Ezekiel 15:3

KJV

Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will [men] take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall wood {H6086} be taken {H3947} thereof to do {H6213} any work {H4399}? or will men take {H3947} a pin {H3489} of it to hang {H8518} any vessel {H3627} thereon?

Complete Jewish Bible

Its wood can't be used to make anything, not even a pin on which to hang a pot.

Berean Standard Bible

Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils?

American Standard Version

Shall wood be taken thereof to make any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:3 powerfully employs a rhetorical question to underscore the utter worthlessness of wood from a vine that has failed to bear fruit, serving as a stark metaphor for unfaithful Jerusalem. Stripped of its primary purpose, the vine wood is depicted as so inherently weak and twisted that it cannot even be repurposed for the most basic, utilitarian tasks, such as crafting a simple peg or a sturdy support for hanging a vessel, thereby emphasizing its destiny for destruction by fire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 15 immediately follows a series of oracles against Jerusalem and the nations, particularly the pronouncements of judgment in chapters 12-14. Chapter 15 itself is a concise, self-contained parable, one of many allegories Ezekiel uses to communicate God's message to a rebellious Israel. It sets the stage for the more extensive parable of the two eagles and the vine in [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Parable of the Eagles and the Vine") and the allegory of the unfaithful wife in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Ezekiel's Allegory of Jerusalem as an Unfaithful Wife"). This brevity in chapter 15 intensifies its impact, focusing sharply on the singular point of Israel's uselessness when it fails to produce spiritual fruit, preparing the reader for the detailed accusations and judgments that follow. The rhetorical questions in verse 3 drive home the point established in verses 1-2, that the vine's wood, unlike other trees, has no inherent value apart from its fruit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the vine was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite culture and theology. Vines were a common sight in the Judean landscape, and viticulture was a significant agricultural activity. More importantly, the vine was a pervasive symbol for Israel itself, frequently used by prophets to describe God's chosen people (e.g., [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-16 - The 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 - Israel as a Noble Vine")). This symbolic connection would have been immediately understood by Ezekiel's audience, both the exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. Unlike trees like the cedar or oak, which were prized for their durable timber in construction and craftsmanship, the vine's wood was known to be weak, pliable, and often knotty, making it unsuitable for structural purposes. Its entire value lay in its fruit, thus making its unproductiveness a profound statement of worthlessness.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by Ezekiel 15:3 is the **worthlessness of unfruitfulness** in God's covenant people. When Israel, represented by the vine, fails to produce the expected fruit of righteousness, justice, and obedience, its very existence becomes devoid of purpose in God's plan. This leads directly to the theme of **divine judgment**, depicted through the imagery of fire, a common biblical motif for God's holy wrath and purifying action (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). The useless vine wood is fit only for burning, symbolizing Jerusalem's impending destruction due to its spiritual barrenness and rebellion. Furthermore, the passage subtly highlights the theme of **God's sovereign expectation** from His chosen people, emphasizing that privilege comes with responsibility, and failure to meet divine expectations results in severe consequences, ultimately leading to a purging that prepares for a future, faithful remnant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wood (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** From H6086, meaning "a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)." In this context, it specifically refers to the timber of the vine. The choice of "wood" emphasizes the material itself, devoid of its fruit-bearing function, highlighting its inherent lack of structural integrity or utility compared to other types of wood.
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away." The repeated use of this verb in the rhetorical questions ("Shall wood be taken... or will men take...") underscores the impossibility of anyone choosing to utilize such inferior material, even for the most trivial tasks. It emphasizes the active rejection of the wood due to its uselessness.
* **pin (Hebrew, _yâthêd'_):** From H3489, meaning "a peg; nail, paddle, pin, stake." This word refers to a small, simple, and common household item used for hanging things. The fact that the vine wood is deemed unsuitable even for such a modest and easily fashioned object powerfully illustrates its extreme fragility and unsuitability for any practical purpose, no matter how minor.
* **vessel (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, meaning "something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." This term is broad, encompassing various tools, containers, or household items. The inability to hang "any vessel" on a pin made from this wood reinforces the idea that the wood is utterly useless for supporting even the lightest or most common objects, thus amplifying the metaphor of Israel's complete spiritual bankruptcy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work?"**: This initial rhetorical question sets the tone, immediately challenging the audience to consider the practical value of vine wood. The implication is a resounding "No." Unlike other trees whose wood is valued for construction, furniture, or tools, the vine's wood is inherently weak and twisted, making it unsuitable for any meaningful "work" or craftsmanship. This directly parallels Israel's failure to perform the "work" of righteousness and covenant faithfulness expected by God.
* **"or will [men] take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?"**: This second question further intensifies the point by specifying an even more humble and basic use. A "pin" (or peg) is a small, simple item, and "any vessel" implies even the lightest or most common household item. The inability to use the vine wood even for such a minimal, everyday task underscores its absolute worthlessness. It highlights that Israel's spiritual decay was so profound that they couldn't even fulfill the most basic functions of a covenant people, failing to bear the weight of God's purposes or provide any spiritual support.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:3 is masterfully crafted using several potent literary devices. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, which is not intended to elicit an answer but to make a forceful assertion. By posing two questions, "Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will [men] take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?", the prophet compels the audience to acknowledge the obvious negative conclusion: the wood is utterly useless. This technique engages the listener directly and makes the judgment undeniable. Underlying this is a powerful **Metaphor** (or **Allegory**), where the vine and its wood represent the people of Jerusalem/Israel. The physical properties of the vine's wood—its weakness and unsuitability for construction—serve as a direct analogy for Israel's spiritual barrenness and lack of moral integrity. The **Imagery** is vivid and relatable, drawing on common knowledge of viticulture and household items (wood, pin, vessel) to make the abstract concept of spiritual worthlessness concrete and impactful. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** in that Israel, chosen and cultivated by God as a special vine, has become so unproductive that its very essence is discarded as refuse, a stark contrast to its intended glorious purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:3 profoundly articulates the theological principle that privilege and divine investment necessitate fruitfulness. Just as a vine is cultivated solely for its grapes, Israel was chosen by God not merely for existence, but to bear the fruit of righteousness, obedience, and witness to the nations. When this primary purpose is abandoned, and spiritual barrenness takes root, the object of divine favor becomes worthless in the eyes of the Cultivator. This passage serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and nominal faith, asserting that a lack of genuine spiritual vitality and productive obedience renders one fit only for judgment, akin to useless wood destined for the fire. It highlights God's unwavering expectation of genuine, transformative fruit from those He has called into covenant relationship, emphasizing that His holiness demands a response of faithfulness.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down")
* [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:3 challenges believers today to deeply examine the nature of their faith and the tangible evidence of their spiritual lives. It compels us to move beyond mere religious affiliation or outward profession to a genuine, fruit-bearing relationship with God. Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—in our daily interactions and character? Are our lives demonstrating the righteousness and justice that reflect God's character to a watching world? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's investment in us, through Christ, is not for our self-gratification but for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. If our lives remain spiritually barren, devoid of active obedience and transformative impact, we risk becoming like the useless vine wood, failing to fulfill our divine purpose and facing the consequences of unfaithfulness. It calls us to active, intentional discipleship, constantly abiding in the True Vine to ensure a life of flourishing fruitfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to bear more spiritual fruit, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate it?**
* **How might I be exhibiting "unfruitfulness" in my faith, and what might be hindering my spiritual growth and productivity?**
* **What does it mean for me to "abide" in Christ, and how does this abiding directly relate to bearing good fruit?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Ezekiel 15:3?**

