Ezekiel 17:7 Meaning and Explanation
“There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A second great eagle appears; the vine turns its roots and branches toward this new power, seeking water and support.
The Context of Ezekiel 17:7
Zedekiah's fatal alliance with Egypt, seeking Egyptian support against Babylon.
What Does Ezekiel 17:7 Mean?
A second eagle enters the parable, representing Egypt. During Zedekiah's reign, Judah repeatedly looked to Egypt for military alliance and protection against Babylon, despite prior defeats and Babylon's clear dominance. The vine bending 'her roots toward him' symbolizes Zedekiah's political pivot toward Egypt.
The metaphor of 'watering by the furrows of her plantation' portrays Egypt as an alternative source of sustenance and strength. The vine's shifting loyalty—now seeking Egypt's support while still planted in Babylon's territory—illustrates the political infidelity that would lead to Judah's destruction.
Ezekiel 17:7 in the Original Language
nashaf (נשף), metaphorically rendered as 'bend toward,' depicts the vine's reorientation toward a new power source.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 17:7
What does Ezekiel 17:7 mean?
A second great eagle appears; the vine turns its roots and branches toward this new power, seeking water and support.
What is the context of Ezekiel 17:7?
Zedekiah's fatal alliance with Egypt, seeking Egyptian support against Babylon.