Ezekiel 33:2
New International Version
“Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman,

New Living Translation
“Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman.

English Standard Version
“Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman,

Berean Standard Bible
“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman,

New American Standard Bible
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman,

NASB 1995
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman,

NASB 1977
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people, and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman;

Legacy Standard Bible
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman,

Amplified Bible
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people [who are exiled in Babylon] and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword on a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman,

Christian Standard Bible
“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them, ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land select a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land select a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,

American Standard Version
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;

Contemporary English Version
Ezekiel, son of man, warn your people by saying: Someday, I, the LORD, may send an enemy to invade a country. And suppose its people choose someone to stand watch

English Revised Version
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 from among them, and set him for their watchman:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Son of man, speak to your people. Tell them, 'Suppose I bring war on this country, and the people of this country choose one of their men and make him their watchman.

Good News Translation
"Mortal man," he said, "tell your people what happens when I bring war to a land. The people of that country choose one of their number to be a lookout.

International Standard Version
"Son of Man, speak to your nation's children and tell them: 'If I bring war to a land, and the people of that land appoint one of their conscripted men to serve as a sentinel,

Majority Standard Bible
?Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ?Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,

NET Bible
"Son of man, speak to your people, and say to them, 'Suppose I bring a sword against the land, and the people of the land take one man from their borders and make him their watchman.

New Heart English Bible
"Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, 'When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;

Webster's Bible Translation
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say to them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their borders, and set him for their watchman:

World English Bible
“Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, ‘When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people, and you have said to them: When I bring a sword on a land, "" And the people of the land have taken one man out of their borders, "" And made him their watchman,

Young's Literal Translation
'Son of man, speak unto the sons of thy people, and thou hast said unto them: A land -- when I bring in against it a sword, And the people of the land have taken one man out of their borders, And made him to them for a watchman.

Smith's Literal Translation
Son of man, speak to the sons of thy people and say to them, A land, when I shall bring the sword upon her, and the people of the land took one man from their extremities, and they gave him to them for a watchman.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say to them: When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man, one of their meanest, and make him a watchman over them:

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people, and you shall say to them: Concerning the land, when I will have led the sword over it: if the people of the land take a man, one of their least, and appoint him over themselves as a watchman,

New American Bible
Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: When I bring the sword against a land, if the people of that land select one of their number as a sentinel for them,

New Revised Standard Version
O Mortal, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one of their number as their sentinel;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Son of man, speak to your own people and say to them, When I bring the sword upon a land, let the people of the land take a man from among them and make him their watchman.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Son of man, speak with the children of your people, and say to them: when I bring a sword upon the land, the people of the land shall bring one man of them, and they shall make him a Watchman for them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 from among them, and set him for their watchman;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and thou shalt say to them, On whatsoever land I shall bring a sword, and the people of the land take one man of them, and set him for their watchman:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ezekiel the Watchman for Israel
1Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, 3and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 3:17
“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.

Isaiah 56:10
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.

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!’

2 Kings 17:13
Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”

Hosea 9:8
The prophet is Ephraim’s watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God!

Amos 3:6-7
If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? / Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Habakkuk 2:1
I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

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 31:6
For there will be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Arise, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God!’”

2 Samuel 18:24-27
Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. ...

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.

Mark 13:34-37
It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. ...

Luke 12:37-40
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. / Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. ...

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them, When I bring the sword on a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

speak

Ezekiel 33:17,30
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal…

Ezekiel 3:11,27
And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear…

When I bring the sword upon a land.

Ezekiel 6:3
And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places.

