Ezekiel 17:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God questions whether the vine will prosper; Babylon will uproot and destroy it when it breaks its covenant.
The Context of Ezekiel 17:9
God's judgment: Babylon will destroy Judah when Zedekiah breaks his covenant and allies with Egypt.
What Does Ezekiel 17:9 Mean?
God poses a rhetorical question: can the vine prosper while turning from its planter toward another power? The answer is implicit—no. Babylon will pull up the roots, cut off the fruit, and the vine will wither completely. The destruction will be so thorough that no external military might is even necessary; the vine's own disloyalty ensures its death.
'In all the leaves of her spring'—even at the season of promise and renewal—the withering is certain. This prophecy directly addresses the consequence of Zedekiah's covenant-breaking: his rebellion against Babylon in 588 BC would trigger the final siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
Ezekiel 17:9 in the Original Language
yoshiym (יושים), 'roots,' emphasizes the vine's deepest connection and security, which Babylon will violently sever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 17:9
What does Ezekiel 17:9 mean?
God questions whether the vine will prosper; Babylon will uproot and destroy it when it breaks its covenant.
What is the context of Ezekiel 17:9?
God's judgment: Babylon will destroy Judah when Zedekiah breaks his covenant and allies with Egypt.