Ezekiel 19:10

KJV

¶ Thy mother [is] like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy mother {H517} is like a vine {H1612} in thy blood {H1818}{H1818}, planted {H8362} by the waters {H4325}: she was fruitful {H6509} and full of branches {H6058} by reason of many {H7227} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Your mother was like a strong grapevine planted by the water. It was fruitful and luxuriant because of the abundant water.

Berean Standard Bible

Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of the abundant waters.

American Standard Version

Thy mother was like a vine, in thy blood, planted by the waters: it was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 19:10, part of a poignant lamentation concerning the princes of Israel, vividly portrays the former glory and abundant prosperity of the royal house of Judah. Through the powerful and evocative metaphor of a flourishing vine, the verse describes the "mother"—representing the royal lineage or the nation itself—as having been robustly planted by ample waters, yielding exceptional fruitfulness and strong branches due to abundant divine provision. This initial depiction of past vitality serves as a stark and poignant contrast to the subsequent verses, which detail the tragic decline and desolation of this once-glorious vine, foreshadowing Judah's impending judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 19 functions as a profound lamentation, or funeral dirge, delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the kings and princes of Judah. The chapter is meticulously structured around two primary metaphors: first, a lioness raising cubs (vv. 1-9), symbolizing the predatory and ultimately captive kings; and second, a vine (vv. 10-14), representing the royal house of Judah. Verse 10 initiates this second, extended metaphor, painting a vivid picture of the vine's glorious past and abundant flourishing. This initial depiction of prosperity stands in sharp juxtaposition to the subsequent verses, which describe the vine being uprooted, withered, and burned, thereby detailing the tragic downfall and desolation of the Davidic line and the kingdom of Judah. The lament's overarching purpose is to mourn the loss of sovereignty and to underscore the severe consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness, setting a somber tone for the impending judgment that has already begun to unfold.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period of Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. The lament in chapter 19 directly reflects the historical reality of Judah's kings being taken captive by Babylon, notably Jehoahaz (alluded to as a young lion in [Ezekiel 19:4](/ezekiel/19-4 "Ezekiel 19:4 - Jehoahaz's Captivity")) and Jehoiachin (referenced in [Ezekiel 19:8](/ezekiel/19-8 "Ezekiel 19:8 - Jehoiachin's Fate")). The imagery of a vine "planted by the waters" resonated profoundly with an ancient Near Eastern audience, where water was synonymous with life, fertility, and prosperity in often arid landscapes. Such a depiction would immediately convey a sense of divine blessing and ideal conditions for flourishing. The vine metaphor itself was a common motif in biblical and regional literature to describe nations or peoples, often implying a covenantal relationship with a divine planter and the expectation of righteous fruit.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Former Prosperity and Divine Blessing**, emphasizing that Judah's strength and fruitfulness were not self-generated but were gifts of God's abundant provision and sustaining grace. Second, the "mother" as a vine underscores the theme of **The Royal Line of Judah**, specifically the Davidic dynasty, whose vitality, succession of rulers, and potential for righteous governance are symbolized by the vine's fruitfulness and branches. This imagery connects to other biblical portrayals of Israel as a vine, such as in [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - God Bringing a Vine Out of Egypt") and [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard of the Lord"). Finally, while speaking of past glory, the verse, within its lament context, subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, as the vine's past flourishing contrasts sharply with its impending destruction, signaling the forfeiture of divine favor due to Judah's rebellion against God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mother (Hebrew, _ʼêm'_):** From a primitive word, this term signifies a mother as the bond of the family, and in a wider sense, can refer to a source or origin. In Ezekiel 19:10, "thy mother" is widely understood to represent the royal house of Judah, the ancestral line from which the kings emerged, or metaphorically, the nation of Judah itself. The use of "mother" personalizes the lament, making the downfall of the kingdom feel like the tragic fate of a beloved matriarch, emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of the lineage.
