Ezekiel 33:2

Ezekiel 33:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,

King James Version KJV

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

American Standard Version ASV

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Son of man, give a word to the children of your people, and say to them, When I make the sword come on a land, if the people of the land take a man from among their number and make him their watchman:

Free Bible Version FBV

“Son of man, tell your people: If I brought an army to attack a country, the people there would choose one of them to be their watchman.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Sonne of man, speake to the children of thy people, and say vnto them, When I bring the sworde vpon a lande, if the people of the lande take a man from among them, and make him their watchman,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Son of man, speak unto the sons of thy people, and thou hast said unto them: A land — when I bring in against it a sword, And the people of the land have taken one man out of their borders, And made him to them for a watchman.

World English Bible WEB

“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, ‘When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say to them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their borders, and set him for their watchman:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say to them: When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man, one of their meanest, and make him a watchman over them:

Translation for Translators T4T

“You human, speak to your fellow Israelis and say this to them: ‘When I bring an enemy army [MTY] to attack a country, and the people of that country choose one of their men and appoint him to be a watchman,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:2

BAB

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 33:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בֶּן אָדָ֗ם דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶל בְּנֵֽי עַמְּ/ךָ֙ וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם אֶ֕רֶץ כִּֽי אָבִ֥יא עָלֶ֖י/הָ חָ֑רֶב וְ/לָקְח֨וּ עַם הָ/אָ֜רֶץ אִ֤ישׁ אֶחָד֙ מִ/קְצֵי/הֶ֔ם וְ/נָתְנ֥וּ אֹת֛/וֹ לָ/הֶ֖ם לְ/צֹפֶֽה

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָדָ֗ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms

דַּבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Impv-2ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

עַמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֶ֕רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

אָבִ֥יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

עָלֶ֖י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 sword N-fs

וְ/לָקְח֨וּ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-3cp

עַם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

הָ/אָ֜רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Adj

מִ/קְצֵי/הֶ֔ם qâtseh H7097 end Prep | N-cp | Suff

וְ/נָתְנ֥וּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-3cp

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

לְ/צֹפֶֽה tsâphâh H6822 to watch Prep | V-Qal

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 33:2

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אָדָ֗ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

דַּבֵּ֤ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Impv-2ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

עַמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

אֶ֕רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

כִּֽי 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.

אָבִ֥יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

עָלֶ֖י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

חָ֑רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וְ/לָקְח֨וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

עַם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הָ/אָ֜רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

מִ/קְצֵי/הֶ֔ם qâtseh H7097 "end" Prep | N-cp | Suff

In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.

Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.

וְ/נָתְנ֥וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

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.

אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

לְ/צֹפֶֽה tsâphâh H6822 "to watch" Prep | V-Qal

Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.

Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:2

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Ezekiel 33:2 Summary
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Context — Ezekiel the Watchman for Israel

1Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

2“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,

3and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. 4Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 33:30	As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’
2	Ezekiel 33:17	Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.
3	Ezekiel 3:11	Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.”
4	Ezekiel 14:17	Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast,
5	Jeremiah 15:2–3	If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
6	Isaiah 62:6	On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
7	Zechariah 13:7	Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
8	Ezekiel 3:27	But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
9	Ezekiel 37:18	When your people ask you, ‘Won’t you explain to us what you mean by these?’
10	2 Kings 9:17–20	Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” Again the watchman reported, “He reached them, but he is not coming back. And the charioteer is driving like Jehu son of Nimshi —he is driving like a madman!”

Ezekiel 33:2 Summary

In Ezekiel 33:2, God tells Ezekiel to warn the people about the coming judgment, using the example of a watchman who blows a horn to warn others of danger. This verse reminds us that God wants us to be aware of the spiritual dangers that surround us and to warn others about them, as seen in (2 Peter 3:9). Just like a watchman, we can help others by warning them about the consequences of sin and pointing them to God's love and forgiveness, as seen in (John 3:16). By being faithful 'watchmen' and warning others, we can help them prepare for the coming judgment and experience God's love and salvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the term 'watchman' mean in this context?

In Ezekiel 33:2, the term 'watchman' refers to a person appointed to warn others of impending danger or judgment, similar to the role described in Isaiah 62:6 and Ezekiel 3:17, where the prophet is called to be a watchman for the people of God.

