King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:6 in the King James Version says “And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were un... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 17:6 · KJV


Context

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.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'low-spreading vine' describes the vassal kingdom relationship—Judah would survive but remain subordinate to Babylon. This was God's prescribed arrangement (Jeremiah 27:1-15). Accepting humble circumstances under God's sovereignty is sometimes the path of obedience, though pride rebels against subordination.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Vassal treaties were common in ancient Near Eastern politics. The subordinate king swore loyalty oaths and paid tribute in exchange for protection. Zedekiah took such oaths before God (2 Chronicles 36:13) but treacherously broke them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God's will involves humbling circumstances rather than exaltation?
  2. Where might pride be preventing you from accepting God's appointed position for this season?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּצְמַ֡ח1 of 18

And it grew

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

וַיְהִי֩2 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְגֶ֔פֶן3 of 18

thereof were under him so it became a vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

סֹרַ֜חַת4 of 18

and became a spreading

H5628

to extend (even to excess)

שִׁפְלַ֣ת5 of 18

of low

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

קוֹמָ֗ה6 of 18

stature

H6967

height

לִפְנ֤וֹת7 of 18

turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

דָּלִיּוֹתָיו֙8 of 18

whose branches

H1808

something dangling, i.e., a bough

אֵלָ֔יו9 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְשָׁרָשָׁ֖יו10 of 18

toward him and the roots

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

תַּחְתָּ֣יו11 of 18
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יִֽהְי֑וּ12 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וַתְּהִ֣י13 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְגֶ֔פֶן14 of 18

thereof were under him so it became a vine

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וַתַּ֣עַשׂ15 of 18

and brought forth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּדִּ֔ים16 of 18

branches

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וַתְּשַׁלַּ֖ח17 of 18

and shot

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

פֹּארֽוֹת׃18 of 18

forth sprigs

H6288

properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green


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 17:6 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 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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