Ezekiel 33 3

Ezekiel 33:3 kjv

If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

Ezekiel 33:3 nkjv

when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people,

Ezekiel 33:3 niv

and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people,

Ezekiel 33:3 esv

and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people,

Ezekiel 33:3 nlt

When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people.

Ezekiel 33 verses

Ezekiel 33 3 Meaning

This verse describes the role of a watchman. When a watchman sees an approaching danger, he is to sound an alarm. If he fails to warn the people and they perish, their blood will be on his hands. This emphasizes responsibility for warning others of impending spiritual or physical danger.

Ezekiel 33 3 Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's commission as a prophet to the exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel is to act as a watchman, warning them of the consequences of their sins and the impending judgment of God. This chapter reiterates the accountability of both the prophet and the people for their choices. The message comes after the fall of Jerusalem, a time when many were likely feeling discouraged or looking for scapegoats. God clarifies that individual responsibility is paramount.

Ezekiel 33 3 Word Analysis

• And if: This introduces a conditional clause, setting up a direct consequence for inaction.

• the watchman:

  • Hebrew: מַצֶּ֣ה (maṣṣeh) - "watchman," "sentinel," "guard."
  • Significance: This term evokes a person stationed on a high place, observing and alert for any approaching threat. It highlights vigilance and the specific duty assigned. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, watchmen on city walls or towers played a crucial role in providing early warning.

• see:

  • Hebrew: רָאָה (raʾah) - "to see," "to behold," "to perceive," "to observe."
  • Significance: This implies a clear and accurate observation of the danger, not a mere suspicion.

• the sword:

  • Hebrew: חֶ֣רֶב (ḥereḇ) - "sword," "destruction," "judgment."
  • Significance: The sword here represents divine judgment and impending destruction, likely referring to the Babylonian armies and the devastation they brought. It symbolizes decisive, forceful action by God against sin.

• come:

  • Hebrew: בָּא (bāʾ) - "to come," "to arrive."
  • Significance: Emphasizes the imminence and certainty of the judgment.

• and

• blow not the trumpet:

  • Hebrew: וְלֹא־יִתֵּן֙ הַתּוֹקַ֔עַ (wə-lō yittēn haṯ-tōqā‘) - "and does not give the blow (of the trumpet)." The verb is related to blowing or sounding.
  • Significance: This is the failure of duty. The trumpet was a critical signaling instrument in ancient Israel, used for war warnings, religious convocations, and civil alerts. Not sounding it signifies negligence in the prophet's essential role of communication and warning.

• and the people:

• be not warned;

  • Hebrew: וְלֹא־נִזְהְרָה הָעָ֔ם (wə-lō niẓhərā hā‘ām) - "and the people are not warned," "are not cautioned."
  • Significance: This describes the outcome of the watchman's failure. The people are left unaware and unprepared.

• if then

• the sword:

• take any person from among them:

  • Hebrew: וַחֲטַ֤ף חֶ֙רֶב֙ מִקִּרְבּ֔וֹ (wa·ḥăṭap̄ ḥereḇ miq-qirbô) - "and the sword snatches anyone from among them." The verb "ḥṭp" means to snatch away, seize suddenly, or take possession of.
  • Significance: This emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of the judgment.

• he is taken away

• in his iniquity:

  • Hebrew: בַּעֲוֹנ֖וֹ (ba-‘ăwônô) - "in his iniquity," "for his iniquity," "because of his sin." 'Āwôn refers to twistedness, perversity, guilt, or punishment for sin.
  • Significance: This is crucial: the people's demise is due to their own persistent sin, not solely the watchman's failure. However, the watchman's silence contributes to their death in a state of unrepented sin.

• but his blood

• will I require at the watchman's hand.

  • Hebrew: וְדָמ֥וֹ מִיַּ֖ד הַמַּצֶּ֣ה אֶדְרֽשׁ (wə-dāmô mi-yad ham-maṣṣeh ’eḏərōš) - "and his blood from the hand of the watchman I will demand/seek." The verb "drs" means to inquire, seek, demand, or require.
  • Significance: This signifies God's absolute accountability. He holds the watchman responsible for not sounding the alarm that could have saved lives by prompting repentance.

• Words group analysis:

  • "see the sword come and not blow the trumpet": This phrase encapsulates the core failure – passive observation leading to inaction, which has devastating consequences. It's about seeing impending spiritual or moral danger and failing to issue a clear, authoritative warning.
  • "take any person from among them... but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand": This powerful conclusion links the fate of the individuals with the culpability of the messenger. It underscores that leadership (spiritual or otherwise) carries a heavy burden of responsibility for the well-being of those under their charge, especially in spiritual matters where eternal consequences are at stake.

Ezekiel 33 3 Bonus Section

The imagery of the watchman is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, emphasizing alertness and communication in times of danger, both physical and spiritual. This concept is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern practices where watchmen were vital for urban security. For prophets, it represents their divine mandate to guard the spiritual well-being of God's people. This principle extends to New Testament leadership, where pastors and elders are expected to shepherd, protect, and guide the flock, guarding them against false teachings and sinful influences. The integrity of the watchman's report is as crucial as their ability to see the danger. The "blood" being required implies a severe spiritual accounting, connecting direct observation with indirect causation through dereliction of duty.

Ezekiel 33 3 Commentary

This verse establishes a high standard of responsibility for spiritual leaders or any individual entrusted with a message of warning or truth. The "watchman" is a prophetic role, requiring keen observation and the courage to speak the truth, even if unpopular. The "sword" represents judgment due to sin. The failure to warn ("not blow the trumpet") leads to people dying in their iniquity, for which the watchman is held accountable. God seeks diligence in conveying His message, especially when that message warns of impending doom if sin is not repented of. The implication is that the warning itself can be a means of salvation, prompting a change of heart and direction.