Ezekiel 15:5
Ezekiel 15:5 in Multiple Translations
Even when it was whole, it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it!
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?
Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned, shall it yet be meet for any work!
Truly, before it was cut down, it was not used for any purpose: how much less, when the fire has made a meal of it and it is burned, will it be made into anything?
Even before you burned it you couldn't make it into anything useful. It's even less useful once the fire has burned and charred it!
Behold, when it was whole, it was meete for no worke: how much lesse shall it bee meete for any worke, when the fire hath consumed it, and it is burnt?
Lo, in its being perfect it is not used for work, How much less, when fire hath eaten of it, And it is scorched, Hath it been used yet for work?
Behold, when it was whole, it was suitable for no work. How much less, when the fire has devoured it, and it has been burned, will it yet be suitable for any work?”
Behold, when it was whole, it was fit for no work: how much less then shall it be fit for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?
Even when it was whole it was not fit for work: how much less, when the fire hath devoured and consumed it, shall any work be made of it?
No; if it was not useful for anything before it was burned, it certainly cannot bemade into something useful after the fire has burned and charred it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 15:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּה֙
בִּֽ/הְיוֹת֣/וֹ
תָמִ֔ים
לֹ֥א
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֖ה
לִ/מְלָאכָ֑ה
אַ֣ף
כִּי
אֵ֤שׁ
אֲכָלַ֨תְ/הוּ֙
וַ/יֵּחָ֔ר
וְ/נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
ע֖וֹד
לִ/מְלָאכָֽה
הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
בִּֽ/הְיוֹת֣/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
תָמִ֔ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/מְלָאכָ֑ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Prep | N-fs
אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֤שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
אֲכָלַ֨תְ/הוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
וַ/יֵּחָ֔ר
chârar
H2787
to scorch
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וְ/נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לִ/מְלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 15:5
הִנֵּה֙
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בִּֽ/הְיוֹת֣/וֹ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
תָמִ֔ים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִ/מְלָאכָ֑ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Prep | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֤שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
אֲכָלַ֨תְ/הוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וַ/יֵּחָ֔ר
chârar
H2787
"to scorch"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To scorch means to burn or dry up something, like a plant in the desert. In the Bible, this word can also mean to be angry or passionate, like in Psalm 69:9 where it describes a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to burn, be hot, be scorched, be charred 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, be scorched 1a2) to burn, be burned 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scorched, be burned 1b2) to burn 1b3) to be dry, be angry 1c) (Pilpel) to cause to burn Aramaic equivalent: cha.rakh (חֲרַךְ "to singe" H2761)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, dry, kindle. See also: Job 30:30; Isaiah 24:6; Psalms 69:4.
וְ/נַעֲשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לִ/מְלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Prep | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 15:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
Context — Jerusalem the Useless Vine
3Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils?
4No, it is cast into the fire for fuel. The fire devours both ends, and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything?
5Even when it was whole, it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it!
6Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. 7And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 3:16 | “In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made. |
Ezekiel 15:5 Summary
This verse is saying that even when something is whole and untouched, it can still be useless if it's not being used for its intended purpose. The vine in this verse represents the people of Jerusalem, who had become useless to God because of their sin and rebellion. Just like a charred and useless vine is only good for fuel, the people of Jerusalem had become worthless to God, as stated in Ezekiel 15:4. This reminds us that we must be surrendered to God and useful for His purposes, or we risk being set aside and disciplined, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11, and that our usefulness is not determined by our own strength, but by our dependence on Him, as stated in John 15:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the vine in Ezekiel 15:5 represent?
The vine in Ezekiel 15:5 represents the people of Jerusalem, as explained in Ezekiel 15:6, and is used to illustrate their uselessness for God's purposes when they are not surrendered to Him, much like the wood of the vine is only good for fuel when it is not being used for its intended purpose, as seen in John 15:1-6.
Why does God use the analogy of a charred and useless vine?
God uses this analogy to convey the idea that just as a charred and useless vine is only good for fuel, the people of Jerusalem have become useless for His purposes due to their sin and rebellion, as stated in Ezekiel 15:4, and are therefore destined for judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers?
This verse reminds us that, like the vine, we must be surrendered to God and useful for His purposes, or we risk being set aside and disciplined, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11, and that our usefulness is not determined by our own strength, but by our dependence on Him, as stated in John 15:5.
What is the significance of the fire in this verse?
The fire in Ezekiel 15:5 represents God's judgment and purification, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 and Malachi 3:2-3, and serves as a reminder that those who are not surrendered to God will face His judgment, while those who are surrendered will be refined and purified by His fire.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am like the useless vine, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I ensure that I am being useful for God's purposes, and what are some practical steps I can take to surrender to Him?
- What are some ways that God's fire of judgment and purification can be at work in my life, and how can I cooperate with His refining process?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of the vine to my relationships and interactions with others, and how can I be a source of encouragement and usefulness to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 15:5
Behold, when it was whole it was meet for no work,.... Before it was cut into pieces, and east into the fire, it was not fit to make so much as a pin of to hang anything on; so Israel, when all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 15:5
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?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
Ezekiel 15:5 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?Ver. 5. Behold, when it was whole.] The Jews, when at best, were too too bad; a foolish people and unwise, disobedient and gainsaying all the day long. How much more then now that they are hardened and seared with so many judgments?
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
XV. This short chapter contains a single simile and its application, designed to show that Israel, having failed to fulfil the purpose for which they had been chosen, were worthless, and could have no other end than destruction. (2) What is the vine tree?—The comparison of Israel to a vine or to a vineyard is common in Scripture (Psalms 80:8-13; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Matthew 21:33-41, &c.) and is very apt; for the vine, bringing forth its appointed fruit, was among the most precious of the earth’s productions, but failing this, was utterly worthless for anything but fuel. The fact that Israel did not yield the fruit required is not especially mentioned, being taken for granted here, and abundantly expressed in the connected prophecies. The fruit of righteousness, as our Lord has shown in John 15:1-8, under the same figure of the vine, is only possible by a steadfast clinging to the Source of righteousness, and this was the point in which the Jews of this time had signally failed. (5) How much less shall it be meet?—The worthlessness of the wood of the vine having been shown in Ezekiel 15:3, and it having been said in Ezekiel 15:4 that it is therefore “cast into the fire,” the climax is here reached. According to Ezekiel 15:4, it is burned off at the ends, and then the remnants are pushed also into the fire to be burned, just as one would do with grape branches to save the trouble of cutting them up. This comparison is carried out in Ezekiel 15:7. (7) Shall go out from one fire and another fire . . .—The words one and another are not in the original and may be omitted, and the articles inserted: “they go from the fire, and the fire devours them.” This was exactly the condition of Israel. Partially consumed in the fire of the Divine judgments, they had been again and again overtaken.
The “ends” were already gone; now “the midst of it” was to be burned up—the final result, as always, being a recognition of God.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 15:5
5. meet for no work] Lit., it could not be made into, or, used for any work; how much less, when the fire hath devoured it and it is charred, shall it be any more used for, or made into any work.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 15:5
OF THE VINE TREE WITH OTHER TREES.It is significant that AEsop was a contemporary of Ezekiel, and that this sixth century B.C. marks the era of constant intercourse between the Hebrews and the surrounding peoples.