King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 19:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 19:14 in the King James Version says “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 sce... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 19:14 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The vine's own branches produce fire that consumes it—internal destruction. 'No strong rod to be a sceptre to rule' means no legitimate king. The final line affirms this as qinah (lamentation) for a dynasty that destroyed itself through rebellion. The tragedy: self-inflicted, preventable, complete.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah's rebellion (the 'rod' producing fire) led to Jerusalem's final destruction and the end of Davidic political rule. The dynasty's sins brought its own judgment. For centuries, no Davidic king ruled until Jesus Christ, the ultimate Davidic King, came. This lament prepares for the hope of restoration in later chapters.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does human rebellion contribute to our own suffering?
  2. What hope does Christ as the true Davidic King offer to this lament?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתֵּצֵ֨א1 of 17

is gone out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֵ֜שׁ2 of 17

And fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מַטֵּה3 of 17

of a rod

H4294

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

בַדֶּ֙יהָ֙4 of 17

of her 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

פִּרְיָ֣הּ5 of 17

her fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

אָכָ֔לָה6 of 17

which hath devoured

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹא7 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֥יָה8 of 17
H1961

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

בָ֛הּ9 of 17
H0
מַטֵּה10 of 17

of a rod

H4294

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

עֹ֖ז11 of 17

so that she hath no strong

H5797

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

שֵׁ֣בֶט12 of 17

to be a sceptre

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

לִמְשׁ֑וֹל13 of 17

to rule

H4910

to rule

לְקִינָֽה׃14 of 17

This is a lamentation

H7015

a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on instruments)

הִ֖יא15 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַתְּהִ֥י16 of 17
H1961

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

לְקִינָֽה׃17 of 17

This is a lamentation

H7015

a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on instruments)


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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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