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.