Old Testament
Ezekiel 15:4
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, God uses the image of a vine to illustrate a point about worth and usefulness.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Look, it is thrown into the fire for fuel; the fire consumes both ends of it, and the middle is burned. Is it suitable for any work?
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?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God uses the image of a vine to illustrate a point about worth and usefulness. When a vine is burned in a fire, it is consumed entirely, leaving nothing behind. The question posed is whether such a burnt vine can be used for anything valuable. The answer is clear: it cannot. This imagery serves as a metaphor for people who do not live according to God's ways. Just as a burnt vine is useless, so too are those who stray from their purpose. They may face destruction and find themselves without value. This verse challenges us to consider our own lives and whether we are fulfilling our intended purpose. Are we living in a way that brings value to ourselves and others, or are we allowing ourselves to be consumed by negative influences? Reflecting on this can help us realign with our true purpose and potential, ensuring we are not like the burnt vine, but rather fruitful and useful in our lives and communities. It’s a call to action to seek meaning and purpose.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 15:4 to your life
Consider what influences are consuming your life. Are there habits or relationships that are leading you away from your true purpose? Take time to reflect on your values and make adjustments where necessary. Strive to live in a way that brings value to yourself and those around you. Seek to be fruitful in your actions and choices, avoiding paths that lead to destruction.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 15:4 mean?
Ezekiel 15:4 uses the image of a burnt vine to illustrate the idea of worthlessness. Just as a vine consumed by fire cannot be used for anything valuable, people who stray from God's purpose lose their usefulness.
What is the significance of the vine in Ezekiel 15:4?
The vine in Ezekiel 15:4 symbolizes those who do not live according to God's ways. It highlights the consequences of being unproductive and the loss of value when one is consumed by negative influences.
How can I apply Ezekiel 15:4 to my life?
You can reflect on what influences are affecting your life and whether they align with your true purpose. Consider making changes to avoid paths that lead to destruction and strive to be fruitful in your actions.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 15:4?
The main themes in Ezekiel 15:4 include worth, purpose, destruction, value, and reflection. It challenges readers to evaluate their lives and ensure they are living meaningfully.
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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