King James Version
Ezekiel 3:17 in the King James Version says “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them war...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Ezekiel 3:17 · KJV
Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.
And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
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.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“thee a watchman”
H6822properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
“I have made”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“unto the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
“therefore hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“at my mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
“the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ezekiel 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ezekiel 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge