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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 3:17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/3-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/26_Ezk_03_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 3:17 - A Watchman for Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. 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Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Son of man, I have given you as a watchman to the house of Israel; so you will hear a word from My mouth, and you shall warn them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, give them a warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the house of Israel. When you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ezekiel, son of man, I have appointed you to stand watch for the people of Israel. So listen to what I say, then warn them for me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Mortal man," he said, "I am making you a lookout for the nation of Israel. You will pass on to them the warnings I give you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Son of Man," he said, "I've appointed you to be a watchman over the house of Israel. Therefore when you hear a message that comes from me, you are to warn them for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you must give them a warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word from my mouth, and give them warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word from my mouth, and warn them from me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that there is a word of YHWH to me, saying, “Son of man, I have given you [as] a watchman to the house of Israel, and you have heard a word from My mouth, and have warned them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that there is a word of Jehovah unto me, saying, 'Son of man, a watchman I have given thee to the house of Israel, and thou hast heard from My mouth a word, and hast warned them from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Son of man, I gave thee a watchman to the house of Israel: and hear thou the word from my mouth, and admonish them from me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel: and thou shalt hear the word out of my mouth, and shalt tell it them from me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. And so, you shall listen to the word from my mouth, and you shall announce it to them from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, I have appointed you a sentinel for the house of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, you shall warn them for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Mortal, I have made you a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the words of my mouth and give them warning from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have given you as a watchman to those of the house of Israel, that you will hear from my mouth the word and you will warn them from me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Son of man, I have appointed thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; and when thou shalt hear a word at My mouth, thou shalt give them warning from Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel; and thou shalt hear a word of my mouth, and shalt threaten them from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=550" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/3.htm">A Watchman for Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16</span>At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“Son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I have made</a> <a href="/hebrew/6822.htm" title="6822: ṣō·p̄eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. To peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await.">you a watchman</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">for the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: wə·šā·ma‘·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Whenever you hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a word</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: mip·pî (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">My mouth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2094.htm" title="2094: wə·hiz·har·tā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To gleam, to enlighten. A primitive root; to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten.">give them a warning</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">from Me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6</a></span><br />On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a></span><br />I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28-31</a></span><br />Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. / I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-1.htm">2 Timothy 4:1-5</a></span><br />I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: / Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. / For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6-8</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. / When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.” / Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17-19</a></span><br />Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a></span><br />Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a></span><br />Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28</a></span><br />We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1-2</a></span><br />So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. / Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Hebrews 3:12-13</a></span><br />See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. / But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-3.htm">Revelation 3:3</a></span><br />Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.</p><p class="hdg">I have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-2.htm">Ezekiel 33:2-9</a></b></br> Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a></b></br> And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.</p><p class="hdg">a watchman</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/3-3.htm">Song of Solomon 3:3</a></b></br> The watchmen that go about the city found me: <i>to whom I said</i>, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/5-7.htm">Song of Solomon 5:7</a></b></br> The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6,8,11,12</a></b></br> For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth… </p><p class="hdg">hear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-6.htm">Ezekiel 33:6-8</a></b></br> But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take <i>any</i> person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/19-10.htm">2 Chronicles 19:10</a></b></br> And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and <i>so</i> wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">Isaiah 58:1</a></b></br> Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/2-22.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Children</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-9.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-12.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-13.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-19.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-19.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-7.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-12.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-25.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/4-5.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-19.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-27.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/9-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-24.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/4-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-26.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-19.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-2.htm">Watchman</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-7.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-19.