Ezekiel 15:3
Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?
Original Language Analysis
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
H4480
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עֵ֔ץ
Shall wood
H6086
עֵ֔ץ
Shall wood
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 13
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת
thereof to do
H6213
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת
thereof to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִמְלָאכָ֑ה
any work
H4399
לִמְלָאכָ֑ה
any work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
H4480
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Wooden pegs were essential for hanging tools, vessels, and household items in ancient homes. Even this minimal usefulness was beyond vine wood's capacity.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be trying to find significance in things other than your relationship with Christ?
- How does recognizing your utter dependence on God's grace affect your approach to spiritual disciplines?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The uselessness of vine wood for even basic tasks like making pegs emphasizes total worthlessness apart from fruit-bearing. This parallels Jesus' teaching in John 15:5-6 that branches severed from the vine are fit only for burning. The rhetorical question demands acknowledgment of Israel's complete dependence on covenant relationship for any value.