Ezekiel 33:9
“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 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- 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.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- But if thou tell the wicked man, that he may be converted from his ways, and he be not converted from his way: he shall die in his iniquity: but thou hast delivered thy soul.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.
- DARBYDarby
- But if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn't turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- And thou, when thou hast warned the wicked of his way, to turn back from it, And he hath not turned back from his way, He in his iniquity doth die, And thou thy soul hast delivered.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- However, if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways and they do not turn, they will die in their sin, but you will have saved your own life.
Context: Ezekiel 33
7So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
8When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
9Nevertheless, 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.
10Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?
11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
About Ezekiel 33: The Watchman's Responsibility
In Ezekiel 33, God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman over his people, responsible for sounding the alarm when danger is near. The chapter highlights the watchman's responsibility to warn the people of impending judgment and of the consequences of their sinful actions.
Commentary
The concept of the watchman is an important one in the Bible. It is a metaphor that describes the role of the prophet, the pastor, the parent, and any person who has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding and warning others. God's message to Ezekiel emphasizes the urgent nature of the watchman's duty. The watchman must be vigilant, always alert and ready to sound the alarm when danger is near. The watchman's message may not always be popular or comfortable, but it is crucial for the safety and well-being of the people. As Christians, we too are called to be watchmen, to speak truth and warn others of the dangers of sin, and to point them towards the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.