Ezekiel 3:17
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 12
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
צֹפֶ֥ה
thee a watchman
H6822
צֹפֶ֥ה
thee a watchman
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
I have made
H5414
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ
I have made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְבֵ֣ית
unto the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
unto the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤
therefore hear
H8085
וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤
therefore hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִפִּי֙
at my mouth
H6310
מִפִּי֙
at my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 12
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
דָּבָ֔ר
the word
H1697
דָּבָ֔ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֥
and give them warning
H2094
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֥
and give them warning
Strong's:
H2094
Word #:
10 of 12
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
Cross References
Isaiah 62:6I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,Isaiah 52:8Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Colossians 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:Jeremiah 6:17Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.2 Chronicles 19:10And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.Isaiah 56:10His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.Isaiah 58:1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cities employed watchmen on walls and towers to spot approaching armies, raiders, or messengers. The watchman's cry could mean life or death for the city. Jerusalem's walls featured multiple towers for surveillance (2 Chronicles 26:9). A watchman who slept on duty or failed to sound alarm faced execution. Ezekiel's audience understood this imagery viscerally—watchmen were essential to survival. By using this metaphor, God emphasized the life-and-death urgency of prophetic ministry. Ezekiel must warn of spiritual danger with the same urgency a watchman warns of military threat. The exiles needed to understand that ignoring God's warnings through His prophets had led to their current judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the watchman imagery challenge your understanding of Christian witness and warning others about sin's consequences?
- In what relationships or contexts is God calling you to be a faithful 'watchman' who speaks difficult truths?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God appoints Ezekiel as 'watchman unto the house of Israel' (tsopheh, צֹפֶה), a military metaphor describing a sentinel posted on city walls to warn of approaching danger. This watchman role appears throughout Ezekiel (3:17, 33:7) and other prophets (Isaiah 21:11-12, Jeremiah 6:17, Hosea 9:8). The watchman's responsibility is to relay the warning faithfully—if he sees danger and remains silent, blood guilt falls on him; if he warns and people ignore him, they bear their own guilt. This establishes the prophet's accountability: Ezekiel must proclaim God's word whether people listen or refuse. Success isn't measured by results but by faithfulness to the commission. This principle applies to all who communicate God's truth—pastors, teachers, parents, evangelists. We're responsible for faithful proclamation, not for forcing response. God holds people accountable for their response to His word once properly delivered.