15:3 15:3

Ezekiel 15:4

15:5 15:5

Bible Versions

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?
Behold, it is cast {H5414} into the fire {H784} for fuel {H402}; the fire {H784} devoureth {H398} both {H8147} the ends {H7098} of it, and the midst {H8432} of it is burned {H2787}. Is it meet {H6743} for any work {H4399}?
So now it is thrown in the fire as fuel, the fire consumes both ends of it, and the middle of it is singed is it useful now for making something?
No, it is cast into the fire for fuel. The fire devours both ends, and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything?
Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire hath devoured both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned: is it profitable for any work?

Ezekiel 15:4 continues the powerful parable of the vine, illustrating the severe judgment awaiting Jerusalem due to its unfaithfulness. This verse vividly describes the outcome once the vine branch is deemed utterly useless.

Context of Ezekiel 15:4

Chapter 15 of Ezekiel presents a stark parable comparing Jerusalem to a vine, specifically the wood of a vine. Unlike other trees, vine wood is inherently weak and not suitable for building or crafting anything useful (as noted in Ezekiel 15:3). Its only practical purpose is as fuel for fire. This divine message, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizes Israel's spiritual barrenness and failure to bear righteous fruit, despite being God's chosen vine (compare Isaiah 5:1-7). Verse 4 describes the inevitable fate of such a worthless vine branch once it has been subjected to judgment by fire.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The central theme is God's fierce judgment against Jerusalem. The "fire" here is a metaphor for the devastating consequences of their rebellion and idolatry, culminating in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of the city and temple.
  • Utter Worthlessness and Unfruitfulness: The vine wood, already of little value, becomes completely worthless after being consumed by fire. The phrase "the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned" signifies a comprehensive, complete destruction. This illustrates that Israel, having failed to live up to its covenant responsibilities and bear spiritual fruit, was rendered useless in God's eyes for its intended purpose.
  • Consequences of Rejection: The rhetorical question, "Is it meet for [any] work?" highlights the irreversible state of devastation. Once judgment has consumed, there is no salvageable part; no good can come from it. This serves as a potent warning about the consequences of spiritual barrenness and rejecting God's ways.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Is it meet for [any] work?" uses the Hebrew word כָּשֵׁר (kasher), which means "fit," "suitable," "proper," or "ready." In this context, it powerfully conveys that the vine wood, after being subjected to the consuming fire, is absolutely not fit for any constructive purpose. It underscores the complete and irreversible destruction that results from God's judgment on unrighteousness.

Related Scriptures

  • For the broader context of Israel as God's vine, see Psalm 80:8-16 and Jeremiah 2:21.
  • The concept of branches being cut off and burned for unfruitfulness is echoed by Jesus in John 15:6, where He states, "If 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."
  • The imagery of God's judgment as a consuming fire is also found in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 15:4 serves as a sobering reminder for all believers. Just as the vine wood was useless apart from bearing fruit, so too are we called to bear spiritual fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). This verse highlights the severe consequences of spiritual barrenness and disobedience. It urges us to examine our lives: are we truly fruitful in our walk with God, or are we merely existing, destined to be rendered useless for His purposes? It underscores the importance of a living, active faith that produces good works and glorifies God, lest we face the purifying fire of divine judgment for our unfaithfulness.

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.

  • John 15:6

    If 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 27:11

    When 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 80:16

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

  • Malachi 4:1

    ¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

  • Hebrews 6:8

    But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

  • Ezekiel 19:14

    And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, [which] hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod [to be] a sceptre to rule. This [is] a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

  • Isaiah 1:31

    And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench [them].
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