Ezekiel 11:8
Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 14:17,21
Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it: …

set

Ezekiel 33:7
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

2 Samuel 18:24-27
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone…

2 Kings 9:17-30
And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace? …

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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














Son of man
This phrase is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, used over 90 times in the book. In Hebrew, it is "ben adam," which literally means "son of Adam" or "son of humanity." This term emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the humility and frailty of the prophet, contrasting with the divine messages he is tasked to deliver. Theologically, it reminds us of the incarnation of Christ, who often referred to Himself as the "Son of Man," highlighting His identification with humanity.

speak to your people
The directive to "speak" indicates the active role of the prophet as a communicator of God's word. The Hebrew root "dabar" implies not just speaking, but conveying a message with authority and purpose. "Your people" signifies a personal connection and responsibility Ezekiel has towards the Israelites. Historically, this was during the Babylonian exile, a time when the Israelites needed guidance and hope. The phrase calls to mind the pastoral duty of leaders to care for and guide their flock, echoing the New Testament call for shepherds to tend to their congregations.

and tell them
The command to "tell" is a reiteration of the prophet's duty to deliver God's message. The Hebrew word "amar" is used, which can mean to say, speak, or command. This emphasizes the importance of clear and direct communication. In a broader scriptural context, it reflects the necessity for God's truth to be proclaimed without alteration or hesitation, a principle that is foundational in both Old and New Testament teachings.

Suppose I bring the sword against a land
The imagery of the "sword" is a common biblical metaphor for judgment and warfare. In Hebrew, "chereb" can mean a literal sword or symbolize divine judgment. The phrase "bring the sword" suggests God's sovereign control over nations and His right to execute judgment. Historically, this reflects the real threat of invasion and destruction faced by nations, including Israel, due to their disobedience. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine justice.

and the people of that land appoint one of their men to serve as their watchman
The concept of a "watchman" is central to this passage. In ancient times, a watchman was stationed on city walls to alert inhabitants of approaching danger. The Hebrew word "tsaphah" means to look out or keep watch. This role is symbolic of spiritual vigilance and responsibility. Theologically, it underscores the duty of spiritual leaders to warn and guide their communities. The appointment of a watchman by the people indicates a communal recognition of the need for protection and guidance, reflecting the collective responsibility of the community to heed God's warnings.

(2) Set him for their watchman.--The same figure as in Ezekiel 3:17. Ezekiel 33:2-9 form the introduction to this renewed commission, and closely correspond to Ezekiel 3:17-21. Yet these verses have also a distinct retrospective object, and explain to the people why he had hitherto spoken to them so much of judgments and in such warning tones; this had been his duty, both in obedience to God's commands and in regard for their welfare, and it would still be his duty in the future. The passage is too clear to need comment.

Verse 2. - Speak to the children of thy people. (On the force of the possessive pronoun, see note on Ezekiel 3:1.) The formula is carried on throughout the chapter (Vers. 12, 17, 30). Set him for their watchman. Ezekiel falls back upon the thought of Ezekiel 3:17, but the image is expanded with characteristic fullness. The function of the watchman, in which he sees a parable of his own office, is to stand upon his tower (2 Samuel 18:24, 25; 2 Kings 9:17; Habakkuk 2:1), to keep his eye on the distant horizon, and as soon as the clouds of dust or the gleam of armor gives notice of the approach of the enemy, to sound the trumpet of alarm (Amos 3:6; Hosea 8:1; Jeremiah 4:5; Jeremiah 6:1), that men may not be taken unawares. If he discharge that duty faithfully, then, as in Ezekiel 3:17-21, the blood of those that perish through their own negligence shall rest on their own head.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

speak
דַּבֵּ֤ר (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

your people
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and tell
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

them:
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Suppose
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I bring
אָבִ֥יא (’ā·ḇî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the sword
חָ֑רֶב (ḥā·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

against
עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a land,
אֶ֕רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and the people
עַם־ (‘am-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of that land
הָאָ֜רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

choose
וְלָקְח֨וּ (wə·lā·qə·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3947: To take

a
אֶחָד֙ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

man
אִ֤ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

from among them,
מִקְצֵיהֶ֔ם (miq·ṣê·hem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

appointing
וְנָתְנ֥וּ (wə·nā·ṯə·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

him
אֹת֛וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

as their
לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 0: 0

watchman,
לְצֹפֶֽה׃ (lə·ṣō·p̄eh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 33:2 Son of man speak to the children (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 33:1
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