Ezekiel 33:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If the watchman fails to warn, he bears responsibility for the deaths that follow.
The Context of Ezekiel 33:6
The parable shows the watchman's responsibility when he fails to warn.
What Does Ezekiel 33:6 Mean?
Now the parable reverses: what if the watchman sees the danger but fails to sound the alarm? If the sword strikes and people die unprepared, God holds the watchman accountable. 'His blood will I require at the watchman's hand' means God will demand an accounting for the deaths caused by negligence.
This shows the watchman has a solemn charge. A person who is appointed to warn but remains silent becomes responsible for the harm that results. The watchman cannot be neutral or passive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 33:6
What does Ezekiel 33:6 mean?
If the watchman fails to warn, he bears responsibility for the deaths that follow.
What is the context of Ezekiel 33:6?
The parable shows the watchman's responsibility when he fails to warn.