֤וֹ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
יִֽחְיֶה֙
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִזְהָ֔ר
zâhar
H2094
"to shine"
V-Niphal
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/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַפְשְׁ/ךָ֥
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הִצַּֽלְתָּ
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 3:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
- Sermons on Ezekiel 3:21
Context — A Watchman for Israel
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.
21But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.”
22And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” 23So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 3 | Titus 2:15 | Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. |
| 4 | James 5:20 | 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. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 4:14 | I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. |
| 6 | Acts 20:31 | Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 3:19–20 | But 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. 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. |
| 8 | Galatians 1:6–10 | I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. |
| 9 | 1 John 3:6–9 | No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. |
| 10 | Psalms 19:11 | By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward. |
Ezekiel 3:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that if we warn someone who is trying to do the right thing not to sin, and they listen, they will be saved and we will have done our part to help them. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 18:15, where He encourages us to help our brothers and sisters who are sinning. By warning others, we are showing them that we care about their well-being and want to help them stay on the right path. By heeding the warning, they will be able to live a life that is pleasing to God, as stated in Psalm 37:37.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of warning others in this verse?
According to Ezekiel 3:21, warning others is crucial for their salvation and also for the spiritual well-being of the one giving the warning, as seen in Ezekiel 3:19 and Ezekiel 3:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of accountability?
This verse emphasizes the importance of accountability, as the one giving the warning will be held responsible if they fail to warn others, as stated in Ezekiel 3:20, and also in Genesis 9:5 where God holds people accountable for the blood of others.
What is the outcome for the righteous man if he heeds the warning?
If the righteous man heeds the warning, he will indeed live, as stated in Ezekiel 3:21, and this is in line with the principle that obedience to God's commands leads to life, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse applies to our lives today by reminding us of the importance of sharing God's Word with others and holding each other accountable, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25 and Galatians 6:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can warn others about the dangers of sin in a loving and compassionate manner?
- How can I be more mindful of my own actions and ensure that I am not causing others to stumble?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to heed God's warnings and turn away from sin?
- How can I balance the need to warn others with the importance of showing them love and grace?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:21
Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous [man],.... Every righteous man, that is so in a judgment of charity, whether truly righteous or not, which the event shows; who should be warned not to trust
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
If thou warn; as often as need. The righteous man; the truly and really pious, the regenerate man. Sin not; deliberately, customarily, habitually. And he doth not sin; takes warning, and departs further from sin, and keeps better to the ways of God. Live; be accepted with God and happy; and both warner and warned have delivered their souls.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
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.Ver. 21. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous.] As the best may need to be warned, and must take it for a mercy. “ Acer et ad palmae per se cursurus honores, Si tamen horteris, fortius ibit equus. ” - Ovid.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:21
21. The case of the righteous is even more complex and perilous for the watchman than that of the wicked, though it might not be thought so. The wicked has to be warned to turn from his evil, and so has the righteous if he sins. But the righteous has also to be warned, in ways that are suitable, lest he fall into evil. Only when the righteous is seen maintaining his righteousness unto the end can the watchman feel that he has delivered his own soul in regard to him. Like a ship laden with a precious freight he has to be anxiously piloted into the haven. This passage, ch. Ezekiel 1:1 to Ezekiel 3:21, is not quite easy to estimate. There are two questions suggested by it, viz., first, how does the prophet represent the occurrences? and secondly, how is his representation to be interpreted? In answer to the first question, it is evident that all narrated from ch.
Ezekiel 1:1 to Ezekiel 3:12 or Ezekiel 3:15 belongs to the prophet’s trance. The vision of God in ch. 1 and his inspiration under the symbol of eating a book, as also his commission generally, all belong to the sphere of ecstatic experience. This is manifest so far as the great Theophany of ch. 1 is concerned; but all that follows, ch. Ezekiel 2:1 to Ezekiel 3:12, was transacted in the presence of this Theophany, and like it must be regarded as part of the trance or ecstasy. In Ezekiel 3:12, however, it is said that the vision of God went up from him, and if this were to be interpreted as ch. Ezekiel 11:24-25, where the same vision of God departed from him and he reported all he had seen during it to them of the captivity, we might suppose that the ecstasy was over. In ch. Ezekiel 3:15, it is said that he came to them of the captivity. It is added, however, that the spirit took him up and carried him there, that he sat among the captives dumb seven days, and that the hand of the Lord was strong upon him. All these expressions are usual to describe prophetic ecstasy, e.g.
Ezekiel 8:3, Ezekiel 37:1, Ezekiel 40:2. In the passage ch. Ezekiel 33:22, “the hand of the Lord” might describe something less than the full ecstasy, though this is not certain. After the prophet’s statement that he came to them of the captivity to Tel-abib, we might have expected some account of his ministry among them, but nothing of this is given; what follows is a more precise definition of his office, which is to be that of a watchman. The representation appears to be that the place by the river Chebar where the vision of God was seen by him was at some distance from Tel-abib, and that when the vision went up from him he “came” to the captives at that place.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:21
21. Warn the righteous man — The word of the prophet is not for out-breaking sinners only. The good man needs to be warned against falling into temptation.
Sermons on Ezekiel 3:21
| Sermon | Description | |
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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib |
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Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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Have You Turned From a Life of Sin? by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, Keith Daniel shares a personal experience of encountering a tramp and sharing the word of God with him. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the scriptures with |
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What's Wrong With Preaching Today? by Albert N. Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and weight of the Scriptures. He explains that the key to a powerful sermon lies in packing it with solid biblical substance, maki |
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Take Heed to Yourselves by Richard Baxter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being slothful in business but fervent in spirit. He urges the audience to lose no time and to diligently study, pray, |
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Song of Solomon by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding godly older people who can guide and teach us in our devotion to Jesus Christ. He shares his own experience of not |
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(Church Leadership) 8. Speaking as God's Representative by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking God's word effectively. He highlights the need to speak as the utterance of God, whether it is a short or long mes |