King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:7 in the King James Version says “There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 17:7 · KJV

Context

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

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.

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces the second great eagle in Ezekiel's parable, representing Egypt under Pharaoh Hophra. The vine (Judah/Zedekiah) treacherously 'bent her roots' toward Egypt, violating the covenant with Babylon. The Hebrew verb shathal ('transplant' or 'shoot forth') emphasizes active, deliberate action—Zedekiah wasn't passively drifting but actively seeking Egyptian alliance. This political maneuvering directly violated both the Babylonian vassal treaty and God's command through Jeremiah not to seek Egyptian help (Jeremiah 37:7-10). The theological principle: turning from God's ordained path to human alliances demonstrates lack of faith and brings divine judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy dates to approximately 591-590 BC, after Zedekiah's accession as Babylon's puppet king (597 BC) but before Jerusalem's final siege (588-586 BC). Egyptian Pharaoh Hophra (589-570 BC) encouraged Palestinian states to rebel against Babylon. Zedekiah allied with Egypt despite Jeremiah's warnings, triggering Nebuchadnezzar's devastating response.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you sought 'Egyptian' help—human solutions—instead of trusting God's provision?
  2. How does this passage challenge our tendency to hedge spiritual commitments with worldly backup plans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 21
H1961

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

נֶֽשֶׁר2 of 21

“eagle”

H5404

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

אֶחָד֙3 of 21

“There was also another”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

גְּד֥וֹל4 of 21

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

גְּד֥וֹל5 of 21

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כְּנָפַ֖יִם6 of 21

“wings”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

וְרַב7 of 21

“and many”

H7227

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

נוֹצָ֑ה8 of 21

“feathers”

H5133

a pinion (or wing feather); often (collectively) plumage

וְהִנֵּה֩9 of 21
H2009

lo!

הַגֶּ֨פֶן10 of 21

“and behold this vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

הַזֹּ֜את11 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

כָּֽפְנָ֧ה12 of 21

“did bend”

H3719

to bend

שָׁרֳשֶׁ֣יהָ13 of 21

“her roots”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

עָלָ֗יו14 of 21
H5921

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

וְדָֽלִיּוֹתָיו֙15 of 21

“her branches”

H1808

something dangling, i.e., a bough

שִׁלְחָה16 of 21

“toward him and shot forth”

H7971

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

לּ֔וֹ17 of 21
H0
לְהַשְׁק֣וֹת18 of 21

“toward him that he might water”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

אוֹתָ֔הּ19 of 21
H853

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

מֵעֲרֻג֖וֹת20 of 21

“it by the furrows”

H6170

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

מַטָּעָֽהּ׃21 of 21

“of her plantation”

H4302

something planted, i.e., the place (a garden or vineyard), or the thing (a plant, figuratively or men); by implication, the act, planting

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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 17:15Ezekiel 31:42 Kings 24:202 Chronicles 26:13Jeremiah 37:5-7

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