Ezekiel 15:4
Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?
Original Language Analysis
נִתַּ֣ן
Behold it is cast
H5414
נִתַּ֣ן
Behold it is cast
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְתוֹכ֣וֹ
of it and the midst
H8432
וְתוֹכ֣וֹ
of it and the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
10 of 13
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
נָחָ֔ר
of it is burned
H2787
נָחָ֔ר
of it is burned
Strong's:
H2787
Word #:
11 of 13
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
Cross References
John 15:6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.Psalms 80:16It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
Historical Context
The 597 BC deportation took Ezekiel and 10,000 nobles to Babylon, but Jerusalem continued under Zedekiah's weak leadership. Rather than repenting, the remaining people grew more defiant, sealing their fate.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's past mercies and warnings motivate present obedience rather than presumption?
- What 'wake-up calls' from God have you experienced but perhaps not fully heeded?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Fire judgment imagery appears throughout Ezekiel (chapters 5, 16, 19, 21). The partially burned vine wood is even more useless—judgment has already begun but not completed. This refers to the deportations under Jehoiachin (597 BC) which Jerusalem survived but failed to repent from, making final destruction inevitable.