Ezekiel 15:2
Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּעֲצֵ֥י
more than any tree
H6086
בַּעֲצֵ֥י
more than any tree
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
5 of 13
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
הַגֶּ֖פֶן
What is the vine
H1612
הַגֶּ֖פֶן
What is the vine
Strong's:
H1612
Word #:
6 of 13
a vine (as twining), especially the grape
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בַּעֲצֵ֥י
more than any tree
H6086
בַּעֲצֵ֥י
more than any tree
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
8 of 13
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָ֖ה
H1961
הָיָ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued strong timbers like cedar and oak for building. Vine wood was recognized as brittle and unsuitable for carpentry, making this metaphor immediately clear to Ezekiel's audience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge contemporary notions of self-worth apart from fulfilling God's purposes?
- What fruit is God seeking in your life that demonstrates genuine faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical question highlights that vine wood is useless for construction or tools—its sole value lies in bearing fruit. This illustrates that Israel's purpose was to glorify God and bless the nations (Genesis 12:3), not to be valued for inherent national greatness. When covenant people fail their calling, they become worthless like unfruitful vine wood.