Ezekiel 3:18

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.

Study Bible

If I say to the wicked man
This phrase introduces a divine directive, emphasizing God's sovereignty and authority. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes someone who is guilty or morally wrong. In the context of ancient Israel, a "wicked man" would be someone who violates God's laws, living in opposition to the covenant established with Israel. This phrase sets the stage for a divine communication that carries the weight of God's judgment and expectation.

‘You will surely die,’
The phrase "surely die" is a translation of the Hebrew "מוֹת תָּמוּת" (mot tamut), a form of emphatic expression indicating the certainty of death as a consequence of sin. This echoes the warning given to Adam in Genesis 2:17, highlighting the consistent biblical theme that sin leads to death. It underscores the seriousness of God's warning and the inevitable outcome of living in rebellion against Him.

but you do not warn him
Here, the responsibility of the prophet, or any believer, is highlighted. The Hebrew word for "warn" is "זָהַר" (zahar), which means to admonish or enlighten. This implies an active duty to communicate God's truth and judgment to those living in sin. The absence of warning is not merely a passive omission but a failure to fulfill a divine mandate.

or speak out to warn him
The repetition of the concept of warning emphasizes the urgency and necessity of the task. "Speak out" suggests a vocal and public declaration, reinforcing the idea that the message of repentance and salvation is not to be hidden or whispered but proclaimed boldly. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God's messengers were often called to confront sin openly.

from his wicked way
The "wicked way" refers to a lifestyle or path characterized by sin and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word "דֶּרֶךְ" (derekh) means "way" or "path," symbolizing one's conduct or manner of life. The call to turn from this path is a call to repentance, a central theme in the prophetic literature, urging individuals to realign their lives with God's righteous standards.

to save his life
The ultimate goal of the warning is salvation, both physical and spiritual. The Hebrew word "חַיָּה" (chayah) means "to live" or "to save alive," indicating that God's desire is not the death of the wicked but their repentance and restoration. This reflects God's merciful nature and His longing for all to come to repentance, as echoed in 2 Peter 3:9.

that wicked man will die for his iniquity
Despite the opportunity for repentance, the consequence of unrepentant sin is death. "Iniquity" translates the Hebrew "עָוֹן" (avon), which refers to guilt or punishment for sin. This reinforces the biblical principle of personal responsibility, where each individual is accountable for their actions before God.

and I will hold you responsible for his blood
The phrase "hold you responsible" translates the Hebrew "בְּיָדְךָ אֲבַקֵּשׁ" (beyadkha avakesh), meaning "I will require at your hand." This places a solemn responsibility on the prophet or believer to act as a watchman. The concept of being responsible for another's "blood" underscores the seriousness of the prophetic duty and the moral obligation to warn others of impending judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of spiritual leadership and the call to faithfully proclaim God's truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.

2. The Wicked Man
Represents individuals living in sin, who are warned by God through His prophets or messengers.

3. God
The sovereign Lord who communicates His will and warnings through His prophets, holding them accountable for delivering His messages.

4. Israelites in Exile
The primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, living in Babylon due to their disobedience to God.

5. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel delivered his prophecies.

Teaching Points

Responsibility of the Messenger
As believers, we are called to share God's truth and warnings with others. Failing to do so makes us accountable for their spiritual state.

The Urgency of Warning
The message to the wicked is urgent. We must not delay in sharing God's warnings, as lives are at stake.

God's Justice and Mercy
God is just in holding the wicked accountable for their sins, but He is also merciful in providing warnings through His messengers.

Personal Accountability
Each person is responsible for their response to God's warnings, but messengers are accountable for delivering the message.

The Role of Prophets and Believers
Like Ezekiel, believers today are called to be watchmen, sharing God's truth with a world in need.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's role as a watchman apply to Christians today in sharing the Gospel?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully delivering God's message to those around us?

3. How does understanding the original Hebrew context of "warn" deepen our understanding of our responsibility?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to overcome fear or hesitation in warning others about sin?

5. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Ezekiel 3:18 relate to the broader account of the Bible, and how can they be applied in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 33:8-9
This passage reiterates the responsibility of the watchman to warn the wicked, emphasizing the accountability of the messenger.

Acts 20:26-27
Paul speaks of being innocent of the blood of all men because he did not hesitate to proclaim the whole will of God, paralleling the responsibility of delivering God's message.

James 5:19-20
Highlights the importance of turning a sinner from the error of their ways, which aligns with the responsibility to warn the wicked.