* **Vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** Derived from an unused root implying bending or twining, _gephen_ refers specifically to a vine, especially the grape vine. This is a rich and frequently used metaphor in biblical literature to represent Israel or Judah (e.g., [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - God's Vine from Egypt"), [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel, a Degenerate Vine")). Here, it symbolizes the vitality, prosperity, and potential fruitfulness of the Davidic dynasty and the kingdom it governed, highlighting its capacity for growth and sustenance.
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** A dual form of a primitive noun, _mayim_ refers to water, figuratively juice, and euphemistically other bodily fluids. In the context of "planted by the waters" and "by reason of many waters," it profoundly symbolizes abundant resources, divine provision, and the ideal, life-sustaining conditions that allowed the vine (Judah) to flourish. In an arid climate, water is the ultimate symbol of life, prosperity, and God's sustaining grace, indicating that Judah's flourishing was not self-generated but divinely supplied.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy mother [is] like a vine in thy blood":** This clause introduces the central metaphor, likening the "mother" (the royal lineage or nation of Judah) to a vine. The phrase "in thy blood" emphasizes an intrinsic, vital, or perhaps prime state of being for this vine, suggesting it was robust and full of life, deeply connected to the very essence or lineage of the kingdom, indicating its inherent strength and vigor from its very foundation.
* **"planted by the waters":** This describes the ideal conditions under which the vine was established. Being "planted by the waters" signifies abundant nourishment, divine favor, and ample resources, indicating that the kingdom's foundation was laid in prosperity and under God's blessing, ensuring its potential for growth and sustenance.
* **"she was fruitful and full of branches":** This clause highlights the outcome of such ideal planting. The vine's "fruitfulness" symbolizes the succession of kings and the prosperity of the kingdom, indicating a thriving populace and successful governance. Being "full of branches" denotes its strength, expansion, and the vigor of its royal offspring, signifying a robust and extensive lineage.
* **"by reason of many waters":** This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the source of the vine's flourishing. The "many waters" underscore the abundant, continuous, and sustaining provision that enabled the kingdom to thrive, emphasizing that its strength and prosperity were not self-generated but divinely sustained, a testament to God's lavish care.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 19:10 is rich in literary devices that enhance its poetic and prophetic impact. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where the "mother" (representing the royal house of Judah or the nation itself) is directly compared to a "vine." This metaphor is extended throughout the verse, describing the vine's planting, fruitfulness, and branches, creating a vivid and relatable image. This imagery carries deep **Symbolism**: the vine itself symbolizes the vitality, strength, and prosperity of the kingdom, while "waters" symbolize divine provision, life, and abundant resources, highlighting the source of Judah's past glory. The phrase "in thy blood" introduces a layer of **Ambiguity**, allowing for multiple interpretations (prime, lineage, fertile ground), which enriches the verse's meaning and invites deeper contemplation. Furthermore, the very placement of this verse within a lament creates a powerful sense of **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the past glory and flourishing described here with the impending desolation detailed in the subsequent verses. This contrast also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the tragic fall of the once-mighty vine and the judgment awaiting Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 19:10 powerfully articulates themes of divine provision, covenantal blessing, and the inherent expectation of fruitfulness from God's chosen people. The image of Judah as a vine "planted by the waters" speaks to God's deliberate act of establishing the nation and its royal line in conditions conducive to flourishing, showering them with resources and favor. This reflects the covenant relationship where God, as the divine Vinedresser, provided everything necessary for His vineyard to thrive. The subsequent fruitfulness and abundant branches signify the fulfillment of promises regarding a numerous people and a stable royal lineage. However, within the broader context of the lament, this verse implicitly highlights the tragic failure of Judah to live up to the expectations of this divine care, leading to the forfeiture of these blessings. It underscores the theological principle that while God provides abundantly, human faithfulness is essential for sustained flourishing and the continuation of divine favor.

