King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 15:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 15:6 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fu... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 15:6 · KJV


Context

4

Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work? Is it: Heb. Will it prosper?

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? meet: Heb. made fit

6

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.

8

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God directly applies the parable: Jerusalem's inhabitants are the fruitless vine destined for fire. The phrase 'set my face against them' appears throughout Ezekiel (14:8, 15:7) signifying irreversible judgment. This doesn't contradict God's mercy but reveals that persistent rebellion exhausts patience, especially for those with covenant privileges (Amos 3:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem had unique covenant advantages—the temple, Davidic dynasty, Torah, and prophets. Greater privilege brings greater accountability, as Jesus later taught in Matthew 11:20-24.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does access to Scripture, Christian teaching, and Gospel proclamation increase your accountability before God?
  2. Are you bearing fruit proportionate to the spiritual advantages you've been given?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֤ה2 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙3 of 19

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 19

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה5 of 19

GOD

H3069

god

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּעֵ֣ץ7 of 19

among the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַגֶּ֙פֶן֙8 of 19

As the vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

בְּעֵ֣ץ9 of 19

among the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַיַּ֔עַר10 of 19

of the forest

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֔תִּי12 of 19

so will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָאֵ֖שׁ13 of 19

to the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לְאָכְלָ֑ה14 of 19

for fuel

H402

food

כֵּ֣ן15 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

נָתַ֔תִּי16 of 19

so will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת17 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י18 of 19

the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃19 of 19

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 15:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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