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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 3:16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/26_Ezk_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 3:16 - A Watchman for Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/3-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/3-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm" title="Ezekiel 3:15">◄</a> Ezekiel 3:16 <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm" title="Ezekiel 3:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After seven days the LORD gave me a message. He said,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And at the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now at the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it came about at the end of seven days that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened at the end of seven days, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now at the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now at the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me:&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Seven days after I had seen the brightness of the LORD's glory, the LORD said: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After seven days the LORD spoke his word to me. He said,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After the seven days had passed, the LORD spoke to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At the end of the seven days, this message from the LORD came to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />At the end of seven days, Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass, at the end of seven days,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass, at the end of seven days,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be from the end of seven days, and the word of Jehovah will be to me, saying,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And at the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me, saying: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, when seven days had passed, the word of the Lord came to me, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At the end of the seven days, the word of the LORD came to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />At the end of seven days, the word of the LORD came to me:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the LORD came upon me, saying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And after seven days, the word of LORD JEHOVAH was upon me saying<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And after the seven days the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/3-16.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=546" 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><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7097.htm" title="7097: miq·ṣêh (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- End, extremity. Or qetseh; from qatsah; an extremity.">At the end</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">of seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yå̄·mīm p̄ (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏə·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>“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.…<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="/ezekiel/33-7.htm">Ezekiel 33:7</a></span><br />As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.<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="/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="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a></span><br />Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.<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="/isaiah/21-6.htm">Isaiah 21:6</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.<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="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Acts 18:6</a></span><br />But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”<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="/isaiah/52-8.htm">Isaiah 52:8</a></span><br />Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy. For every eye will see when the LORD returns to Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a></span><br />Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-2.htm">Jeremiah 26:2</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42</a></span><br />Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,</p><p class="hdg">No references listed for this verse </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/5-14.htm">End</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-3.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/5-16.htm">End</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-17.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-17.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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>At the end of seven days</b><br>The phrase "at the end of seven days" indicates a period of waiting and preparation. In biblical terms, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation week in Genesis. This period may have been a time for Ezekiel to reflect and prepare spiritually for the message he was about to receive. It also aligns with the Jewish practice of a week-long period for certain rituals and purification processes, suggesting a time of consecration.<p><b>the word of the LORD</b><br>"The word of the LORD" signifies divine revelation and authority. In the Old Testament, this phrase is frequently used to introduce a prophetic message, emphasizing that the message originates from God, not the prophet. This underscores the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to the people. The phrase is also a reminder of the power and reliability of God's word, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a>, where God's word is described as accomplishing what He desires.<p><b>came to me</b><br>The phrase "came to me" indicates a personal and direct communication from God to Ezekiel. This personal encounter is a hallmark of prophetic experiences, where God chooses specific individuals to convey His messages. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, as seen in other prophetic call narratives like those of Isaiah and Jeremiah. This direct communication underscores the responsibility and authority given to Ezekiel as a prophet.<p><b>saying</b><br>The word "saying" introduces the content of the divine message that follows. It sets the stage for the specific instructions or revelations that God is about to impart. This is a common biblical formula used to transition from the introduction of a divine encounter to the actual message or command. It emphasizes the importance of listening and obedience to God's word, as the subsequent message carries divine authority and purpose.<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/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates directly with Ezekiel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_days.htm">Seven Days</a></b><br>A period of waiting and preparation, often symbolizing completeness or divine timing in biblical contexts.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel receives his prophetic visions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_timing_and_preparation.htm">Divine Timing and Preparation</a></b><br>God's timing is perfect, and He often uses periods of waiting to prepare His servants for their tasks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_prophet.htm">The Role of a Prophet</a></b><br>Prophets are called to be God's mouthpiece, delivering His messages regardless of the people's response.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_for_god's_voice.htm">Listening for God's Voice</a></b><br>Like Ezekiel, believers should be attentive and ready to receive God's word, even in times of waiting or uncertainty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_exile.htm">Faithfulness in Exile</a></b><br>Even in difficult circumstances, such as exile, God remains active and communicates with His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_the_messenger.htm">Responsibility of the Messenger</a></b><br>With the reception of God's word comes the responsibility to act and speak according to His will.<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/is_god_capable_of_hatred.htm">Is God capable of hatred?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_warn_if_god_knows_rejection.htm">In Ezekiel 3:27, how do we reconcile God’s foreknowledge of rejection with the purpose of delivering a warning message in the first place?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_god_vs._satan.htm">What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_mention_telepathy.htm">What is the Bible's stance on telepathy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">At the end of seven days.</span>--A fresh Divine communication comes to the prophet, designed especially to impress upon him the responsibility of his office (<a href="/context/ezekiel/3-16.htm" title="And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came to me, saying,">Ezekiel 3:16-21</a>). In <a href="/context/ezekiel/33-1.htm" title="Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,">Ezekiel 33:1-20</a> the same charge is repeated with some amplification, and there <a href="/context/ezekiel/3-2.htm" title="So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.">Ezekiel 3:2-6</a> are taken up with describing the duties of the military sentinel, upon which both these figurative addresses are founded. The language is there arranged in the parallelism of Hebrew poetry, to which there is indeed an approach here, but too imperfect to be easily represented in English. What is said there, moreover, is expressly required to be spoken to the people (<a href="/ezekiel/3-1.htm" title="Moreover he said to me, Son of man, eat that you find; eat this roll, and go speak to the house of Israel.">Ezekiel 3:1</a>), while this seems to have been immediately for the prophet's own ear.<p>The substance of the communication in either place is this: man must in all cases live or die according to his own personal righteousness or sinfulness; but such a responsibility rests upon the watchman, that if he die unwarned his blood will be required at the watchman's hand. The responsibility extends only, however, to the giving of the warning, not to its results: when the warning is given the watchman has "delivered his soul," whether it is heeded or not. The word <span class= "ital">soul </span>in <a href="/ezekiel/3-19.htm" title="Yet if you warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.">Ezekiel 3:19</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/3-21.htm" title="Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also you have delivered your soul.">Ezekiel 3:21</a>, as also in <a href="/ezekiel/33-5.htm" title="He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be on him. But he that takes warning shall deliver his soul.">Ezekiel 33:5</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/33-9.htm" title="Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.">Ezekiel 33:9</a>, is not to be understood distinctively of the immortal part of man, but is equivalent to life, and forms here, as often in Hebrew, little more than a form of the reflective, thy soul = thyself. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/3-16.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">At the end</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקְצֵ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(miq·ṣêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7097.htm">Strong's 7097: </a> </span><span class="str2">End, extremity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the word</span><br /><span class="heb">דְבַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḏə·ḇar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֕י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלַ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/3-16.htm">Ezekiel 3:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/3-16.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 3:16 It happened at the end of seven (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/3-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 3:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 3:17" /></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>