King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:20 in the King James Version says “Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. righteousness which: Heb. righteousnesses

Ezekiel 3:20 · KJV


Context

18

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.

19

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.

20

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. righteousness which: Heb. righteousnesses

21

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

22

And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God warns that even a righteous man can fall: "when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity...he shall die in his sin." This sobering warning addresses the danger of apostasy. The Hebrew shub (שׁוּב, "turn") indicates deliberate departure, not momentary lapse. The phrase "his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered" doesn't negate past grace but emphasizes that final apostasy proves saving faith was absent. The Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints maintains that true believers ultimately persevere, while those who utterly apostatize demonstrate they never possessed genuine faith (1 John 2:19).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This warning addressed exiles in Babylon (593 BC) who might have appeared righteous but lacked genuine heart transformation. Israel's history included many who began well but finished poorly—Saul, Solomon, and numerous kings who "did right...but the high places were not removed." The external righteousness of covenant membership didn't guarantee internal regeneration. Ezekiel's message anticipated Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to write His law on hearts and give a new spirit. The warning guards against presumption while emphasizing that genuine conversion produces persevering faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge presumptuous assurance based on past religious performance rather than present faith?
  2. What is the relationship between genuine saving faith and final perseverance in holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וּבְשׁ֨וּב1 of 23

Again

H7725

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

צַדִּ֤יק2 of 23

When a righteous

H6662

just

מִצִּדְקוֹ֙3 of 23

from his righteousness

H6664

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

עָשָׂ֔ה4 of 23

and commit

H6213

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

עָ֔וֶל5 of 23

iniquity

H5766

(moral) evil

וְנָתַתִּ֥י6 of 23

and I lay

H5414

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

מִכְשׁ֛וֹל7 of 23

a stumblingblock

H4383

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

לְפָנָ֖יו8 of 23

before

H6440

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

ה֣וּא9 of 23
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

יָמ֔וּת10 of 23

he shall die

H4191

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

כִּ֣י11 of 23
H3588

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

לֹ֤א12 of 23
H3808

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

הִזְהַרְתּוֹ֙13 of 23

because thou hast not given him warning

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

בְּחַטָּאת֣וֹ14 of 23

in his sin

H2403

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

יָמ֔וּת15 of 23

he shall die

H4191

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

וְלֹ֣א16 of 23
H3808

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

תִזָּכַ֗רְןָ17 of 23

shall not be remembered

H2142

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

צִדְקֹתָו֙18 of 23

and his righteousness

H6666

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר19 of 23
H834

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

עָשָׂ֔ה20 of 23

and commit

H6213

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

וְדָמ֖וֹ21 of 23

but his blood

H1818

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

מִיָּדְךָ֥22 of 23

at thine hand

H3027

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

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃23 of 23

will I require

H1245

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 3:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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