Ezekiel 15:2

KJV

Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, [or than] a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, What is the vine {H1612} tree {H6086} more than any tree {H6086}, or than a branch {H2156} which is among the trees {H6086} of the forest {H3293}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, why should wood from a grapevine be better than some other kind of wood, than some branch that one might find among the trees of the forest?

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest?

American Standard Version

Son of man, what is the vine-tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:2 initiates a profound and unsettling parable from God to the prophet Ezekiel, directly addressing the spiritual state of Jerusalem and the people of Israel. This rhetorical question challenges the perceived value of a vine that fails to produce fruit, starkly illustrating that Israel, despite its privileged status, had become spiritually barren and therefore deemed worthless for its intended purpose, fit only for destruction by fire. The passage serves as a severe indictment of unfaithfulness and a precursor to the impending divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 15 immediately follows a series of pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah (Ezekiel 12-14), which detail the city's idolatry, rebellion, and moral corruption, culminating in God's declaration of four severe judgments (sword, famine, wild beasts, pestilence). Chapter 15 shifts from direct accusation to a vivid parable, a common prophetic device, to underscore the depth of Israel's spiritual decay. This parable serves as a transition, setting the stage for further condemnations and the ultimate siege and destruction of Jerusalem detailed in subsequent chapters (Ezekiel 16-24). The rhetorical question posed in this verse is designed to elicit a negative answer, emphasizing the vine's inherent worthlessness when it fails its primary function, thus preparing the audience for the harsh judgment that follows in the rest of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), speaking to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Jerusalem had already experienced one deportation (597 BC), and the final destruction of the city and temple was imminent (586 BC). In ancient Israel, the vine and vineyard were potent and deeply embedded symbols of the nation, representing God's chosen people whom He had carefully planted, nurtured, and expected to bear fruit. This imagery is pervasive in the Old Testament, from Moses' blessing of Joseph (`[Genesis 49:22](/genesis/49-22 "Genesis 49:22 - Joseph, a Fruitful Vine")`) to the Psalms (`[Psalm 80:8-16](/psalm/80 "Psalm 80 - The Vine from Egypt")`) and the prophets. The people understood the agricultural significance: a vine's value was almost entirely in its fruit; its wood was notoriously poor for construction, being gnarled, soft, and prone to rot. Thus, for God to question the vine's worth as wood was to strip Israel of any perceived inherent value apart from its spiritual purpose, a devastating cultural indictment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God's patience with Israel's unfaithfulness has run out, leading to severe consequences. Closely related is the theme of **Spiritual Barrenness and Worthlessness**, where Israel, despite its privileged status as God's chosen "vine," has failed to produce the fruit of righteousness and obedience, rendering it useless in God's eyes. This contrasts sharply with the theme of **God's Righteous Expectations** for His covenant people; their unique relationship came with the responsibility to reflect His character and purpose to the nations. The parable highlights that mere existence or historical privilege is insufficient; spiritual productivity is paramount. This echoes earlier prophetic warnings, such as [Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard"](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Unfruitful Vineyard"), which similarly laments Israel's failure to yield justice and righteousness. The ultimate consequence of this barrenness is **Destruction by Fire**, symbolizing God's purifying and consuming judgment, a theme that recurs throughout Ezekiel's prophecies concerning Jerusalem's fate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning "to bend," this word specifically refers to a vine, especially the grape-vine. In the context of Ezekiel 15:2, it denotes Israel, God's chosen people, who were cultivated and expected to bear fruit. The choice of "vine" emphasizes its primary purpose—fruit-bearing—and its secondary characteristic—its wood being of little practical value for construction.
* **tree (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** From a root meaning "to be firm," this term broadly refers to a tree, or wood in general. In contrast to the vine, other trees typically yield valuable timber, even if they don't produce fruit. The rhetorical question in Ezekiel 15:2 highlights the vine's inferiority as "wood" compared to other trees, underscoring its unique dependency on fruitfulness for its worth.
* **branch (Hebrew, _zᵉmôwrâh'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to prune," refers to a twig or a pruned branch. Its inclusion further emphasizes the low value of the vine's wood. Even a common branch from the forest, perhaps from a less esteemed tree, might have more practical use (e.g., for kindling) than the gnarled, soft wood of an unfruitful vine. This intensifies the metaphor of Israel's worthlessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This is God's customary address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing Ezekiel's human frailty and mortality in contrast to the divine majesty of the one who speaks. It also serves as a direct, personal summons to the prophet, calling him to receive and convey a crucial message.
* **"What is the vine tree more than any tree,"**: This is the core rhetorical question. It challenges the inherent value of the vine's wood itself, apart from its fruit. The implied answer is "nothing" or "less than nothing." Unlike other trees valued for their timber, the vine's wood is generally useless for building or crafting, being weak, twisted, and soft. This question immediately sets up the metaphor for Israel's spiritual condition.
* **"or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?"**: This clause intensifies the previous question by comparing the vine's wood not just to any "tree," but even to a mere "branch" from the wild forest. A common, uncultivated branch might at least be useful for kindling or simple purposes, further highlighting the utter worthlessness of the unfruitful vine's wood, implying it's even inferior to common, wild wood.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:2 is rich in **Rhetorical Question** and **Metaphor**. The opening phrase, "What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?", is a powerful rhetorical question designed not to elicit information but to make a forceful point. The implied answer is "nothing" or "less than nothing," immediately establishing the worthlessness of the unfruitful vine. This sets the stage for the subsequent judgment. The entire passage functions as an extended **Metaphor**, where the "vine tree" represents the nation of Israel. This metaphor draws on a long tradition in Israelite prophecy, where Israel is often depicted as God's carefully cultivated vineyard or vine. By questioning the intrinsic value of the vine's wood, Ezekiel subverts the positive connotations of the vine imagery, transforming it into a symbol of spiritual barrenness and impending judgment. The contrast between the cultivated vine and a "branch which is among the trees of the forest" also employs **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the vine's unique failure to fulfill its purpose despite its privileged cultivation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:2 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical principle: privilege without purpose leads to judgment. Israel, God's chosen vine, was meant to bear the fruit of righteousness, justice, and faithfulness, reflecting God's character to the world. When it failed in this divine mandate, its unique status became a liability rather than an asset, rendering it "worthless" in God's eyes for its intended purpose, fit only for destruction. This passage underscores God's unwavering expectation of spiritual fruitfulness from those He has called and cultivated, revealing His righteous judgment against covenant unfaithfulness. It serves as a stark reminder that God's covenant is not merely about identity but about active obedience and productivity.

