Ezekiel 3:20

Ezekiel 3:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.

King James Version KJV

Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock 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.

American Standard Version ASV

Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Again, when an upright man, turning away from his righteousness, does evil, and I put a cause of falling in his way, death will overtake him: because you have given him no word of his danger, death will overtake him in his evil-doing, and there will be no memory of the upright acts which he has done; but I will make you responsible for his blood.

Free Bible Version FBV

Again, if someone who lives right stops doing so and sins and disregards my attempts to correct them, then they will die. If you didn't warn them, they will die in their sins, and the good things they did won't be remembered. In addition, I will hold you responsible for their death.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Likewise if a righteous man turne from his righteousnesse, and commit iniquitie, I will lay a stumbling blocke before him, and he shall die, because thou hast not giuen him warning: he shall die in his sinne, and his righteous deedes, which he hath done, shall not be remembred: but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And in the turning back of the righteous from his righteousness, and he hath done perversity, and I have put a stumbling-block before him, he dieth; because thou hast not warned him, in his sin he dieth, and not remembered is his righteousness that he hath done, and his blood from thy hand I require.

World English Bible WEB

“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he will die. Because you have not given him warning, he will die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done will not be remembered; but I will require his blood at your hand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 thy hand.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Moreover if the just man shall turn away from his justice, and shall commit iniquity: I will lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die, because thou hast not given him warning: he shall die in his sin, and his justices which he hath done, shall not be remembered: but I will require his blood at thy hand.

Translation for Translators T4T

Similarly, when righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and do evil deeds, I will cause bad things to happen [IDM] to them. But you must warn them. If you do not warn them, and if they do not stop their sinful behavior, they will die because of their sins; I will not think about the righteous things that they didpreviously, but I will consider that you are responsible for their deaths [MTY].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:20

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בְ/שׁ֨וּב צַדִּ֤יק מִ/צִּדְק/וֹ֙ וְ/עָ֣שָׂה עָ֔וֶל וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י מִכְשׁ֛וֹל לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו ה֣וּא יָמ֑וּת כִּ֣י לֹ֤א הִזְהַרְתּ/וֹ֙ בְּ/חַטָּאת֣/וֹ יָמ֔וּת וְ/לֹ֣א תִזָּכַ֗רְןָ צִדְקֹתָ/ו֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥ אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ

וּ/בְ/שׁ֨וּב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

צַדִּ֤יק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj

מִ/צִּדְק/וֹ֙ tsedeq H6664 Righteousness Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/עָ֣שָׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עָ֔וֶל ʻevel H5766 injustice N-cs

וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs

מִכְשׁ֛וֹל mikshôwl H4383 stumbling N-ms

לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יָמ֑וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

הִזְהַרְתּ/וֹ֙ zâhar H2094 to shine V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff

בְּ/חַטָּאת֣/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Prep | N-fs | Suff

יָמ֔וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִזָּכַ֗רְןָ zâkar H2142 to remember V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

צִדְקֹתָ/ו֙ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness N-fp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ dâm H1818 blood Conj | N-ms | Suff

מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 3:20

וּ/בְ/שׁ֨וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

צַדִּ֤יק tsaddîyq H6662 "righteous" Adj

Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.

Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful

Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.

מִ/צִּדְק/וֹ֙ tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.

Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.

וְ/עָ֣שָׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

עָ֔וֶל ʻevel H5766 "injustice" N-cs

Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.

Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)

Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.

וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

מִכְשׁ֛וֹל mikshôwl H4383 "stumbling" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a stumbling block or obstacle, literal or figurative. It can refer to an idol or something that causes someone to sin, as seen in the books of Leviticus and Matthew. The word is often associated with things that lead people astray.

Definition: 1) a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block 1a) stumbling, fall 1b) means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: caused to fall, offence, [idiom] (no-) thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block. See also: Leviticus 19:14; Ezekiel 7:19; Psalms 119:165.

לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

יָמ֑וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הִזְהַרְתּ/וֹ֙ zâhar H2094 "to shine" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this verb means to warn or enlighten someone by caution, like in Proverbs 27:12 where it says to warn the wise. It can also mean to teach or admonish, as seen in Psalm 2:10. This word is about giving guidance.

Definition: 1) to shine, send out light, be light, be shining 1a) (Hiphil) to shine, send out light (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing). See also: Exodus 18:20; Ezekiel 3:20; Psalms 19:12.

בְּ/חַטָּאת֣/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.

Definition: sin, sinful thing

Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.

