King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:5 in the King James Version says “He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. planted: Heb. put it in a field of seed”

Ezekiel 17:5 · KJV

Context

3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged , full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: divers: Heb. embroidering

4

He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.

5

He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. planted: Heb. put it in a field of seed

6

And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.

7

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'seed of the land' represents Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar installed as vassal king. Like a plant in rich soil, Zedekiah was given opportunity to thrive under Babylonian oversight. This arrangement could have brought stability, but Zedekiah's rebellion destroyed it. God's sovereignty doesn't eliminate human responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah, Josiah's youngest son, became king at 21 when Nebuchadnezzar bypassed Jehoiachin's infant son. His reign (597-586 BC) was marked by weak leadership, false prophets, and foolish rebellion against Babylon despite Jeremiah's warnings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to God's providential arrangements in your life—with submission or rebellion?
  2. What opportunities has God given you that require faithful stewardship rather than selfish ambition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
קָ֚ח1 of 12

“He took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

זָ֑רַע2 of 12

“also of the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

הָאָ֔רֶץ3 of 12

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ4 of 12

“and planted”

H5414

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

בִּשְׂדֵה5 of 12

“field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

זָ֑רַע6 of 12

“also of the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

קָ֚ח7 of 12

“He took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עַל8 of 12
H5921

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

מַ֣יִם9 of 12

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּ֔ים10 of 12

“it by great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

צַפְצָפָ֖ה11 of 12

“it as a willow tree”

H6851

a willow (as growing in overflowed places)

שָׂמֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“and set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:7-9Isaiah 44:42 Kings 24:17Ezekiel 19:11-12Ezekiel 17:13Jeremiah 37:1

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