Ezekiel 3:21
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
أَمَّا إِذا أَنذَرتَ البارَّ بِأَن لا يَخطَأَ ولم يَخطَإِ البارّ، فهو يَحْيا حَياةً، لأَنَّه أُنذِرَ وأَنتَ تَكونُ قد خَلَّصتَ نَفْسَكَ».
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel says that if you warn a righteous person to avoid sin and they listen, they will live because of your warning. It also says you protect yourself by giving the warning. The speaker is God, and the key message is about responsibility and protection through guidance.
Explained for Children
Imagine you tell your friend not to touch a hot stove, and they listen to you. Because they didn't touch the stove, they don't get burned, and you feel good because you helped them. This verse is like that, but with bigger things like sin.
Historical Background
Ezekiel was a prophet who lived around 600 BC. He wrote this to the Israelites in exile in Babylon, warning them about their sins and the consequences of not heeding divine warnings. The cultural setting was one of judgment and hope for restoration.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could be a friend who is about to make a bad financial decision. If you warn them and they listen, they avoid financial ruin, and you feel good knowing you helped them stay on a better path.
Topics
responsibilityrighteousnesssinprotectionguidanceconsequences
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'righteous man' in Ezekiel 3:21?
The 'righteous man' is someone who is already living a good life according to God's standards. The verse emphasizes that even righteous people can be warned to avoid sin.
What does it mean to 'deliver thy soul'?
'Deliver thy soul' means to protect oneself spiritually. By warning others, you also protect yourself from guilt or responsibility for their actions.
How can this verse be applied in today's society?
This verse can be applied by encouraging and supporting others to make good choices, which benefits both the individual and the community by avoiding harmful behaviors.
What are the consequences of not warning someone who might sin?
If you do not warn someone, and they sin, it could lead to negative consequences for both the individual and potentially for you if you had the opportunity to warn them.