Ezekiel 3 21

Ezekiel 3:21 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 3:21 nkjv

Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul."

Ezekiel 3:21 niv

But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself."

Ezekiel 3:21 esv

But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul."

Ezekiel 3:21 nlt

But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too."

Ezekiel 3 verses

Ezekiel 3 21 Meaning

Ezekiel 3:21 outlines a specific scenario within the watchman's commission, detailing the divine directive regarding the righteous. It establishes that if the watchman warns a righteous person not to sin, and that individual heeds the warning and refrains from sinning, the righteous person will assuredly live due to their obedience. Furthermore, the watchman who faithfully delivered this specific warning will himself be delivered or saved from culpability for that person's potential sin. This verse highlights the continuous nature of spiritual vigilance, the capacity for even the righteous to stumble, and the dual preservation of both the warned individual and the diligent messenger when the divine message is both given and received.

Ezekiel 3 21 Context

Ezekiel 3:21 is nested within the profound commission of the prophet Ezekiel as a "watchman" (Hebrew: tsopheh, צֹפֶה) to the house of Israel, primarily in exile in Babylon. Chapters 2 and 3 detail God's appointment of Ezekiel to deliver His messages, whether the people listen or not. The role of the watchman, as first introduced in Ezekiel 3:17-21 (and later reiterated and expanded in Ezekiel 33), involves spiritual accountability for delivering God's warning. The immediately preceding verses (3:18-20) focus on the watchman's responsibility for the wicked, delineating the dire consequences if the watchman fails to warn them, and their subsequent death in their sin. Ezekiel 3:21 then pivots to address the watchman's duty concerning the righteous. This specific context reveals that God's concern for His people extends not only to bringing the wicked to repentance but also to preventing the righteous from backsliding or falling into sin. The Babylonian exile was a time of immense spiritual testing and temptation, where even those who initially held firm in their faith could waver due to despair, foreign influences, or practical difficulties. Thus, this verse underscores the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance and the continuous provision of God's Word as a safeguard, for both the messenger and the recipient.

Ezekiel 3 21 Word analysis

• But if you warn:

  • The conjunction "But if" introduces a distinct conditional scenario, contrasting with the previous case concerning the wicked. It emphasizes a separate aspect of the watchman's duty.
  • "warn" (Hebrew: zahar זָהַר) implies active, diligent admonition, cautioning, or giving light/instruction. It’s a proactive rather than reactive effort, signifying the prophet's ongoing vigilance. This isn't just about calling the wicked to repentance, but about preventing potential stumbling, acting as a safeguard.

• the righteous person:

  • "righteous" (Hebrew: tzaddiq צַדִּיק) refers to an individual who stands in right relationship with God, living according to His commands. This is not about sinless perfection, but about a general state of uprightness and obedience.
  • The implication is that even righteous individuals can be tempted to sin or begin to drift from their upright path, necessitating warning and spiritual guidance. Their righteousness does not negate the need for vigilance.

• not to sin:

  • "sin" (Hebrew: chaṭa' חָטָא) means to miss the mark, to deviate from God's standard, to trespass.
  • The purpose of the warning is to actively prevent moral or spiritual transgression, keeping the tzaddiq on the path of obedience and holiness.

• and he does not sin:

  • This phrase indicates a positive outcome: the warning is effective, and the righteous person responds by continuing in their righteousness. It signifies successful adherence to God's standard.

• he will surely live:

  • "live" (Hebrew: chaya חָיָה) here denotes not just physical existence, but full, vibrant spiritual life, life in fellowship with God, often associated with divine blessing and preservation from death.
  • "surely" emphasizes the certainty of this outcome – it is a direct consequence of heeding the warning and maintaining a righteous walk. Life is the reward for faithfulness and obedience.

• because he took warning:

  • This clause explicitly states the condition for the righteous person's continued life: their response to the warning. It is not merely the warning itself, but the heeding of it, that leads to their preservation. It underscores personal responsibility.

• and you yourself will be saved:

  • "you yourself" (emphatic) refers to the watchman, Ezekiel.
  • "saved" (Hebrew: natsal נָצַל) means delivered, rescued, preserved. In this context, it signifies the watchman's deliverance from guilt or responsibility for the righteous person's potential sin. If the watchman does his part and the righteous person responds correctly, the watchman is clear of any culpability. It points to the spiritual safety of the faithful servant of God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But if you warn the righteous person not to sin": This phrase highlights the proactive and pastoral aspect of the watchman's ministry. It's about spiritual oversight and mentorship, anticipating and preventing potential falls rather than just reacting to open rebellion. It emphasizes that even those considered "righteous" need ongoing spiritual encouragement and correction to maintain their walk.

• "and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning": This segment illustrates the efficacy of the divine message when received and acted upon. It affirms that life and blessing are contingent not merely on one's initial righteous standing but on continued vigilance and responsiveness to God's instruction, especially through His appointed messengers. It underscores the concept of perseverance in faith.

• "and you yourself will be saved": This final clause defines the watchman's spiritual security when his duty is fully and faithfully discharged in all its facets—including caring for the righteous. It separates his personal accountability from the ultimate choice of the warned individual, providing a profound sense of reassurance for the one who commits to God's arduous task.

Ezekiel 3 21 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces a theological depth to the watchman's role: it's not just about conversion, but about sanctification and perseverance. The concept of "righteousness" in Ezekiel's day, though anchored in covenant faithfulness, was still vulnerable to human frailty and the pressures of exile. This warning highlights a preventive aspect of spiritual growth that might be overlooked if the focus were solely on addressing egregious sin. The divine expectation is not that the righteous cannot sin, but that they should not, and that the watchman is an instrument in their sustained walk with God. It also points to the relational dynamic of God's guidance—it often comes through fellow believers or appointed leaders who are vigilant for the spiritual well-being of the flock. This preventive spiritual care ensures not just individual fidelity but contributes to the corporate health and witness of the people of God.

Ezekiel 3 21 Commentary

Ezekiel 3:21 profoundly illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's concern for His people and the watchman's duty. While previous verses emphasized the watchman's role in warning the wicked to repent and avoid death, this verse shifts focus to the righteous, demonstrating that even those walking rightly require ongoing spiritual nurture and protection from sin. It counters the notion of static righteousness, affirming that righteousness is a dynamic, maintained state requiring continuous adherence to God's will. The verse underscores that the righteous can indeed stumble, and thus benefit from divine warning delivered by God's servant. When the watchman faithfully delivers the word, and the righteous individual heeds it, both are preserved: the righteous one continues in life, and the watchman is acquitted of responsibility. This highlights that God's care extends to prevention as much as redemption, and that faithfulness in ministry involves diligent spiritual husbandry, preventing spiritual decline as much as restoring the fallen. Practically, this verse implies a need for consistent, loving admonition and mutual encouragement within the body of believers to help one another persevere and avoid temptations, confirming that accountability and wise counsel are crucial for spiritual vitality and preservation.