Ezekiel 15 8

Ezekiel 15:8 kjv

And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 15:8 nkjv

Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have persisted in unfaithfulness,' says the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 15:8 niv

I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign LORD."

Ezekiel 15:8 esv

And I will make the land desolate, because they have acted faithlessly, declares the Lord GOD."

Ezekiel 15:8 nlt

And I will make the land desolate because my people have been unfaithful to me. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!"

Ezekiel 15 8 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ezekiel 15:4Behold, it is given to the fire for fuel. The two ends were consumed by fireEze 15:4
Isaiah 5:1-7The parable of the vineyard turned to briars and thornsIsa 5:1-7
Jeremiah 2:21Though I planted you a choice vine, all of you a right shootJer 2:21
Psalm 80:8You removed a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted itPsa 80:8
John 15:1-2I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresserJohn 15:1-2
John 15:5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in himJohn 15:5
Romans 11:17...and you, though a wild olive tree, were grafted in among themRom 11:17
1 Corinthians 3:15If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss1 Cor 3:15
Galatians 6:1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritualGal 6:1
Ephesians 2:21...in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holyEph 2:21
Hebrews 6:8But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near a curseHeb 6:8
James 3:12Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?Jam 3:12
Revelation 3:16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you outRev 3:16
Jeremiah 7:29"Cut off your hair and throw it away; and wail on the barren heights"Jer 7:29
Isaiah 1:31The strong shall be like tinder, and his work like a spark; they will burnIsa 1:31
Hosea 10:1Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields fruit; but as his fruit increased, heHos 10:1
Zechariah 11:15Then the LORD said to me, "Take the tools of a foolish shepherd."Zech 11:15
Psalm 37:2For they will soon be cut down like the grassPsa 37:2
Matthew 7:19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.Matt 7:19
2 Thessalonians 2:3Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless2 Thes 2:3

Ezekiel 15 verses

Ezekiel 15 8 Meaning

This verse signifies the utter uselessness of Israel's wood (representing the people) for any good purpose. Just as the best vine wood from all the vines in the forest cannot be used for anything valuable, so too Israel, despite its former glory, has become entirely destitute of worth. The fire consuming it leaves nothing suitable for building, tools, or vessels. It is good for nothing but to be thrown into the fire, symbolizing its complete destruction and divine judgment.

Ezekiel 15 8 Context

Ezekiel chapter 15 is a vivid oracle of judgment against Jerusalem and, by extension, Israel. God uses the analogy of useless vine wood to portray their complete worthlessness due to their persistent sinfulness and unfaithfulness. This imagery reflects the common agricultural practices and understanding of the ancient Near East, where vineyard pruning and wood usage were integral. The prophet's message directly addresses the people's pride and misplaced confidence, assuring them that their former status and covenant relationship with God have not exempted them from deserved punishment. This oracle follows previous judgments and sets the stage for further condemnations of specific nations.

Ezekiel 15 8 Word Analysis

  • וְהָיָה (wəhāyāh): "And it shall be." This common Hebrew conjunction, "vav" (וְ), often introduces a result or consequence, connecting this verse directly to the preceding statements about the vine's destruction.
  • לֹא (lō): "not." A strong negation.
  • מְלָאכָה (mə'lākhāh): "work," "occupation," "service," "purpose." Here, it emphasizes the complete lack of utility. The wood cannot be used for any skilled labor or productive task.
  • מִמֶּנּוּ (mimmēnnū): "from it." This prepositional phrase indicates the source of the lack of utility, stemming from the wood itself after its fiery ordeal.
  • לָתֵת (lātēt): "to give," "to put," "to use." Implies an active role in creating something functional.
  • לְעַמּוּד (lə'ammūḏ): "for a support," "for a post," "for a pole." Refers to a sturdy upright piece of wood used for bearing weight or structure, like in a building or tent.
  • וְכֹל (wəḵōl): "and all." This "vav" again connects the thought, linking this specific example of "support" to "all" the rest of its non-utility.
  • כְּלִי (kəlî): "vessel," "tool," "implement," "garment." Refers to any object created for a specific function, highlighting the wood's unsuitability for even common domestic or craft purposes.
  • קָטָן (qāṭān): "small," "little." Used here with "vessel," it emphasizes that the wood isn't even suitable for crafting small, seemingly insignificant items.
  • בּוֹ (bō): "in it," "by it." The preposition "be" with the pronoun suffix.

Words-Group By Words-Group Analysis

  • "not... to give any work from it" (לֹא מְלָאכָה מִמֶּנּוּ לָתֵת) emphasizes a complete and utter absence of purpose or utility, the opposite of divine intent for His people.
  • "for a support" (לְעַמּוּד) and "any vessel" (כְּלִי) together illustrate the spectrum of uses for wood, from significant structural elements to small, functional items. The judgment is that the vine-wood fails for both.

Ezekiel 15 8 Bonus Section

This prophecy employs a polemic against the idea that Israel's covenant status alone guaranteed its preservation or a positive outcome, irrespective of their actions. The divine judgment on the wood serves to debunk any reliance on mere heritage or superficial religious practice. The judgment is absolute and comprehensive, leaving no remnant for usefulness, reflecting the severity of rejecting God's established order and covenant faithfulness. The prophecy in Ezekiel uses agricultural metaphors common in ancient Near Eastern literature, but consistently subverts them to deliver a unique, monotheistic message of justice and consequence tied directly to divine will.

Ezekiel 15 8 Commentary

The destruction of Jerusalem is presented as a total forfeiture of value. God employs the image of the finest vine, pruned from all the vineyards of the earth, now rendered useless by fire. It cannot serve as a supporting beam in a house, nor as any kind of vessel. Its ultimate destiny is the consuming flame. This stark imagery serves as a powerful warning: unfaithfulness to God strips an individual or nation of all inherent worth and leaves them only for judgment. Israel, once God's chosen "vine," had by its transgressions become akin to wood fit only for kindling in God's displeasure. True worth and purpose are found in abiding by God's word and commands, which the vine-wood no longer can do.