Ezekiel 3:18 Meaning and Explanation
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If Ezekiel fails to warn the wicked and they die, their blood falls on the watchman.
The Context of Ezekiel 3:18
The watchman faces judgment if he fails to warn the wicked of coming death.
What Does Ezekiel 3:18 Mean?
This verse establishes the gravity of the watchman's responsibility. When God pronounces judgment, the prophet must warn the targeted person, giving them opportunity to turn from their wicked way. If the prophet stays silent and the person dies in their sin, the prophet bears responsibility.
The language of 'blood will I require at thine hand' is stark. It means God will hold Ezekiel accountable if he fails to speak. Silence in the face of coming judgment is itself a grave sin. The stakes are high: the watchman's own soul hangs on faithful proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 3:18
What does Ezekiel 3:18 mean?
If Ezekiel fails to warn the wicked and they die, their blood falls on the watchman.
What is the context of Ezekiel 3:18?
The watchman faces judgment if he fails to warn the wicked of coming death.