Ezekiel 15 2

Ezekiel 15:2 kjv

Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

Ezekiel 15:2 nkjv

"Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any other wood, the vine branch which is among the trees of the forest?

Ezekiel 15:2 niv

"Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest?

Ezekiel 15:2 esv

"Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest?

Ezekiel 15:2 nlt

"Son of man, how does a grapevine compare to a tree? Is a vine's wood as useful as the wood of a tree?

Ezekiel 15 verses

Ezekiel 15 2 Meaning

The son of man, when the house of Israel became backsliding. This verse marks the beginning of a new prophetic message directed at Israel. The phrase "son of man" identifies Ezekiel as a human messenger receiving divine instruction. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire nation, specifically highlighting their apostasy and turning away from God. The wood of a vine, unfitting for any purpose, is a metaphor for Israel in their sinful state.

Ezekiel 15 2 Context

Chapter 15 of Ezekiel focuses on the judgment of Jerusalem, likening the city and its people to a fruitless vine that is destined for the fire. The prophecy follows messages concerning idolatry and rebellion. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a lamentation against the "house of Israel," emphasizing their unsuitability for any purpose due to their sinfulness. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, where Judah was facing destruction. The prophet uses the metaphor of a vine to illustrate the worthlessness of Jerusalem and its inhabitants without God’s grace, predicting their eventual destruction by fire. This imagery connects to common Old Testament symbols of Israel as a vine, which, when unfruitful, invites judgment.

Ezekiel 15 2 Word Analysis

• "Son of man":

  • Hebrew: "Ben Adam" (בֶּן־אָדָם).
  • Significance: A frequent self-designation of Ezekiel by God, emphasizing his humanity and subservient role as a prophet delivering God’s word. It reinforces that the message originates from God and is delivered through a mortal. It underscores the gulf between the divine speaker and the human recipient. This title also connects Ezekiel to humanity as a whole.

• "what is":

  • Hebrew: "Mah" (מַה)
  • Significance: A question designed to elicit a negative response, emphasizing the lack of inherent value.

• "the vine tree":

  • Hebrew: "Gefen" (גֶּפֶן)
  • Significance: A common symbol for Israel in the Old Testament, often representing God’s care and provision. However, here it signifies unfruitfulness and worthlessness, contrasting with its usual positive symbolism. This word evokes a sense of wasted potential.

• "more than":

  • Hebrew: "Mi" (מִי)
  • Significance: Used here to ask what distinguishes the vine above other trees. The implication is that it has no such distinguishing positive quality.

• "any tree":

  • Hebrew: "Kol eytz" (כָּל־עֵץ)
  • Significance: A sweeping statement encompassing all other trees in the forest, implying that the vine offers no unique advantage or utility even when compared to the ordinary.

• "unless":

  • Hebrew: "Im lo" (אִם־לֹא)
  • Significance: Introduces a hypothetical condition under which it might have purpose, which is then immediately negated.

• "it is good":

  • Hebrew: "YitaHv" (יִטּוֹב)
  • Significance: Pertains to usefulness or suitability. The question implies it is not good for any purpose.

• "for anything":

  • Hebrew: "Licol mal’akha" (לְכָל־מְלָאכָה)
  • Significance: Emphasizes complete lack of function or utility across all types of work or craft.

• "in all its purposes":

  • Hebrew: "Becol ma’amav" (בְּכָל־מַעֲמַד)
  • Significance: Reinforces that even for the various potential uses a tree might have, the vine is unsuitable. This stresses its absolute worthlessness.

• "Can one take":

  • Hebrew: "Hih’ah Yikhaku" (הֲיִקְחוּ)
  • Significance: A rhetorical question challenging the possibility of taking any part of it for a purpose.

• "of it":

  • Hebrew: "Mimena" (מִמֶּנָּה)
  • Significance: Referring back to the vine tree.

• "a pin":

  • Hebrew: "Veriah" (וָוּרִיחַ)
  • Significance: Refers to a strong peg or bar, like one used to hang large vessels or support beams. It signifies strength and reliability. The question is whether any part of the vine can serve even this minimal purpose.

• "to hang any vessel on":

  • Hebrew: "Litaloa kal kle" (לְתַלּוֹת כָּל־כְּלִי)
  • Significance: Suggests holding or supporting even the lightest object. This highlights the vine's weakness and lack of structural integrity.

Ezekiel 15 2 Bonus Section

The extended metaphor of Israel as a vine is prevalent throughout Scripture. While commonly used by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah to depict God's planting and nurturing of a fruitful people (e.g., Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21), Ezekiel’s use here is specifically to illustrate apostasy and judgment. The comparison underscores the inversion of its intended purpose. A vine should produce fruit and have sturdy branches. This vine has produced neither, and its branches are brittle and useless. The judgment by fire is also a recurring theme, signifying purification or complete destruction, often linked to the unfaithfulness of God’s people. This passage underscores that relationship with God is contingent on faithfulness; disobedience leads to loss of purpose and invites divine discipline. The question of utility is deeply theological, speaking to the potential and calling given to a people chosen by God. When that calling is rejected, their existence loses its meaning.

Ezekiel 15 2 Commentary

Ezekiel is instructed to compare Jerusalem to a vine tree. This vine is not a flourishing symbol of God's people, but a barren, broken, and useless remnant. The questions posed emphasize its complete lack of value for any practical purpose. Unlike a strong tree that can be made into beams, posts, or tools, this vine is fit for nothing. It is not even strong enough to be a simple peg for hanging a vessel. This serves as a powerful metaphor for Jerusalem and its people who, through their sin and disobedience, have become utterly incapable of serving God or contributing to His kingdom. Their corruption renders them useless, and like a vine used for fuel, they are destined for judgment by fire. This highlights God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with His people when they stray.