יָמ֔וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִזָּכַ֗רְןָ zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

צִדְקֹתָ/ו֙ tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" N-fp | Suff

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/דָמ֖/וֹ dâm H1818 "blood" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 3:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:20
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20
Sermons on Ezekiel 3:20

Context — A Watchman for Israel

18If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. 19But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.

20Now if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die in his sin, and the righteous acts he did will not be remembered. And I will hold you responsible for his blood.

21But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.” 22And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 18:24	But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
2	Ezekiel 18:26	If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has committed.
3	Ezekiel 33:12–13	Therefore, son of man, say to your people: ‘The righteousness of the righteous man will not deliver him in the day of his transgression; neither will the wickedness of the wicked man cause him to stumble on the day he turns from his wickedness. Nor will the righteous man be able to survive by his righteousness on the day he sins.’ If I tell the righteous man that he will surely live, but he then trusts in his righteousness and commits iniquity, then none of his righteous works will be remembered; he will die because of the iniquity he has committed.
4	Ezekiel 3:18	If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.
5	Hebrews 10:38	But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
6	Romans 2:7–8	To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
7	Psalms 125:5	But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
8	2 Peter 2:18–22	With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
9	Isaiah 64:6	Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
10	2 Thessalonians 2:9–12	The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.

Ezekiel 3:20 Summary

Ezekiel 3:20 teaches us that even a righteous person can turn away from God and sin, and if they do, they will die in their sin and their previous good deeds will not be remembered (as seen in Ezekiel 18:24). This verse emphasizes the importance of persevering in our faith and warns us against turning away from God, as seen in Hebrews 10:26-27. It also reminds us that we have a responsibility to warn others about the dangers of sin, whether they are wicked or righteous, as seen in Ezekiel 3:18-21 and Ezekiel 33:8-9. By warning others and persevering in our own faith, we can help prevent them from dying in their sin and ensure that we ourselves do not turn away from God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to a righteous person who turns away from their righteous ways?

According to Ezekiel 3:20, if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die, and his previous righteous acts will not be remembered, as seen in Ezekiel 3:20 and also in Ezekiel 18:24 where it says that when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, his righteousness will not be remembered.

Is the prophet Ezekiel responsible for warning both the wicked and the righteous?

Yes, according to Ezekiel 3:18-21, Ezekiel is responsible for warning both the wicked and the righteous, and if he fails to do so, he will be held responsible for their blood, as stated in Ezekiel 3:20 and also in Ezekiel 33:8-9 where it emphasizes the importance of warning others to turn from their sins.

What role does God play in the stumbling of the righteous man in Ezekiel 3:20?

In Ezekiel 3:20, it says that God puts a stumbling block before the righteous man who has turned away from his righteousness, which suggests that God's sovereignty is at work, even in the sins of men, as seen in Romans 11:32 where it says that God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

How does this verse relate to the concept of once saved, always saved?

Ezekiel 3:20 suggests that a righteous person can turn away from their righteousness and lose their salvation, which challenges the idea of once saved, always saved, and instead emphasizes the importance of persevering in faith, as seen in Hebrews 10:26-27 and 2 Peter 2:20-21 where it warns against turning away from the holy commandment and falling back into sin.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be turning away from my own righteousness, and what can I do to repent and turn back to God?
How can I warning others, whether they are wicked or righteous, about the dangers of sin and the importance of following God, as seen in Ezekiel 3:18-21?
What does it mean to 'die in sin' as mentioned in Ezekiel 3:20, and how can I ensure that I am not dying in my own sin?
In what ways can I be held responsible for the blood of others, as mentioned in Ezekiel 3:20, and how can I fulfill my responsibility to warn others of the dangers of sin?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:20

Again, when a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness,.... This is to be understood not of one that is truly righteous, or is justified by the righteousness of Christ; for such can never

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:20

Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20

What must be done to sinners is said, now for those that have been righteous take thy directions. A righteous man; either one that hath for some continuance of time professed the way of righteousness, but is now overcome of vices; or who is righteous only in appearance, as ,26 33:13 . Doth turn from his righteousness; gives just cause to fear he not only hath committed some particular sin, but that he hath changed the course of life, the thoughts and purposes from good to evil, hath forsaken the way of righteousness. Commit iniquity; gives himself up to a sinful life, wallows in sin. I lay a stumbling-block; dispose affairs so by a just and punishing providence that what did restrain is taken away, or what will be occasion of greater sinning is not removed, or any other way I give such a one up to his own heart’ s lust, so that he continue in sin. He shall die; shall perish in his sin. His righteousness; either external, and seeming; or his partial and temporary righteousness, which he himself or others ascribed to him, and thought to be in him; shall not be profitable to him: he that apostatizeth is the worst of men, because he falls from known ways of goodness and holiness. Yet such must be warned, else their blood will be required at the hand of those who were to warn them.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20

