King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:10 in the King James Version says “Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall with...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.”

Ezekiel 17:10 · King James Version

Context

8

It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine. soil: Heb. field

9

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

10

Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

11

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Even transplanted, the vine won't prosper. The 'east wind' (Hebrew qadiym)—scorching desert wind representing Babylon—will cause withering (Jeremiah 4:11, Hosea 13:15). It will 'utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it'—mere contact suffices for destruction. Theologically: seeking refuge apart from God transforms potential sanctuaries into places of judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After Jerusalem fell (586 BC), refugees fled to Egypt despite Jeremiah's warnings (Jeremiah 42-43). Even there, no safety—Babylon invaded Egypt (568 BC), fulfilling Ezekiel 29-32. Archaeological evidence confirms Babylonian campaigns into Egypt.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'east winds' of consequence do we ignore while trusting false refuges?
  2. How does God's sovereignty over nations affect our response to political turmoil?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהִנֵּ֥ה1 of 14
H2009

lo!

שְׁתוּלָ֖ה2 of 14

“Yea behold being planted”

H8362

to transplant

הֲתִצְלָ֑ח3 of 14

“shall it prosper”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

הֲלֹא֩4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כְגַ֨עַת5 of 14

“toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בָּ֜הּ6 of 14
H0
ר֤וּחַ7 of 14

“wind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

הַקָּדִים֙8 of 14

“when the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

תִּיבָֽשׁ׃9 of 14

“it it shall wither”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

תִּיבָֽשׁ׃10 of 14

“it it shall wither”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

עַל11 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲרֻגֹ֥ת12 of 14

“in the furrows”

H6170

something piled up (as if (figuratively) raised by mental aspiration), i.e., a paterre

צִמְחָ֖הּ13 of 14

“where it grew”

H6780

a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative

תִּיבָֽשׁ׃14 of 14

“it it shall wither”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

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 17:10 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 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 13:15Hosea 12:1Mark 11:20Jude 1:12Ezekiel 19:12-14John 15:6

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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