King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:21 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, beca...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 3:21 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

23

Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

Read Ezekiel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises blessing for warning even the righteous: "if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live...also thou hast delivered thy soul." This emphasizes ongoing pastoral care, not just evangelism to the lost. The phrase "warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not" recognizes that even believers need exhortation to persevere in holiness. The Reformed emphasis on progressive sanctification appears here—justification is immediate, but sanctification requires continual growth through the means of grace including faithful preaching, admonition, and warning. The minister's calling includes feeding sheep, not just seeking lost lambs.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Among the exiles (593 BC), some genuinely feared God despite the majority's rebellion. These righteous remnant needed strengthening to resist peer pressure, discouragement, and temptation to compromise. Ezekiel's ministry included pastoral encouragement alongside prophetic warning. Jewish tradition emphasized communal accountability, with rabbis responsible for congregational spiritual health. This pattern continued in New Testament church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17) and pastoral oversight (Hebrews 13:17). The principle that ministers must warn even believers against sin reflects the ongoing battle with remaining corruption in this life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse emphasize the importance of ongoing exhortation and accountability even for mature believers?
  2. What is the pastor's responsibility to warn God's people against specific sins threatening their communities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כִּ֧י2 of 18
H3588

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

נִזְהָ֔ר3 of 18

“Nevertheless if thou warn”

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

צַדִּ֖יק4 of 18

“man that the righteous”

H6662

just

לְבִלְתִּ֥י5 of 18
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

חָטָ֑א6 of 18

“not and he doth not sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

צַדִּ֖יק7 of 18

“man that the righteous”

H6662

just

וְה֣וּא8 of 18
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

לֹא9 of 18
H3808

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

חָטָ֑א10 of 18

“not and he doth not sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

יִֽחְיֶה֙11 of 18

“he shall surely”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

יִֽחְיֶה֙12 of 18

“he shall surely”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

כִּ֣י13 of 18
H3588

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

נִזְהָ֔ר14 of 18

“Nevertheless if thou warn”

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

וְאַתָּ֖ה15 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֶֽת16 of 18
H853

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

נַפְשְׁךָ֥17 of 18

“thy soul”

H5315

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

הִצַּֽלְתָּ׃18 of 18

“also thou hast delivered”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 4:16Proverbs 9:9James 5:201 Corinthians 4:14Titus 2:15Galatians 1:6-10

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