Ezekiel 3:20 Again, When a righteous [man] doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock 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.Ver. 20. Again, When a righteous man.] So esteemed by others, and haply also by himself; a self-deceiver. Doth turn from his righteousness.] As he may soon do, where it is but a semblance. Falling stars were never but meteors. And commit iniquity.] This a righteous man, rightly so called, doth not. And I lay a stumblingblock before him,] i.e., I cause him to prosper in his sin, saith Vatablus, which is a heavy judgment. Fatted ware is but fitted for the shambles. Because thou hast not given him warning.] Hast not uncased and unkennelled the hypocrite, driving him out of his starting-holes. And his righteousness.] His works that were materially good, but not formally and eventually. Bonum non sit nisi ex integra causa. Shall not be remembered,] i.e., Reckoned to him he shall not thereby set off with God, or make amends by his good deeds for his bad; nay, his dissembled sanctity shall pass for double iniquity, and he shall be held therefore the worse, because he pretended to be better. A hole in which a hunted animal takes refuge; transf. a place in which a criminal or a hunted enemy finds refuge.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20

(20) When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness.—Quite independently of any theological question, it is undeniable that the Scripture here, as often elsewhere, represents the upright man as exposed to temptation, and in danger of falling into sin. The duty of the prophet, therefore, is not only to seek to turn the wicked from his evil way, but also to warn the righteous against falling into the same path. Both terms must necessarily be taken as comparative; but they show that there was even now a considerable difference in character among the captives. I lay a stumblingblock before him.—A “stumbling-block” is anything at which people actually stumble, whether intended for that purpose or, on the contrary, designed for their highest good. Thus Christ is foretold as a stumbling-block to both the houses of Israel (Isaiah 8:14), and is several times spoken of as such by the apostles (1 Corinthians 1:23; Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:8). The word is used oftener by Ezekiel than by all the other Old Testament writers together; in Ezekiel 7:19 the riches of the people are spoken of as their stumbling-block, and in Ezekiel 44:12 (marg.) the sinful Levites are described as a stumbling-block. The meaning here is plainly, “when a man perverts any of God’s gifts or providences into an occasion of sin.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20

Verse 20. When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness] Which these words plainly state he may do, and commit iniquity, and die in his sin; and consequently die eternally, which is also here granted; if he have not been warned, though he die in his sin, the blood-the life and salvation, of this person also will God require at the watchman's hand. Pastor hunc occidit, quia eum tacendo morti tradidit. "This man the pastor kills; for in being silent, he delivers him over to death." - GREGORY. From these passages we see that a righteous man may fall from grace, and perish everlastingly. Should it be said that it means the self-righteous, I reply, this is absurd; for self-righteousness is a fall itself, and the sooner a man falls from it the better for himself. Real, genuine righteousness of heart and life is that which is meant. Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall. And I lay a stumbling-block before him] That is, I permit him to be tried, and he fall in the trial. God is repeatedly represented as doing things which he only permits to be done. He lays a stumbling-block, i.e., he permits one to be laid.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:20

20. I lay a stumbling-block] i.e. something over which he shall fall and perish; Leviticus 19:14, “Nor put a stumbling-block before the blind.” When God prepares such a stumbling-block for the righteous who has sinned, unless he is warned he will fall and be broken, and his blood will be on the prophet.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:20

20. I lay a stumbling-block — For an explanation of God’s agency in temptation see chap. xviii and Plumptre, Pulpit Commentary, p. 49.

Sermons on Ezekiel 3:20

	Sermon	Description
	The Curse of Disobedience by John Hames	John Hames emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian walk, highlighting how disobedience can lead to destruction and separation from God. He warns that past obedience
	The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne
	What Will Bring Revival in America? by Charles Finney	Charles Finney, as adapted by Jonathan Duttweiler, emphasizes that true revival in America is desperately needed but currently absent. He critiques the superficial excitement and c
	The Danger of Losing Salvation by Charles Ewing Brown	Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the importance of finding a balance between timidity and self-confidence in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that the only way to keep from fal
	The Inability of All Duties to Save by Thomas Shepard	Thomas Shepard preaches about the insufficiency of relying on our own good deeds for salvation, emphasizing that even our best actions are tainted with sin and cannot save us. He w
	2 Timothy 1:13-18 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of holding fast to sound words of faith and love received, urging believers to keep the good things committed to them by the Holy Spirit.
	(Covenant Word Ministries) Hell! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the belief held by many that life ends with death and there is no purpose or accountability beyond that. He emphasizes the shock that awaits