Bible Strands
Ezekiel 33:7
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses Ezekiel directly as "son of man," commissioning him as watchman over the house of Israel. The immediately preceding verse (33:6) sets the stakes: a watchman who fails to sound the alarm is held accountable for the blood of those slain.
The words — צֹפֶה (tso.Peh) is the Hebrew noun for "watchman," a military sentinel whose duty is to see danger coming and raise the alarm. The verb נְתַתִּי (ne.tat.ti), "I have appointed," underscores that the role is divinely assigned, not self-selected.
The thread — Ezekiel 3:17 repeats the commission almost verbatim; Jeremiah 26:2 parallels it with "stand and speak all the words I have commanded you." Ezekiel 2:7 adds the qualifier "whether they listen or refuse," which 33:7 omits, sharpening the focus on the act of warning itself.
Why it lands — The verse separates the messenger's duty (hear, then warn) from the audience's response (listen or not), making the failure to transmit the message a distinct moral act. It asks the reader to own the gap between what they have heard and what they have done with it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 26:2 “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.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
- Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
- Hebrews 13:17 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.
- Isaiah 62:6 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,
- Jeremiah 1:17 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.
- 1 Kings 22:16 But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?”
- 2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.