Bible Strands
Ezekiel 15:3
Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God speaks through Ezekiel to the exiled Israelites, using the vine tree as an object lesson. The prophet poses rhetorical questions about the vine's practical utility immediately after contrasting it with forest trees.
The words — The Hebrew יֻקַּח (yuqach) means "is it taken," and מְלָאכָה (melakhah) denotes "work" or "useful product." These terms frame the rhetorical challenge regarding the vine's lack of functional value.
The thread — This theme of uselessness through divine judgment parallels the warnings in Luke 14:34 and Matthew 5:13 about salt losing its savor, and Jeremiah 24:8 regarding inedible figs. Each passage employs agricultural imagery to illustrate spiritual failure.
Why it lands — The text explicitly states the vine yields no useful wood and cannot even serve as a peg for hanging utensils. It demands the reader acknowledge that claimed identity without functional faith leaves one fit only for consumption by fire.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?
Cross-references
- Luke 14:34 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its savor, with what will it be seasoned?
- Jeremiah 24:8 But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt.
- Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
- Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”