King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 19:12 Mean?

Ezekiel 19:12 in the King James Version says “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 w...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 19:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.

14

And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Read Ezekiel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The vine's destruction: plucked up, cast down, dried by east wind, broken, withered, consumed by fire. This comprehensive devastation describes Jerusalem's fall. 'East wind' (qadiym) is the scorching desert wind, representing Babylon. 'Fire consumed them' anticipates Jerusalem's burning (586 BC).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 586 BC destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar fulfilled this prophecy. The city was burned, walls demolished, temple destroyed, and population exiled (2 Kings 25). The Davidic dynasty's political rule ended (though the line continued through Jehoiachin). The devastating completeness matched the prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we process the severity of God's judgment on His own people?
  2. What does this teach about the consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתֻּתַּ֤שׁ1 of 14

“But she was plucked up”

H5428

to tear away

בְּחֵמָה֙2 of 14

“in fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

לָאָ֣רֶץ3 of 14

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הֻשְׁלָ֔כָה4 of 14

“she was cast down”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

וְר֥וּחַ5 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

הַקָּדִ֖ים6 of 14

“and the east”

H6921

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

וְיָבֵ֛שׁוּ7 of 14

“and withered”

H3001

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

פִּרְיָ֑הּ8 of 14

“her fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

הִתְפָּרְק֧וּ9 of 14

“were broken”

H6561

to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver

וְיָבֵ֛שׁוּ10 of 14

“and withered”

H3001

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

מַטֵּ֥ה11 of 14

“rods”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

עֻזָּ֖הּ12 of 14

“her strong”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

אֵ֥שׁ13 of 14

“the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֲכָלָֽתְהוּ׃14 of 14

“consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 19:12 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 19:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 17:10Hosea 13:15Isaiah 27:11Ezekiel 19:11Jeremiah 31:28Ezekiel 15:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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