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.