Why does God instruct Ezekiel to tell the people about the watchman?

God instructs Ezekiel to tell the people about the watchman to emphasize the importance of warning others about the coming judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 33:7-9, where Ezekiel is held accountable for warning the people, and in 2 Peter 3:9, where God desires all people to come to repentance.

What is the significance of the 'sword' in this verse?

The 'sword' in Ezekiel 33:2 represents God's judgment and the destruction that will come upon the land, similar to the sword mentioned in Leviticus 26:33 and Jeremiah 15:2, which symbolize the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us of the importance of being alert to the spiritual dangers that surround us and of warning others about the coming judgment, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches about the importance of being prepared for His return and of caring for others, and in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, where the apostle Paul reminds us to be faithful stewards of the Gospel.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can be a 'watchman' for my friends and family, warning them about the dangers of sin and the importance of following God?
How can I balance the need to warn others about judgment with the need to show them love and compassion, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11 and Matthew 9:36-38?
What are some 'swords' of judgment that I see in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors God?
How can I be more alert to the spiritual dangers that surround me, and what are some ways I can prepare myself for the coming judgment, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:10-14?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:2

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people,.... The Jews, of whom the prophet was; and designs those who were with him in the captivity; and who, having behaved so ill, the Lord will not own

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:2

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: Speak to

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:2

The prophet, after three years’ silence enjoined him now hath his mouth opened by new commission. To the chidldren of thy people; to the Jews in general, to who he had not spoken since what he spake in the 24th chapter, Say unto them; propound a parable unto then When; if at any time. The sword; war, or any sore judgment. Take a man; choose out a man who live on the borders, and knows the avenues and the ways the enemy will most likely come to assault them. Set him for their watchman; appoint him to watch the coasts, that they may not be surprised.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:2

Ezekiel 33:2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:Ver. 2. Speak to the children of thy people.] I say, "of thy people"; for I can scarce find in my heart to own them, they be so bad. When I bring the sword upon a land.] The sword is of God’ s sending; and whencesoever it cometh, it is bathed in heaven. Think the same of any other public calamity, and therefore frame to a patient and peaceable behaviour under it. Among philosophers the most noted sect for patience was that of the Stoics, who ascribed all to fate.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:2

(2) Set him for their watchman.—The same figure as in Ezekiel 3:17. Ezekiel 33:2-9 form the introduction to this renewed commission, and closely correspond to Ezekiel 3:17-21. Yet these verses have also a distinct retrospective object, and explain to the people why he had hitherto spoken to them so much of judgments and in such warning tones; this had been his duty, both in obedience to God’s commands and in regard for their welfare, and it would still be his duty in the future. The passage is too clear to need comment.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:2

Verse 2. Son of man - if the people of the land take a man] The first ten verses of this chapter are the same with Ezekiel 3:17-22; and to what is said there on this most important and awful subject I must refer the reader. Here the PEOPLE choose the watchman; there, the Lord appoints him. When God chooses, the people should approve.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:2

2. of their coasts] of their number, from among them, cf. 2 Kings 9:17.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:2

1-6. This command came the evening before the messenger arrived announcing the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21-22).

Sermons on Ezekiel 33:2

	Sermon	Description
	Why Will You Die? by Achille Blaize	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He highlights that God issues a universal invitation to all people to turn from thei
	Feast at the Table by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a deep and personal commitment to Jesus. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who despite experiencing supernatural encounte
	The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked by George Plante	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of entertainment and its impact on Christians. He acknowledges that some people may view entertainment as just a form of enjoyment,
	True Christianity Defended by John Wesley	John Wesley defends true Christianity by addressing the corruption in both doctrine and practice within the Church, lamenting how the faithful city has become unfaithful. He emphas
	Bible Survey - Ezekiel by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the life and prophecies of Ezekiel, a priestly prophet who ministered among the exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel's unique style of ministry involved using symbo
	The Fear of God - Part 3 by Jerry Bridges	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of listening to a sermon on the power of the tongue and being convicted to make changes in his own life. He then discusses
	(Pure Testimony) Purity in Us and Our Children by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just asking what is lawful, but also what is profitable in our lives. He encourages believers to be cautious and avoid