Ezekiel 3:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The watchman must also warn the righteous when they turn to wickedness, or share responsibility for their death.
The Context of Ezekiel 3:20
The watchman must also warn the righteous when they turn to wickedness.
What Does Ezekiel 3:20 Mean?
The watchman's role extends to the righteous as well. If a righteous person turns from their path and commits iniquity, they must be warned. God will test them with stumbling-blocks (obstacles designed to reveal their true commitment), but if the prophet fails to warn them, the prophet bears the blood-guilt.
This addresses a temptation: the prophet might assume righteous people are safe, needing no warning. But righteousness is not automatic; it requires ongoing faithfulness. When a righteous person begins to slip, they need the prophet's voice most urgently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 3:20
What does Ezekiel 3:20 mean?
The watchman must also warn the righteous when they turn to wickedness, or share responsibility for their death.
What is the context of Ezekiel 3:20?
The watchman must also warn the righteous when they turn to wickedness.