King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 19:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 19:10 in the King James Version says “Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood , planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood , planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. in: or, in thy quietness, or, in thy likeness”

Ezekiel 19:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.

9

And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel. in chains: or, in hooks

10

Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood , planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. in: or, in thy quietness, or, in thy likeness

11

And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.

12

But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

Read Ezekiel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.' The metaphor shifts from lioness to vine—Judah's royal house. 'In thy blood' is difficult (some translations read 'in thy vineyard' or 'in thy likeness'). 'Planted by the waters...fruitful and full of branches' describes former prosperity. The Davidic dynasty flourished when faithful to God's covenant, producing many kings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The vine represents the Davidic kingdom's former glory under David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The 'many waters' suggest God's covenant blessings, abundant provision, and protection. When Judah remained faithful, the dynasty prospered. The imagery recalls Isaiah 5's vineyard parable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we remember past blessings without living in nostalgia instead of present faithfulness?
  2. What does the vine imagery teach about dependence on God for fruitfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אִמְּךָ֥1 of 11

“Thy mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

כַגֶּ֛פֶן2 of 11

“is like a vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

בְּדָמְךָ֖3 of 11

“in thy blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עַל4 of 11
H5921

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

מִמַּ֥יִם5 of 11

“by the waters”

H4325

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

שְׁתוּלָ֑ה6 of 11

“planted”

H8362

to transplant

פֹּֽרִיָּה֙7 of 11

“she was fruitful”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וַֽעֲנֵפָ֔ה8 of 11

“and full of branches”

H6058

branching

הָיְתָ֖ה9 of 11
H1961

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

מִמַּ֥יִם10 of 11

“by the waters”

H4325

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

רַבִּֽים׃11 of 11

“by reason of many”

H7227

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

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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 80:8-11Deuteronomy 8:7Matthew 21:33-41Numbers 24:6-7Ezekiel 15:2-8Hosea 2:2

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 19 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes