Old Testament
Ezekiel 15:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel uses a metaphor to illustrate the worthlessness of certain things.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Can you use its wood to build anything useful? Can you even carve a peg from it to hang something on?
Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel uses a metaphor to illustrate the worthlessness of certain things. He questions whether the wood from a vine can be used for anything practical, like building or making a hook. The answer is clear: it cannot. This imagery serves to highlight the idea that some things may appear valuable but are ultimately useless. Just as the vine wood is not suitable for construction, there are aspects of life that may seem appealing but lack true substance. This challenges us to evaluate what we invest our time and energy into. Are we focusing on things that truly matter, or are we caught up in the superficial? The message encourages us to seek out what is genuinely beneficial and lasting, rather than what is merely attractive on the surface. It’s a reminder to prioritize our efforts on things that have real value and purpose in our lives, rather than wasting them on the trivial or the fleeting. This verse invites reflection on our choices and the foundations we build our lives upon. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 15:3 to your life
Consider what you are investing your time and energy into. Are these pursuits meaningful and beneficial, or are they just distractions? Take a moment to reflect on your priorities and make adjustments to focus on what truly matters in your life. Seek out relationships and activities that bring lasting joy and fulfillment. Choose wisely where you place your efforts and resources, ensuring they align with your values and goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 15:3 mean?
Ezekiel 15:3 uses the metaphor of vine wood to illustrate its worthlessness. The verse questions whether the wood can be used for anything practical, emphasizing that some things may seem valuable but are ultimately useless.
What is the significance of vine wood in Ezekiel 15:3?
The vine wood in Ezekiel 15:3 symbolizes things that appear attractive but lack true substance. It serves as a reminder to evaluate what we invest our time and energy into, focusing on what has real value.
How does Ezekiel 15:3 relate to life choices?
Ezekiel 15:3 encourages reflection on our life choices by highlighting the importance of prioritizing meaningful pursuits over superficial distractions. It challenges us to seek out relationships and activities that bring lasting fulfillment.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 15:3?
Ezekiel 15:3 presents themes of worthlessness, evaluation, true value, and superficiality. It invites readers to consider the significance of their choices and the foundations upon which they build their lives.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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