Ezekiel 3:20
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
«وَإنْ تَوَقَّفَ إنْسَانٌ عَنْ عَمَلِ الصَّلَاحِ وَبَدَأ يَعْمَلُ الشَّرَّ حِينَ أضَعُ أمَامَهُ مَا يُسقِطَهُ فِي الخَطيَّةِ، فَإنَّهُ سَيَمُوتُ إنْ لَمْ تُحَذِّرهُ. سَيَهْلِكُ بِذَنبِهِ، وَلَنْ تُؤخَذَ أعْمَالُهُ الصَّالِحَةُ السَّابِقَةُ فِي الِاعتِبَارِ، وَسَأُحَمِّلُكَ مَسؤُولِيَةَ هَلَاكِهِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel says that if a righteous person turns away from their good ways and commits sin, and if a warning is not given, they will die in their sin. The speaker is God, emphasizing the importance of warning others about the consequences of their actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who always does the right thing, but one day starts making bad choices. If you see this happening and don't tell them to stop, they might get in trouble. This verse says God expects us to warn our friends when they start making mistakes.
Historical Background
Ezekiel wrote this during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. He was speaking to the Israelites who were taken captive by the Babylonians. The verse reflects the context of a community questioning their faith and actions in exile.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could be a coworker who is usually reliable but starts making unethical decisions. If you notice this and don't intervene, you could be responsible for their downfall, just like Ezekiel warns.
Topics
sinwarningresponsibilityconsequencesaccountabilityrighteousness
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lay a stumbling-block before someone?
It means setting up a situation that makes it easier for someone to sin. It's like putting a rock in someone's path when they're walking, making them more likely to trip.
How do we know if we're responsible for someone else's sin?
We are responsible if we have the opportunity to warn someone and choose not to. This verse emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and proactive in helping others avoid sin.
What happens if someone doesn't die but still turns away from righteousness?
The verse focuses on the ultimate consequence of death for not heeding a warning, but in practical terms, turning away from righteousness can lead to various negative outcomes, affecting both the individual and those around them.
Can we apply this verse to ourselves if we are the ones turning from righteousness?
Yes, this verse can be a reminder for us to stay vigilant and seek help or guidance if we start to drift away from righteousness, as it highlights the importance of accountability and vigilance.