Ezekiel 15:5

KJV

Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, when it was whole {H8549}, it was meet {H6213} for no work {H4399}: how much less shall it be meet {H6213} yet for any work {H4399}, when the fire {H784} hath devoured {H398} it, and it is burned {H2787}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When it was whole, it was good for nothing; so how much less, when the fire has consumed it, and it is singed, will it be useful for making something!

Berean Standard Bible

Even when it was whole, it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it!

American Standard Version

Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned, shall it yet be meet for any work!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:5 is a poignant rhetorical question within a powerful parable, illustrating God's severe judgment against Jerusalem. It emphasizes the inherent worthlessness of vine wood, both in its natural state and especially after being consumed by fire, serving as a stark metaphor for a chosen people who have failed to bear spiritual fruit and are thus deemed useless for God's purposes, destined for irreversible destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 15 is a concise and vivid parable, following a series of symbolic actions and pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem. It immediately follows chapters that detail Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry and idolatry (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness") and [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Two Sisters")). The chapter opens with God's rhetorical question in [Ezekiel 15:2](/ezekiel/15-2 "Ezekiel 15:2 - The Vine Tree Parable Introduction"), challenging the perceived value of vine wood compared to other trees. The answer, which Ezekiel 15:5 reinforces, is that vine wood is uniquely unsuited for construction or utility, its sole value lying in its fruit. If it fails to bear fruit, it becomes worthless, fit only for fuel, and even then, it burns quickly and leaves little. This sets the stage for the grim pronouncement of judgment on Jerusalem, which, like the unfruitful vine, has become useless to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a period of immense national crisis, specifically between the first deportation (597 BC) and the final destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). The imagery of the vine and vineyard was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture and theology, often symbolizing Israel as God's chosen people (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). While other trees like cedar or oak were prized for their sturdy wood used in building and crafting, vine wood was known for being soft, crooked, and brittle, making it unsuitable for any structural purpose. Its only practical value was its fruit. Therefore, an unfruitful vine was a complete waste, fit only for burning. This cultural understanding amplifies the severity of God's message: Jerusalem, despite its privileged status as God's "vineyard," had become spiritually barren, failing to produce righteousness, and was therefore deemed as useless as barren vine wood, destined for the consuming "fire" of Babylonian conquest and exile.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Ezekiel 15](/ezekiel/15 "Ezekiel 15 - The Parable of the Useless Vine") is **Divine Judgment** against a disobedient and unfruitful people. God's patience has run out, and His just wrath is about to be unleashed upon Jerusalem due to its persistent rebellion and idolatry. This judgment is portrayed as both severe and irreversible, leaving no hope for restoration or repurposing. Another prominent theme is the **Worthlessness of Unfaithfulness**. The parable powerfully illustrates that a chosen status or inherent privilege (like Israel being God's vine) means nothing without corresponding faithfulness and fruitfulness. When God's people fail in their primary purpose of bearing fruit for Him, they lose all value and become fit only for destruction. Finally, the verse underscores **Irreversible Consequences**. The rhetorical question "how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?" highlights the finality of the judgment. What was useless before destruction becomes utterly and irrevocably so after being consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete and devastating ruin of Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **whole (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** From H8549, meaning "entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth; without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole." In Ezekiel 15:5, this word emphasizes the vine's initial state of being complete and outwardly healthy, yet inherently lacking suitability for practical use beyond fruit-bearing. This highlights the paradox of Israel's chosen status without corresponding faithfulness.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** From H4399, meaning "properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor); business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship)." Here, it refers to any practical, constructive purpose, underscoring the vine wood's unsuitability for building or crafting, contrasting it with other useful timber.
* **burned (Hebrew, _chârar'_):** From H2787, a primitive root meaning "to glow, i.e. literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion); be angry, burn, dry, kindle." This word vividly describes the rapid and complete consumption of the vine wood by fire, symbolizing the swift and devastating judgment that will befall Jerusalem, leaving nothing of value behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, when it was whole,":** This opening phrase, introduced by "Behold" (KJV), calls for immediate attention to the initial state of the vine. "Whole" (tâmîym) implies that even in its seemingly complete and healthy natural condition, before any damage or consumption, the vine wood possessed an inherent lack of utility. It was not diseased or broken; its worthlessness was intrinsic to its nature as vine wood, highlighting that Israel's problem was not external damage but internal spiritual barrenness.
* **"it was meet for no work:":** This declares the vine's fundamental unsuitability for any constructive purpose. Unlike other trees whose wood could be used for building, carving, or crafting tools, vine wood was too soft, crooked, or brittle for such "work" (mᵉlâʼkâh). Its only true "work" or purpose was to bear fruit. This establishes the premise of the parable: if the vine fails in its primary purpose (fruit-bearing), it has no secondary utility, making it utterly useless.
* **"how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work,":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, emphasizing the intensified worthlessness of the vine wood after it has been subjected to fire. It implies a logical progression: if something is useless in its original state, it becomes even more profoundly useless once it has been destroyed and rendered to ash or charcoal. The "how much less" underscores the irreversible and complete ruin, leaving no possibility of salvage.
* **"when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?":** This clause describes the destructive process that renders the vine wood utterly worthless. "Fire" (ʼêsh) symbolizes divine judgment. "Hath devoured" (ʼâkal) speaks of complete consumption, leaving nothing substantial behind. "And it is burned" (chârar) reinforces the finality of its destruction, highlighting that the wood is not merely singed but thoroughly consumed, leaving no possibility of salvage or alternative use.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:5, as part of the broader chapter, masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its stark message. The entire passage functions as a **Parable**, using the familiar imagery of a vine to represent Jerusalem/Israel. This allows for a relatable yet profound exploration of spiritual truths through a common agricultural metaphor. A powerful **Rhetorical Question** is central to the verse: "how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?" This question is not meant to be answered but to compel the audience to acknowledge the obvious and inescapable conclusion of the vine's utter worthlessness post-judgment, thereby highlighting the severity and finality of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "vine" representing Israel, the "vine wood" symbolizing the people themselves, particularly in their unfruitful state, and the "fire" standing for divine judgment, specifically the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. The transformation of the wood from "whole" to "burned" symbolizes the nation's journey from a chosen, yet unfaithful, state to one of utter desolation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting the vine's initial "whole" state against its post-fire "burned" state, emphasizing the escalation of its worthlessness and the irreversible nature of the consequences for unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:5 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that God's people are chosen not merely for privilege, but for purpose—specifically, to bear fruit that glorifies Him. When this purpose is neglected, and spiritual barrenness or rebellion takes root, the very identity and value derived from being "God's vine" are negated, leading to severe divine judgment. The passage serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the assumption that covenant status alone guarantees protection from God's righteous wrath. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to holiness and justice, demonstrating that His judgment is proportionate to the failure of His people to live up to their calling.

