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.

EZEKIEL 3:20KJV
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Ezekiel 3:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 3:20 mean?

Ezekiel 3:20 warns that if a righteous person turns away from doing what is right and commits wrongdoing, and the prophet fails to warn him, that person will die for his sin, and the prophet will be held responsible for not giving the warning. The verse stresses that past righteousness will not be remembered if someone turns to wrongdoing and is not warned.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, giving him a serious responsibility as a watchman for the people of Israel. The context is God’s instruction to Ezekiel to warn people about the consequences of turning away from righteousness. The verse highlights both personal responsibility for one’s actions and the prophet’s duty to speak up when someone is in danger of going astray.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 3:20

  • "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word refers to someone who is upright or just in their actions. The verse makes clear that even someone considered righteous can fall if they turn away from right living.
  • "Stumblingblock" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol): This means something that causes someone to trip or fall, often used figuratively for temptation or difficulty. Here, it shows that God may allow obstacles as a consequence of turning from righteousness.
  • "Warning" (זָהַר, zahar): This word means to caution or give notice. Ezekiel’s role is to give this warning, and failing to do so brings responsibility for the other person’s fate.
  • "Require" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This means to seek or demand. God says He will "require" the blood at Ezekiel’s hand, meaning Ezekiel will be held accountable if he does not warn the person.

Why Ezekiel 3:20 matters

  • Ezekiel 3:20 clarifies that righteousness is not a permanent status; someone can lose it by turning to wrongdoing, and past good deeds do not cancel out later sin.
  • The verse emphasizes the serious responsibility of spiritual leaders or anyone tasked with warning others about moral danger.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where Ezekiel is appointed as a watchman, showing that God holds both individuals and their leaders accountable for moral choices and warnings.

Where else these words appear

“stumblingblock” Hebrew H4383 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 19:14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.
  • Isaiah 57:14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
  • Ezekiel 14:4 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

“warning” Hebrew H2094 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
  • Ezekiel 3:17 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 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

“iniquity” Hebrew H5766 · used in 51 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Job 27:4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
  • Proverbs 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.