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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 3 - Verse 18

3:18
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Meaning

This verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have as believers to warn others of the consequences of their sinful ways. The Lord instructs us to speak out against wickedness and to warn those who are heading down a destructive path. By failing to do so, we are held accountable for not doing our part to save them from their iniquity. The verse emphasizes the importance of taking action and not remaining silent in the face of evil. It also underscores the seriousness of our role as messengers of God's truth and the weight of the consequences if we neglect to fulfill it. Ultimately, the verse highlights the need for believers to be proactive in sharing the gospel and standing up against sin in order to fulfill our duty to save lives and spread God's love and righteousness.

Theological Overview

This verse from Ezekiel 3:18 carries a strong message about the responsibility of individuals to warn others about their wrongdoing. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of speaking out against wickedness and sin in order to potentially save the lives of those who are straying from the right path. By failing to warn the wicked and bring them back to righteousness, individuals are held accountable for the consequences of their inaction. The concept of blood at one's hand signifies the guilt and responsibility one bears for not fulfilling their duty to guide others towards righteousness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the moral obligation to actively intervene and speak up against wrongdoing in order to prevent the destructive outcomes of sin. It underscores the need for individuals to be vigilant in their efforts to promote goodness and deter evil in the world.

American Standard Version

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.
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