Ezekiel 3:17
New International Version
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

New Living Translation
“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately.

English Standard Version
“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.

Berean Standard Bible
“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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“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:

New American Standard Bible
“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.

NASB 1995
“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.

NASB 1977
“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.

Legacy Standard Bible
“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.

Amplified Bible
“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.

Christian Standard Bible
“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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me.

Good News Translation
"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.

International Standard Version
"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.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
"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.

New Heart English Bible
"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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“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
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Watchman for Israel
16At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 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. 18If 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.…

Cross References
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 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!’

Acts 20:28-31
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. ...

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.

2 Timothy 4:1-5
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. ...

Isaiah 21:6-8
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.

Jeremiah 1:17-19
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.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

1 Peter 5:2-4
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.

Matthew 24:42-44
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.

2 Corinthians 5:20
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.

Colossians 1:28
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
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.

Hebrews 3:12-13
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.

Revelation 3:3
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.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

I have

Ezekiel 33:2-9
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: …

1 Corinthians 12:28
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.

a watchman

Song of Solomon 3:3
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

Song of Solomon 5:7
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.

Isaiah 21:6,8,11,12
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth…

hear

Ezekiel 33:6-8
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 any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand…

2 Chronicles 19:10
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 so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

Isaiah 58:1
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

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Ezekiel 3
1. Ezekiel eats the scroll
4. God encourages him
15. God shows him the rule of prophecy
22. God shuts and opens the prophet's mouth














Son of man
This phrase, "Son of man," is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which literally means "son of Adam." This title underscores the humility and mortality of Ezekiel, contrasting with the divine messages he is tasked to deliver. It also foreshadows the use of "Son of Man" in the New Testament, where it is a title for Jesus, highlighting His role as the representative and redeemer of humanity.

I have made you
This phrase indicates divine appointment and authority. God Himself has chosen and established Ezekiel in this role. The Hebrew verb "nathan" is used here, meaning "to give" or "to appoint," signifying that Ezekiel's position is not self-assumed but divinely granted. This reflects the biblical principle that true spiritual authority comes from God, not from human ambition or self-promotion.

a watchman
The role of a watchman in ancient times was crucial for the safety and security of a city. Positioned on the walls, the watchman would alert the inhabitants of any approaching danger. In Hebrew, the word is "tsaphah," meaning "to look out" or "to keep watch." Spiritually, this role involves vigilance, discernment, and responsibility. Ezekiel's task as a watchman is to be spiritually alert, to perceive God's messages, and to communicate them faithfully to the people.

for the house of Israel
This phrase specifies the audience of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. "The house of Israel" refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. Historically, this was a time of great turmoil and impending judgment for Israel due to their disobedience. Ezekiel's messages are directed towards calling them back to faithfulness and warning them of the consequences of their actions. It highlights God's enduring covenant relationship with Israel, despite their rebellion.

Whenever you hear a word from My mouth
This phrase emphasizes the source and authority of Ezekiel's message. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "shama," which implies not just hearing but also understanding and obeying. The phrase "from My mouth" underscores that the messages Ezekiel delivers are not his own but are direct revelations from God. This divine origin gives the message its authority and urgency.

give them a warning from Me
The Hebrew word for "warning" is "zahrah," which means to caution or admonish. This phrase highlights the prophet's duty to communicate God's warnings to the people. It is an act of mercy, giving the people an opportunity to repent and avert disaster. The phrase "from Me" reiterates that the warning is not Ezekiel's personal opinion but a divine mandate. This underscores the seriousness of the message and the accountability of both the messenger and the recipients.

Verse 17. - A watchman unto the house of Israel. 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 2 Samuel 18:24-27 and 2 Kings 9:17-20 we have vivid pictures of such a work. It had already been used figuratively of the prophet's work by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:17). The cognate verb, with the image fully developed, meets us in Habakkuk 2:1. Its use in Hosea 9:8 is doubtful as to meaning, and in Isaiah 52:8 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 Ezekiel 33:2-7. 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 Hebrews 13:17 (compare also for the thought, though the word is not the same, Isaiah 21:11, 12; Isaiah 62:6; Psalm 127:1). 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. Give them warning, 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֕ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

I have made
נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you a watchman
צֹפֶ֥ה (ṣō·p̄eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

for the house
לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

Whenever you hear
וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤ (wə·šā·ma‘·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

a word
דָּבָ֔ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

from
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

My mouth,
מִפִּי֙ (mip·pî)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

give them a warning
וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֥ (wə·hiz·har·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2094: To gleam, to enlighten

from Me.
אוֹתָ֖ם (’ō·w·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man I have made you (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 3:16
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