Ezekiel 33:4
Ezekiel 33:4 in Multiple Translations
Then 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.
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning, if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Then anyone who, hearing the sound of the horn, does not take note of it, will himself be responsible for his death, if the sword comes and takes him away.
So if you hear the trumpet but don't pay attention to the warning, and you're killed in the attack, you will be responsible for your own death.
Then hee that heareth the sounde of the trumpet, and will not bee warned, if the sworde come, and take him away, his blood shall be vpon his owne head.
And the hearer hath heard the voice of the trumpet, and he hath not taken warning, And come in doth the sword, and taketh him away, His blood is on his head.
then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and doesn’t heed the warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.
Then whoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword shall come and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Then he that heareth the sound of the trumpet, whosoever he be, and doth not look to himself, if the sword come, and cut him off: his blood shall be upon his own head.
if anyone hears the trumpet and does not heed the warning, and as a result he is killed by the sword of one of his enemies, he will be responsible for his own death [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:4
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 33:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁמַ֨ע
הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֜עַ
אֶת
ק֤וֹל
הַ/שּׁוֹפָר֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
נִזְהָ֔ר
וַ/תָּ֥בוֹא
חֶ֖רֶב
וַ/תִּקָּחֵ֑/הוּ
דָּמ֥/וֹ
בְ/רֹאשׁ֖/וֹ
יִֽהְיֶֽה
וְ/שָׁמַ֨ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֜עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Art | V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
הַ/שּׁוֹפָר֙
shôwphâr
H7782
trumpet
Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נִזְהָ֔ר
zâhar
H2094
to shine
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וַ/תָּ֥בוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
וַ/תִּקָּחֵ֑/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
דָּמ֥/וֹ
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms | Suff
בְ/רֹאשׁ֖/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יִֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 33:4
וְ/שָׁמַ֨ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הַ/שֹּׁמֵ֜עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Art | V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/שּׁוֹפָר֙
shôwphâr
H7782
"trumpet"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
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.
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.
נִזְהָ֔ר
zâhar
H2094
"to shine"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
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.
וַ/תָּ֥בוֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
חֶ֖רֶב
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.
וַ/תִּקָּחֵ֑/הוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
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.
דָּמ֥/וֹ
dâm
H1818
"blood"
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.
בְ/רֹאשׁ֖/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
יִֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 33:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 33:4
Context — Ezekiel the Watchman for Israel
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.
5Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. 6But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 18:13 | He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head. |
| 2 | Acts 18:6 | But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 6:17 | I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 33:9 | But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 25:16 | While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 33:5 | Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. |
| 7 | Zechariah 1:2–4 | “The LORD was very angry with your fathers. So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 42:20–22 | For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’ For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you. Now therefore, know for sure that by sword and famine and plague you will die in the place where you desire to go to reside.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 1:16 | For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” |
| 10 | James 1:22 | Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. |
Ezekiel 33:4 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone hears the warning of God's Word, but chooses to ignore it, they will be responsible for their own harm. This is similar to the concept in Proverbs 29:1, where a person who hardens their neck after many reproofs will be suddenly broken beyond healing. It's like hearing a warning siren, but choosing to stay in harm's way. We must heed the warning of God's Word and turn to Him to avoid judgment, as seen in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone's 'blood to be on their own head'?
This phrase, as seen in Ezekiel 33:4, means that the person is responsible for their own death or judgment, similar to the concept in Deuteronomy 19:10 and Joshua 2:19, where individuals are held accountable for their actions.
Is this verse talking about physical death or spiritual death?
While the context of Ezekiel 33:4 refers to physical death, the principle can also apply to spiritual death, as seen in Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is spiritual death, and the individual is responsible for their own spiritual condition.
What is the role of the watchman in this verse?
The watchman, as mentioned in Ezekiel 33:2-3, is responsible for warning the people of impending danger, and their failure to do so, as seen in Ezekiel 33:6, results in them being held accountable for the blood of those who perish, highlighting the importance of faithful obedience to God's commands, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-21.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to share the Gospel?
This verse emphasizes the importance of warning others of the dangers of sin and the coming judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 33:7-9, and our responsibility to share the Gospel, as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20, to help others avoid spiritual death and judgment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can heed the warning of God's Word in my own life, and what are the consequences of ignoring it?
- How can I be a faithful watchman to those around me, warning them of the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be ignoring the warning signs of God's Word, and what steps can I take to heed the warning and avoid judgment?
- How can I balance the responsibility to warn others with the knowledge that ultimately, each person is responsible for their own actions, as seen in Ezekiel 33:4?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:4
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh no warning,.... Does not mind the notice given him; is incredulous of the danger he is in, or negligent of providing for his safety;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:4
Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
Whosoever considers not and minds not what he hears, who hears and does not consider, he turns a deaf ear to the meaning, though not to the sound of the trumpet. Taketh not warning; apprehends not, nor will be made apprehensive of, the danger, to provide for resisting or fleeing the sword. Take him away; destroy him. His blood; the guilt and blame of his blood, of his death. Shall be upon his own head; shall never be charged on any but himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
Ezekiel 33:4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.Ver. 4. His blood shall be upon his own.] The blame shall rest wholly upon himself. Not to be warned is both a just presage and desert of destruction.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:4
1–6. The illustration—duty of the watchman in war.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:4
1-6. This command came the evening before the messenger arrived announcing the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21-22).
Sermons on Ezekiel 33:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Who's Who? (How to Discern 5) by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of discernment in checking every message against the plumbline of the Bible and evaluating the source of information, focusing on both the mes |
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Scriptural Christianity by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on 'Scriptural Christianity,' emphasizing the essential nature of true Christianity as a transformative experience filled with the Holy Spirit. He discusses ho |
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Why God Says No by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and stories to emphasize the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. He highlights the regret of not sh |
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Matthew 7:1-6. Christ Forbids Hypocritical Judgment. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the sinful nature of passing judgment in a spirit of hatred, similar to the Pharisees who maliciously watched Christ for faults. Christians are c |
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Homily 39 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Paul's experiences in Athens and Corinth, highlighting how some mocked the resurrection of the dead while others believed, such as Dionysius the Areo |
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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 |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 7 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings about the consequences of forgetting God, both on a national and personal level. It warns about the dangers of complacency |