Ezekiel 3:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְשׁ֨וּב

H7725

Again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

צַדִּ֤יק

H6662

When a righteous

just

מִצִּדְקוֹ֙

H6664

from his righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

עָשָׂ֔ה

H6213

and commit

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עָ֔וֶל

H5766

iniquity

(moral) evil

וְנָתַתִּ֥י

H5414

and I lay

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מִכְשׁ֛וֹל

H4383

a stumblingblock

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

לְפָנָ֖יו

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

ה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

יָמ֔וּת

H4191

he shall die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

הִזְהַרְתּוֹ֙

H2094

because thou hast not given him warning

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

#14

בְּחַטָּאת֣וֹ

H2403

in his sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#15

יָמ֔וּת

H4191

he shall die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#16

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

תִזָּכַ֗רְןָ

H2142

shall not be remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#18

צִדְקֹתָו֙

H6666

and his righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#19

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

עָשָׂ֔ה

H6213

and commit

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

וְדָמ֖וֹ

H1818

but his blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#22

מִיָּדְךָ֥

H3027

at thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#23

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃

H1245

will I require

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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