Ezekiel 3:18
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
فإِذا قُلتُ لِلشِّرّير: إِنَّكَ تَموتُ مَوتًا ولم تُنذِرْه أَنتَ ولم تَتَكَلَّمْ مُنذِرًا الشِّرِّيرَ بِشَرِّ طَريقِه لِيَحْيا، فذٰلك الشِّرِّيرُ يَموتُ في إِثْمه، لٰكِنِّي مِن يَدِكَ أَطلُبُ دَمَه.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel says that if God tells you to warn someone who is doing wrong, and you don't do it, you will be responsible for that person's death. God expects us to help others avoid sin and its consequences.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your mom tells you to warn your friend not to touch a hot stove, but you forget to tell them. If your friend gets burned, you might feel really bad because you didn't warn them. God wants us to be like good friends who help others avoid getting hurt.
Historical Background
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel around 593-571 BCE. Ezekiel was speaking to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. This verse reflects the responsibility of prophets to warn the people of God's judgment and the importance of heeding these warnings.
Living It Out Today
Today, this verse can be applied when we see friends or family members engaging in harmful behaviors. For example, if you notice a friend is drinking too much and it's affecting their health and relationships, it's important to have a conversation and encourage them to seek help.
Topics
responsibilityjudgmentwarningsinconsequencesaccountability
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give a warning?
Giving a warning means telling someone about the dangers or consequences of their actions. In this context, it involves sharing God's perspective on what could happen if they continue in their wrongdoings.
How can I avoid being held accountable?
You can avoid being held accountable by taking the responsibility to warn others when you see them heading towards destructive paths. Being proactive in sharing what you know can help them avoid harm and potentially save them from serious consequences.
What does it mean to 'require his blood at your hand'?
This phrase emphasizes the serious responsibility one has in warning others. It means that if someone fails to warn another person and that person ends up dying because of their actions, they could be held accountable for not fulfilling their duty.
How does this verse relate to today's world?
In today's world, this verse reminds us of the importance of being responsible for our community and the people we know. It encourages us to be proactive in helping others avoid harmful behaviors and to take action when we see others at risk.