Answer: The primary message of Ezekiel 15:3 is that unfaithful Israel, symbolized by the vine, has become utterly useless to God because it has failed to bear the fruit of righteousness and obedience. Its wood, unlike that of other trees, has no inherent value for construction or practical use, signifying that Israel, in its current state of rebellion, is fit only for divine judgment and destruction by fire. It underscores that God's chosen people are expected to be fruitful, and barrenness leads to severe consequences.

**How does the imagery of the vine in Ezekiel 15 relate to other biblical passages?**

Answer: The imagery of the vine is a pervasive and significant metaphor throughout the Bible, consistently representing God's people, Israel. In the Old Testament, passages like [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-16 - The Vine from Egypt") depict Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt and planted by God. [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard") vividly portrays God as the vineyard owner who carefully cultivates His vine (Israel), only to find it producing wild grapes, leading to judgment. [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Israel as a Noble Vine") laments how Israel, planted as a noble vine, has turned into a corrupt, wild vine. In the New Testament, Jesus reclaims and transforms this imagery in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-8 - Jesus, the True Vine"), declaring Himself to be "the true vine" and His followers the branches, emphasizing that fruitfulness comes only through abiding in Him. Ezekiel 15:3, therefore, stands within a rich biblical tradition of using vine imagery to speak of God's covenant relationship with His people and His expectation of fruitfulness.

**Does this passage imply that God gives up on His people permanently?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 15:3 and the broader chapter emphasize severe judgment and the worthlessness of unfaithful Israel in its current state, it does not imply God's permanent abandonment of His people. The prophetic message often includes both judgment and a promise of future restoration. Though the unfaithful "wood" is consumed by fire, the purpose of this judgment is often purification and the preservation of a faithful remnant. Later in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel")), God promises to restore Israel, give them a new heart, and cause them to walk in His statutes, indicating that the judgment serves a redemptive purpose, preparing the way for a renewed, fruitful relationship in the future. The judgment is on their unfaithfulness, not an annulment of His covenant promises to a future, faithful Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:3, with its stark depiction of the useless, unfruitful vine wood destined for fire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the true vine. While the Old Testament vine symbolized Israel's failure to bear fruit, Jesus declares in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." This establishes a new, perfect vine, one that will never be unfruitful. The judgment pronounced on the barren vine in Ezekiel foreshadows the spiritual reality that apart from Christ, humanity remains spiritually barren, producing only "wild grapes" of sin and unrighteousness, fit for judgment as described in passages like [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down"). Conversely, those who are "in Christ" and "abide in Him" (as per [John 15:4-5](/john/15-4 "John 15:4-5 - Abide in Me")) are grafted into the true vine, receiving life and nourishment that enables them to bear "much fruit" for the glory of God. Thus, the uselessness of the wood in Ezekiel highlights the desperate need for a divine intervention—a new covenant and a new source of life—which is fully realized in Christ, who not only provides the means for true fruitfulness but also bore the fiery judgment for our unfruitfulness on the cross, allowing us to be reconciled and made spiritually productive.

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

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Matthew 5:13

¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Luke 14:34

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Luke 14:35

It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.