* [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - God Bringing a Vine Out of Egypt")
* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Degenerate Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 19:10 serves as a profound reminder of the source of all true prosperity and flourishing. Just as Judah was "planted by the waters" of divine provision, so too are believers sustained by God's grace, His Word, and the living water of the Spirit. This verse calls us to acknowledge that any "fruitfulness" or strength in our lives—be it spiritual growth, material blessings, or relational health—ultimately stems from God's generous hand and not from our own efforts or inherent capabilities. It challenges us to reflect on the conditions of our own spiritual lives: are we positioned "by the waters" of God's presence, continually drawing nourishment from Him through prayer, Scripture, and community? Furthermore, when read in its broader context, this verse offers a sobering warning against complacency and unfaithfulness. Judah's glorious past did not exempt it from judgment when it turned away from God. This prompts us to consider how we are stewarding the blessings and provisions God has given us, ensuring that our lives continue to bear fruit that honors Him, rather than presuming upon His grace or relying on past successes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you recognize God's "waters" of provision and blessing actively sustaining your life today?**
* **What does "fruitfulness" truly look like for you, personally and spiritually, and what practical steps are you taking to cultivate it in your daily walk?**
* **How can we actively guard against the complacency that might arise from past blessings, ensuring a continuous posture of humility and faithfulness to God?**
* **Considering the lament's trajectory from flourishing to desolation, what is the profound importance of ongoing spiritual nourishment and obedience for sustained flourishing in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thy mother" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mother" in Ezekiel 19:10 is widely interpreted as a metaphor for the royal house or lineage of Judah, specifically the Davidic dynasty. It represents the ancestral line from which the kings of Judah emerged, emphasizing the foundational and nurturing aspect of this lineage. In a broader sense, it can also symbolize the nation of Judah itself, given the close identification between the king and the people in ancient Israelite thought. This maternal imagery highlights the source and past strength of the kingdom's vitality.

**What is the significance of being "planted by the waters"?**

Answer: The phrase "planted by the waters" is a powerful image of abundant provision, divine favor, and ideal conditions for flourishing. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was synonymous with life, fertility, and prosperity. Therefore, a vine planted by waters would be exceptionally well-nourished and robust. This signifies that Judah's strength, prosperity, and ability to bear "fruit" (i.e., kings and a thriving kingdom) were not self-generated but were a direct result of God's sustaining hand and generous provision, much like the blessed individual described in [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man Planted by Streams of Water"). It underscores that Judah's former glory was a gift from God.

**How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 19?**

Answer: Ezekiel 19:10 serves as a poignant and crucial contrast to the subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 19:11-14](/ezekiel/19-11-14 "Ezekiel 19:11-14 - The Vine's Desolation")). While verse 10 describes the past glory and abundant fruitfulness of the vine (Judah's royal line), the following verses detail its tragic desolation: being plucked up, withered, and burned. This stark **juxtaposition** highlights the dramatic downfall of the kingdom of Judah. The initial prosperity described in verse 10 underscores the magnitude of what was lost due to Judah's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, making the subsequent judgment and exile all the more tragic and deserved. It sets the stage for the lament's mournful tone and its powerful message of accountability for covenant disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 19:10, depicting the former glory of Judah's royal line as a flourishing vine, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the true and perfect Vine. While the vine of Israel and its Davidic lineage ultimately failed to bear the righteous fruit God desired, leading to its desolation and judgment, 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")). He is the one in whom all life, fruitfulness, and divine provision truly reside. The "blood" that gave vitality to the old vine of Judah points forward to the precious [blood of Christ](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Own Blood"), which truly cleanses, gives life, and establishes a new covenant of grace, bringing about genuine and lasting spiritual vitality. The "many waters" that nourished the ancient vine foreshadow the spiritual "living water" that Jesus offers ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")), providing eternal sustenance and enabling true spiritual fruitfulness in those who abide in Him ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the True Vine")). Thus, the failure of the old vine in Ezekiel's lament underscores the necessity and glory of Christ, in whom God's people can finally be truly "planted by the waters" and bear abundant, everlasting fruit, drawing from the [river of the water of life](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - River of the Water of Life") that flows from His throne into eternity.

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

Psalms 80:8

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

Psalms 80:11

She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.

Deuteronomy 8:7

For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Numbers 24:6

As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, [and] as cedar trees beside the waters.

Numbers 24:7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed [shall be] in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Matthew 21:33

¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Matthew 21:41

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out [his] vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.