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/3-1.htm">Ezekiel eats the scroll</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/3-4.htm">God encourages him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm">God shows him the rule of prophecy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/3-22.htm">God shuts and opens the prophet's mouth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator. This term is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," indicating His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.<p><b>I have made you a watchman</b><br>The role of a watchman in ancient times was crucial for the safety of a city. Positioned on the city walls, the watchman would alert the inhabitants of any approaching danger. Spiritually, Ezekiel's role as a watchman involves vigilance and responsibility for the spiritual well-being of Israel. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where spiritual leaders are called to be vigilant and protective over their congregations (<a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a>).<p><b>for the house of Israel</b><br>The "house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, including both the northern and southern kingdoms, despite the northern kingdom's earlier exile. This phrase emphasizes God's continued concern and covenant relationship with His people. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's enduring faithfulness to Israel, despite their repeated disobedience.<p><b>Whenever you hear a word from My mouth</b><br>This phrase highlights the divine origin of Ezekiel's messages. The prophet is not speaking on his own authority but is relaying God's words. This underscores the importance of prophetic revelation in the Bible, where true prophets are those who faithfully communicate God's messages (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-22</a>).<p><b>give them a warning from Me</b><br>The warning aspect of Ezekiel's message is central to his prophetic ministry. It involves calling the people to repentance and alerting them to the consequences of their sin. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice and mercy, where warnings are given as opportunities for repentance and restoration. The concept of warning is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are urged to heed God's warnings and live righteously (<a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Hebrews 12:25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_israel.htm">House of Israel</a></b><br>Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who were in exile due to their disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/watchman.htm">Watchman</a></b><br>A metaphorical role assigned to Ezekiel, symbolizing vigilance and responsibility to warn the people of impending danger.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Lord who appoints Ezekiel as a watchman and communicates His messages through him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as the backdrop for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_watchman.htm">The Role of a Watchman</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be vigilant and attentive to God's word, ready to warn and guide others in truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_to_warn.htm">Responsibility to Warn</a></b><br>Like Ezekiel, Christians have a duty to speak God's truth, even when it is difficult, to help others avoid spiritual danger.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god's_voice.htm">Listening to God's Voice</a></b><br>We must cultivate a relationship with God where we can hear His voice clearly, ensuring that our warnings and guidance are aligned with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a></b><br>Ezekiel's role as a watchman underscores the importance of accountability in our spiritual lives, both personally and in community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_ministry.htm">Faithfulness in Ministry</a></b><br>Despite opposition or indifference, we are called to remain faithful in our ministry, trusting that God will use our efforts for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_3_17-18_address_free_will.htm">In Ezekiel 3:17–18, how is the idea of divine responsibility for warning others reconciled with free will and personal accountability? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_watchmen.htm">What does the Bible say about watchmen?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_set_a_watchman_in_isaiah_21_6.htm">In Isaiah 21:6, why would a prophet instruct setting up a watchman, and is there any archaeological sign of such a practice? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_in_ezekiel.htm">What are the main themes in the Book of Ezekiel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A watchman unto the house of Israel</span>. The seven days' session of amazement came to an end, but even then there was at first no utterance of a message. The word of the Lord came to his own soul, and told him what his special vocation as a prophet was to be. He was to be a "watchman unto the house of Israel." He was, like the watchman of a city on his tower, to be on the look out to warn men against coming dangers, not to slumber on his post. In <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">2 Samuel 18:24-27</a> and <a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17-20</a> we have vivid pictures of such a work. It had already been used figuratively of the prophet's work by Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a>). The cognate verb, with the image fully developed, meets us in <a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Habakkuk 2:1</a>. Its use in <a href="/hosea/9-8.htm">Hosea 9:8</a> is doubtful as to meaning, and in <a href="/isaiah/52-8.htm">Isaiah 52:8</a> and Isaiah 56:10 it may be, if we accept the theory of a Deutero-Isaiah, an echo from Ezekiel. It is reproduced with special emphasis in <a href="/ezekiel/33-2.htm">Ezekiel 33:2-7</a>. More than any word it describes the special characteristic of Ezekiel's work. He is to watch personally over individual souls. So in a like sense, a corresponding word is used of the Christian ministry in <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> (compare also for the thought, though the word is not the same, <a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Isaiah 21:11, 12</a>; <a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a>). A vivid picture of the work of such a watchman is found, it may be noted, in the opening speech of the 'Agamemnon' of AEschylus. <span class="cmt_word">Give them warning,</span> etc. It is, I think, a legitimate inference that the prophet acted on the command while he was with the exiles and before the departure of ver. 22, not by harangues or sermons addressed to the whole body of the exiles, but by direct warning to individuals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of man,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֕ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have made</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתַתִּ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you a watchman</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹפֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6822.htm">Strong's 6822: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the house</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבֵ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Whenever you hear</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·ma‘·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a word</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּבָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּֽנִּי׃</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My mouth,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give them a warning</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֥</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiz·har·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gleam, to enlighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Me.</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/3-17.htm">Ezekiel 3:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man I have made you (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/3-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 3:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 3:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/3-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 3:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 3:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>