Ezekiel 33:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
הַצֹּפֶ֥ה
But if the watchman
H6822
הַצֹּפֶ֥ה
But if the watchman
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִרְאֶ֨ה
see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֨ה
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֶ֔רֶב
if the sword
H2719
חֶ֔רֶב
if the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
5 of 24
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָקַ֤ע
and blow
H8628
תָקַ֤ע
and blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
8 of 24
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
not the trumpet
H7782
בַּשּׁוֹפָר֙
not the trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
9 of 24
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וְהָעָ֣ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֣ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 24
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חֶ֔רֶב
if the sword
H2719
חֶ֔רֶב
if the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
14 of 24
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
נָ֑פֶשׁ
any person
H5315
נָ֑פֶשׁ
any person
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
18 of 24
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
וְדָמ֖וֹ
but his blood
H1818
וְדָמ֖וֹ
but his blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
21 of 24
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
מִיַּֽד
hand
H3027
מִיַּֽד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
22 of 24
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
Cross References
Genesis 42:22And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.2 Samuel 4:11How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?Ezekiel 18:20The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.Genesis 9:5And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
Historical Context
Ezekiel received renewed watchman commission (585 BC) after Jerusalem's fall, emphasizing ongoing responsibility to warn survivors and exiles. Ancient Near Eastern cities employed watchmen on walls to alert inhabitants of approaching danger—enemy armies, wild animals, or fire. Failure to warn meant culpability for resulting casualties. This metaphor applied to prophetic ministry: Ezekiel must warn of spiritual danger regardless of reception. The principle shaped Puritan preaching and Reformed pastoral theology—ministers must faithfully declare the whole counsel of God, including uncomfortable truths about sin and judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the watchman principle shape your responsibility to warn unbelievers of coming judgment?
- What is the relationship between faithful proclamation and people's response to gospel warnings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"If the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned...his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." This establishes ministerial accountability—silence in face of danger constitutes culpable negligence. The watchman's duty is warning, not converting. He cannot control people's response but must faithfully sound the alarm. Reformed theology emphasizes both divine sovereignty and human responsibility (means and ends). God ordains salvation but also ordains gospel proclamation as the means. Ministers who fail to warn of judgment share guilt for the unprepared.