Ezekiel 33:6

Authorized King James Version

But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַצֹּפֶ֥ה

H6822

But if the watchman

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

כִּֽי

H3588

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

יִרְאֶ֨ה

H7200

see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶ֔רֶב

H2719

if the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַתָּב֣וֹא

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

תָקַ֤ע

H8628

and blow

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּׁוֹפָר֙

H7782

not the trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

#10

וְהָעָ֣ם

H5971

and the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#11

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#12

נִזְהָ֔ר

H2094

be not warned

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

#13

וַתָּב֣וֹא

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

חֶ֔רֶב

H2719

if the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#15

נִלְקָ֔ח

H3947

and take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#16

מֵהֶ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

נָ֑פֶשׁ

H5315

any person

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

ה֚וּא

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

#19

בַּעֲוֺנ֣וֹ

H5771

in his iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#20

נִלְקָ֔ח

H3947

and take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#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

מִיַּֽד

H3027

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

הַצֹּפֶ֥ה

H6822

But if the watchman

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

#24

אֶדְרֹֽשׁ׃

H1875

will I require

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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