Ezekiel 33:9
New International Version
But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

New Living Translation
But if you warn them to repent and they don’t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself.

English Standard Version
But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

Berean Standard Bible
But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Berean Literal Bible
And you, if if you warn the wicked from his way, to turn from it, and he does not turn from his way, then he will die in his iniquity, and you will have delivered your soul.

King James Bible
Nevertheless, if thou 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 thou hast delivered thy soul.

New King James Version
Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

New American Standard Bible
But if you on your part warn a wicked person to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die for his wrongdoing, but you have saved your life.

NASB 1995
“But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life.

NASB 1977
“But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your life.

Legacy Standard Bible
But as for you, if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life.

Amplified Bible
But if you on your part warn the wicked man to turn from his [evil] way and he does not turn from his [evil] way, he will die in his sin; but you have saved your life.

Berean Annotated Bible
But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life <Act 20:25–26>.

Christian Standard Bible
But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his way and he doesn’t turn from it, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have rescued yourself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his way and he doesn’t turn from it, he will die for his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.”

American Standard Version
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Contemporary English Version
If you do warn them, and they keep sinning, they will die because of their sins, and you will be innocent.

English Revised Version
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if you warn a wicked person to turn from his ways and he doesn't turn from them, then he will die because of his sin. However, you will save yourself.

Good News Translation
If you do warn an evil person and he doesn't stop sinning, he will die, still a sinner, but your life will be spared."

International Standard Version
However, if you warn the wicked to turn from his behavior and he does not do so, he will die in his guilt, and you will have saved yourself."

NET Bible
But if you warn the wicked man to change his behavior, and he refuses to change, he will die for his iniquity, but you have saved your own life.

New Heart English Bible
Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn't turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.

Webster's Bible Translation
Nevertheless, if thou shalt warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he shall not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

World English Bible
Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn’t turn from his way; he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you, when you have warned the wicked of his way, to turn back from it, "" And he has not turned back from his way, "" He dies in his iniquity, "" And you have delivered your soul.

Berean Literal Bible
And you, if if you warn the wicked from his way, to turn from it, and he does not turn from his way, then he will die in his iniquity, and you will have delivered your soul.

Young's Literal Translation
And thou, when thou hast warned the wicked of his way, to turn back from it, And he hath not turned back from his way, He in his iniquity doth die, And thou thy soul hast delivered.

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou, if thou warnedst the unjust from his way to turn back from it, and be turned not back from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; and thou didst deliver thy soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if thou tell the wicked man, that he may be converted from his ways, and he be not converted from his way: he shall die in his iniquity: but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if you have announced to the impious man, so that he may be converted from his ways, and he has not converted from his way, then he will die in his iniquity. Yet you will have freed your own soul.

New American Bible
If, however, you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, but they do not, then they shall die in their sins, but you shall save your life.

New Revised Standard Version
But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked that he may turn from his evil way; and if he does not turn from his evil way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But if you have warned the evil one to return from his way, and he did not return, he shall die in his evil, and you have saved your soul
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if thou forewarn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way, he shall die in his ungodliness; but thou hast delivered thine own soul.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Ezekiel the Watchman for Israel
8If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.

Cross References
But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way,

Ezekiel 3:18-19
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. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.

Jeremiah 18:11
Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
and he does not turn from it,

Proverbs 29:1
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

Proverbs 1:24-25
Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction,

Jeremiah 7:27-28
When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer. / Therefore you must say to them, ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not receive correction. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips.
he will die in his iniquity,

Ezekiel 18:4
Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

John 8:24
That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
but you will have saved your life.

1 Timothy 4:16
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Acts 20:26-27
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. / For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

James 5:20
consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Jeremiah 6:17
I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

Isaiah 58:1
“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.

Acts 18:6
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.”

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

if thou

Ezekiel 3:19,21
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul…

Acts 13:40
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

Acts 18:5,6
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ…

if he

Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Luke 12:47
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

thou hast

Acts 20:26
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

2 Corinthians 2:15-17
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: …

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Ezekiel 33
1. According to the duty of a watchman in warning the people
7. Ezekiel is admonished of his duty
10. God shows the justice of his ways toward the penitent and toward revolters
17. He maintains his justice
21. Upon the news of the taking of Jerusalem
25. he prophecies the desolation of the land
30. God's judgment upon the mockers of the prophets












But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way,

Ezekiel’s calling as Israel’s watchman required him to announce God’s warning plainly. Like a guard stationed to see danger approaching, he was responsible to sound the alarm so that the guilty would have opportunity to turn from sin.