* [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalm/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-16 - God's Vine from Egypt")
* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - A Degenerate Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:2, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, carries a profound and challenging message for believers today. It compels us to examine our own lives, not merely our identity as Christians, but the tangible fruit we are producing for God's kingdom. Just as the vine's worth was tied to its grapes, our spiritual value in God's economy is not solely in our profession of faith but in the evidence of a transformed life—the "fruit of the Spirit" (`[Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")`), acts of righteousness, and a life that glorifies God. This passage warns against spiritual complacency, reminding us that privilege (being part of God's people) comes with responsibility (bearing fruit). If we are merely "wood" without fruit, our spiritual existence becomes meaningless in the divine purpose, fit only for judgment. It calls us to active, intentional discipleship, constantly seeking to abide in Christ so that we may bear much fruit, demonstrating the reality of our faith and fulfilling our divine calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to bear spiritual fruit, and how am I currently doing so?**
* **Am I relying on my identity as a Christian without actively pursuing spiritual growth and obedience?**
* **What "gaps" in my spiritual life might be hindering me from being a truly fruitful branch?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment on the unfruitful vine motivate me to live a more purposeful and productive Christian life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the vine imagery in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The vine and vineyard imagery is a recurring and powerful metaphor in the Old Testament, predominantly symbolizing Israel as God's chosen people. God is depicted as the diligent vinedresser who planted, cultivated, and protected His vine (`[Psalm 80:8-11](/psalm/80 "Psalm 80 - God's Vine")`). The expectation was that this vine would produce good fruit—righteousness, justice, and obedience to the covenant. When Israel failed to do so, the imagery often shifted to depict a wild, degenerate, or unfruitful vine, signaling God's disappointment and impending judgment (`[Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Unfruitful Vineyard"); [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - A Degenerate Vine")`). Ezekiel 15:2 takes this a step further, questioning the very worth of the vine's wood itself when it fails its purpose.

**Why is the wood of a vine considered worthless compared to other trees?**

Answer: From an agricultural and practical perspective, the wood of a grape vine is generally considered poor quality for construction or craftsmanship. Unlike oak, cedar, or pine, vine wood is typically gnarled, twisted, soft, porous, and lacks the strength and straightness needed for building timber or tools. Its primary and almost sole value lies in its ability to produce grapes. If it doesn't bear fruit, its wood is not useful for anything significant, making it inferior even to common branches from the forest which might at least serve as useful kindling. This physical characteristic becomes a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual uselessness when it fails to produce spiritual fruit.

**Does this passage imply that God rejects His people permanently?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 15:2-8 speaks of severe judgment and the burning of the unfruitful vine (representing Jerusalem), it's crucial to understand this within the broader context of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Prophetic judgment often serves as a purifying fire, leading to a remnant and future restoration. While the immediate judgment on Jerusalem was devastating, God's ultimate covenant with Israel is eternal. The passage highlights a temporary rejection for a specific purpose (chastisement and purification) due to their unfaithfulness, rather than an absolute, permanent abandonment of His people. The book of Ezekiel itself contains prophecies of future restoration and renewal for Israel (`[Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel")`).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:2, with its stark portrayal of the unfruitful vine, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment and transformation in the New Testament, particularly in Jesus' teaching on the True Vine. While the Old Testament vine symbolized a corporate Israel that largely failed to bear fruit, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" (`[John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")`). This profound statement shifts the focus from an ethnically defined nation to a person—Jesus Himself—as the source of true spiritual life and fruitfulness. Believers are no longer merely "branches" of an earthly vine, but "branches" in union with Christ (`[John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")`). The warning of Ezekiel 15:2 is echoed in Jesus' words: "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away" (`[John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - Branches That Bear No Fruit")`). This is not a threat of eternal damnation for genuine believers, but a call to active, abiding union with Him, emphasizing that true discipleship is evidenced by spiritual fruit—the character of Christ (`[Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")`) and works that glorify God (`[Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")`). Thus, Christ fulfills the ideal of the fruitful vine that Israel failed to be, and through union with Him, His followers are empowered to bear the fruit that God has always desired, transforming the judgment of the unfruitful vine into a call to life and abundance in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 10:1

¶ Israel [is] an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images.

Isaiah 5:1

¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Psalms 80:8

¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.

Psalms 80:16

[It is] burned with fire, [it is] cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

Song Of Solomon 6:11

¶ I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded.

Song Of Solomon 7:12

Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, [whether] the tender grape appear, [and] the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.