Ezekiel 33 9

Ezekiel 33:9 kjv

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 33:9 nkjv

Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

Ezekiel 33:9 niv

But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

Ezekiel 33:9 esv

But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

Ezekiel 33:9 nlt

But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself.

Ezekiel 33 verses

Ezekiel 33 9 Meaning

The verse signifies the absolute responsibility of the watchman, who is appointed by God, to warn the wicked. If the watchman fails to warn them, their blood will be on the watchman's hands. However, if the watchman warns the wicked and they do not turn from their sin, the watchman is blameless, having delivered their own soul. This emphasizes a direct accountability to God for fulfilling a divine commission.

Ezekiel 33 9 Context

Ezekiel 33 is part of the larger prophetic book of Ezekiel, set during the Babylonian exile of Judah. God establishes Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, emphasizing his role in warning the people about their impending judgment and calling them to repentance. This chapter follows a period of divine silence and reiterates the importance of the prophet's message. Specifically, verse 9 is a direct consequence of God appointing Ezekiel as a watchman in verse 7, defining the terms of his sacred responsibility and the severe accountability that comes with it.

Ezekiel 33 9 Word Analysis

• And (וְ / wə): A conjunctive particle, linking the clauses and showing progression or consequence.
• if (אִם / im): A conditional particle, introducing the specific scenario of the watchman's action.
• you (אַתָּה / ʾāttāh): Second person masculine singular pronoun, referring directly to Ezekiel, the watchman.
• see (תִּרְאֶה / tirʾeh): Future tense, masculine singular verb, "you will see." It implies perception and recognition of danger.
• the (הַ / ha-): Definite article, specific.
• sword (חֶרֶב / ḥereḇ): Literally, "sword." Symbolically, it represents divine judgment and the instrument of war and destruction.
• come (בָּאָה / bāʾāh): Feminine singular participle, "coming." Refers to the approach of the sword.
• upon (עַל / ʿal): Preposition indicating position or consequence, "upon," "against."
• the (הָ / hā-): Definite article, specific.
• land (אֶרֶץ / ʾereṣ): "Land," "earth," referring to the land of Israel.
• and (וְ / wə): Conjunctive particle.
• you (וְאַתָּה / wəʾāttāh): "And you."
• blow (תָּקַעְתָּ / tāqaʿtā): Second person masculine singular perfect tense verb, "you have blown," "you sounded" (a trumpet). The act of sounding a trumpet is a call to attention or warning.
• the (בַּ / ba-): Contraction of bə- (in/with) and ha- (the).
• trumpet (שׁוֹפָר / šôp̄ār): A ram's horn, used for signaling, alarm, or declaration.
• and (וְ / wə): Conjunctive particle.
• warn (הִזְהַרְתָּ / hiżharṯā): Second person masculine singular perfect tense verb, "you warned," "you cautioned." From the root "hazah," to warn or admonish.
• the (אֶת / ʾeṯ-): Direct object marker.
• people (הָעָם / hāʿām): "The people," specifically the people of Israel.
• The words from Hebrew: "Ve'im tir'eh et-ha-herev ba'ah al-ha'arets, ve'at didi toke'ta bashofar vehiżharta et-ha'am."
• Phrase: "blow the trumpet and warn the people": This imagery connects to military signaling in ancient Israel. The shofar's blast was a recognized alarm to alert the populace to impending danger, such as an invading army. The effectiveness of the warning hinges on the watchman's action of sounding the alarm.
• Words group: "the watchman sees the sword coming... blows the trumpet and warns the people": This entire clause establishes the watchman's divine duty to perceive danger and communicate it clearly and audibly to the community. The progression is from perception to action.

Ezekiel 33 9 Bonus Section

The concept of the "watchman" (tsophim) in Ezekiel is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite societal structures and biblical precedent. Watchtowers were common in fortified cities and along borders, manned by individuals whose job was to spot approaching threats and alert the city. Prophets were often metaphorically described as watchmen because they stood as spiritual sentinels, discerning and declaring spiritual dangers and God's impending judgments. The effectiveness of the warning was measured by its clarity and urgency, symbolized by the trumpet's piercing sound, which could not be ignored. This understanding underscores the prophetic ministry not just as proclamation but as a vital, life-saving intervention. The failure to warn, as emphasized here, is a direct betrayal of the divine mandate and carries profound consequences for the watchman.

Ezekiel 33 9 Commentary

This verse establishes a critical theological principle of personal accountability for spiritual leaders and, by extension, for all believers who are aware of sin and its consequences. God places the responsibility of warning the wicked directly on the watchman (Ezekiel). The "sword" is a potent symbol of divine wrath and judgment against sin. The act of "blowing the trumpet" is an immediate and clear communication of this impending danger. If the watchman performs this duty, and the wicked still perish, the watchman is exonerated because their part was played. If the watchman remains silent, however, they bear the guilt of the souls lost due to their inaction. This highlights that salvation requires both God's provision and human response, and that those commissioned to proclaim truth are held to a high standard.