* [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - The Parable of the Vine and Branches")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of Burning")
* [1 Corinthians 3:13](/1_corinthians/3-13 "1 Corinthians 3:13 - Testing by Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:5 serves as a powerful and sobering mirror for believers today, urging us to examine the fruitfulness of our own lives. Just as the vine wood was inherently useless for construction and only valuable for its fruit, so too is our spiritual value not found in our outward religious affiliation, inherited faith, or even our natural talents, but in our active connection to Christ and the spiritual fruit we bear through Him. This verse challenges any notion of passive Christianity, reminding us that God expects a vibrant, obedient, and fruitful life from those He has chosen. If we fail to produce the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) or live in active obedience, we risk becoming spiritually barren, rendering ourselves useless for God's redemptive purposes in the world. The "fire" of judgment, though not always literal for believers, represents the refining or testing of our works, where only what is truly of God will endure. This calls for a diligent pursuit of holiness, a deep abiding in Christ, and a life actively demonstrating faith, love, and righteousness, lest we face the consequences of spiritual barrenness and a life that ultimately yields no lasting "work" for the Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be like the "whole" vine wood—outwardly complete, but inwardly unproductive for God's purposes?**
* **What "fruit" does God expect me to bear, and how diligently am I cultivating it in my daily walk?**
* **How does the irreversible nature of the vine's burning challenge my complacency or presumption about God's grace?**
* **What "fire" or testing might God use in my life to reveal the true usefulness (or lack thereof) of my spiritual works?**

### FAQ
**What is the main message of Ezekiel 15?**

Answer: The main message of [Ezekiel 15](/ezekiel/15 "Ezekiel 15 - The Parable of the Useless Vine") is a stark pronouncement of divine judgment against Jerusalem (representing the nation of Israel). God uses the parable of the useless vine wood to illustrate that Israel, despite being chosen as His "vineyard," had become spiritually unfruitful and rebellious. Because it failed to fulfill its purpose of bearing righteous fruit, it was deemed worthless, fit only for the consuming "fire" of judgment, symbolizing the impending destruction by Babylon.

**Why is vine wood chosen as a metaphor for Jerusalem?**

Answer: Vine wood is chosen as a metaphor for Jerusalem precisely because of its inherent lack of utility for anything other than bearing fruit. Unlike other trees that produce sturdy timber for building or crafting, vine wood is soft, crooked, and brittle, making it "meet for no work" in a constructive sense. This highlights that Israel's value to God was not in its physical strength, political power, or material resources, but solely in its covenant relationship and its calling to bear the fruit of righteousness and obedience. When it failed in this primary purpose, it became utterly useless, just like an unfruitful vine, destined for judgment.

**Does this passage imply that God's people can lose their salvation?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 15:5 speaks of severe judgment and destruction for the unfruitful "vine" (Israel), it is primarily a corporate warning to the nation regarding its covenant responsibilities and the consequences of national apostasy, rather than an individual statement on eternal salvation. The New Testament clarifies that individual salvation is secured through faith in Christ and is eternally preserved by God's grace ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Security of the Believer")). However, passages like [John 15:1-6](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-6 - Jesus the True Vine") echo the vine imagery, warning that unfruitful branches (believers who do not abide in Christ) will be "cut off," which can refer to a loss of fellowship, usefulness, or even earthly life, though not necessarily a loss of eternal salvation for those truly grafted into the "true Vine." The emphasis is on the necessity of bearing fruit as evidence of genuine faith and abiding in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:5, with its grim portrayal of the unfruitful vine destined for fire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the judgment it foretells but also in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vine symbolized Israel's failure, Jesus declares Himself the "true Vine" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), establishing a new, perfect covenant relationship. Unlike the Old Testament vine, which proved inherently useless apart from its fruit, Christ is eternally fruitful, the source of all spiritual life and purpose. The "fire" of judgment, which consumed the unfruitful vine of Old Covenant Israel, was ultimately absorbed by Christ on the cross. He became the "curse" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) and bore the divine wrath for the unfruitfulness and sin of humanity, allowing those who are "in Christ" to be grafted into the true Vine and bear fruit for God ([Romans 7:4](/romans/7-4 "Romans 7:4 - Bearing Fruit for God")). Thus, Ezekiel 15:5, while a warning of judgment, implicitly points to the necessity of a perfect, fruitful Vine—Jesus Christ—through whom believers can escape the judgment of the unfruitful and instead become branches that bear much fruit for the glory of God ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")).

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 3:16

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more.