Ezk 3:18-19 If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’…
Jer 18:11 Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents…
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked man forsake his way; let him return…

and he does not turn from it,

The warning does not remove the wicked man’s responsibility before God. He may reject the message and continue in rebellion, though he has been told the consequence.

Pro 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof…
Pro 1:24-25 Because you refused my call, and no one took…
Jer 7:27-28 When you tell them all these things, they will not listen…

he will die in his iniquity,

Persistent sin brings God’s judgment. The wicked man’s death is the result of his own iniquity, not a failure on Ezekiel’s part to make God’s warning known.

Ezk 18:4 Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son…
Jhn 8:24 That is why I told you that you would die in your sins.…
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God…

but you will have saved your life.

By faithfully carrying out his commission, Ezekiel would not bear guilt for the wicked man’s destruction. God held the watchman accountable for delivering the warning, while each person remained accountable for his own response.

1Ti 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching.…
Act 20:26-27 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent…
Jas 5:20 Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to be a watchman for the house of Israel, tasked with delivering God's messages and warnings.

2. The Wicked
Individuals who live in sin and rebellion against God's commandments, representing those who need to hear the warning.

3. The Watchman
A metaphor for Ezekiel's role, symbolizing responsibility to warn others of impending danger or judgment.

4. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, often straying from God's laws and in need of repentance.

5. God's Judgment
The consequence of sin and iniquity, which can be averted through repentance and turning back to God.
Teaching Points
Responsibility of the Watchman
As believers, we are called to be watchmen in our communities, sharing God's truth and warning others of the consequences of sin.

The Urgency of Repentance
The passage underscores the importance of repentance and turning away from sin to avoid spiritual death.

Personal Accountability
Each individual is responsible for their response to God's warnings, but we are accountable for delivering the message.

The Role of Obedience
Obedience to God's call to warn others is crucial, as it not only saves others but also ensures our own spiritual integrity.

The Power of God's Word
Trust in the transformative power of God's Word to convict and lead others to repentance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 33:9?

2. How does Ezekiel 33:9 emphasize the importance of warning others about sin?

3. What responsibility does Ezekiel 33:9 place on believers regarding others' spiritual welfare?

4. How can Ezekiel 33:9 guide us in sharing the Gospel today?

5. How does Ezekiel 33:9 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

6. In what ways can we apply Ezekiel 33:9 to our daily interactions?

7. What does Ezekiel 33:9 imply about personal responsibility in sharing God's warnings?

8. How does Ezekiel 33:9 shape our understanding of divine justice and human accountability?

9. Why is the role of a "watchman" significant in Ezekiel 33:9?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 33?


Ezekiel 33:9 teaches that God entrusts His people with an urgent message: warn the wicked to turn. Our responsibility is faithfulness in speaking; their responsibility is repentance. If they refuse, judgment falls on them, but the obedient watchman is delivered. God’s justice, human accountability, and the life-saving power of truth stand side by side in this single verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
וְ֠אַתָּה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

warn
הִזְהַ֨רְתָּ (hiz·har·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2094: To gleam, to enlighten

the wicked man
רָשָׁ֤ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

to turn
לָשׁ֣וּב (lā·šūḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from his way,
מִדַּרְכּוֹ֙ (mid·dar·kōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and he does not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turn
שָׁ֖ב (šāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from it,
מִדַּרְכּ֑וֹ (mid·dar·kōw)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

he
ה֚וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will die
יָמ֔וּת (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

in his iniquity,
בַּעֲוֺנ֣וֹ (ba·‘ă·wō·nōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

but you
וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will have saved
הִצַּֽלְתָּ׃ (hiṣ·ṣal·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

your life.
נַפְשְׁךָ֥ (nap̄·šə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


Additonal Resources
Ezekiel 33:9 Blue Letter Bible
Ezekiel 33:9 Bible Gateway
Ezekiel 33:9 Bible.com

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Ezekiel 33:9 KJV

Ezekiel 33:9 Study Bible
Ezekiel 33:9 Biblia Paralela
Ezekiel 33:9 Chinese Bible
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Ezekiel 33:9 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Ezekiel 33:9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked (Ezek. Eze Ezk)

Ezekiel 33:8
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