Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

EZEKIEL 15:5KJV
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Ezekiel 15:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 15:5 mean?

Ezekiel 15:5 says that even when a vine branch is whole and unburned, it is not useful for making anything; so after it has been burned by fire, it is even less useful for any work. The verse uses this image to highlight the complete lack of usefulness after destruction.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Jerusalem. The setting is a warning: God compares Jerusalem to a vine branch, which is not good for making tools or furniture even when intact, and becomes completely worthless after being burned. This sharp picture helps the people understand how their unfaithfulness has left them with nothing to offer after judgment.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 15:5

  • "whole" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word means "complete" or "unblemished." The verse points out that even in its best state, the vine wood is not fit for making anything useful.
  • "meet" (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means "to do" or "to make." Here, it emphasizes the idea of being suitable or fit for a purpose, which the vine wood is not.
  • "work" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): This word refers to "work" or "something made." The verse stresses that the vine wood cannot be used to make any kind of useful object.
  • "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh), "devoured" (אָכַל, akal), "burned" (שָׂרַף, saraph): These words describe the process of destruction. The fire consuming and burning the wood shows the complete loss of any remaining value.

Why Ezekiel 15:5 matters

  • Ezekiel 15:5 clears up any idea that Jerusalem or its people have value or strength apart from God’s purpose; the image of the vine shows their dependence and vulnerability.
  • The verse emphasizes the totality of judgment: once the branch (Jerusalem) is burned, it cannot be restored to usefulness, underlining the seriousness of turning away from God.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the explanation for why judgment is coming to Jerusalem, making the metaphor of the vine central to understanding God’s message through Ezekiel.

Where else these words appear

“burned” Hebrew H2787 · used in 11 verses

  • Job 30:30 My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
  • Jeremiah 6:29 The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

“whole” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.