Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version he broke off its topmost shoot and carried it away to a land of merchants, where he planted it in a city of traders. New Living Translation and plucked off its highest branch. He carried it away to a city filled with merchants. He planted it in a city of traders. English Standard Version He broke off the topmost of its young twigs and carried it to a land of trade and set it in a city of merchants. Berean Standard Bible He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders. Berean Literal Bible The topmost of its shoots he plucked off and he brought it in to a land of trade. In a city of merchants he set it. King James Bible He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. New King James Version He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants. New American Standard Bible He broke off the topmost of its young twigs and brought it to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders. NASB 1995 “He plucked off the topmost of its young twigs and brought it to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders. NASB 1977 “He plucked off the topmost of its young twigs and brought it to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders. Legacy Standard Bible He plucked off the topmost of its young twigs and brought it to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders. Amplified Bible He broke off the topmost of its young twigs (young King Jehoiachin) and carried it to a land of traders (Babylonia); he set it in a city of merchants (Babylon). Berean Annotated Bible He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants (lowland), and planted it in a city of traders. Christian Standard Bible He plucked off its topmost shoot, brought it to the land of merchants, and set it in a city of traders. Holman Christian Standard Bible He plucked off its topmost shoot, brought it to the land of merchants, and set it in a city of traders. American Standard Version he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it unto a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. Contemporary English Version then carried it to a nation of merchants and left it in one of their cities. English Revised Version he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it into a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. GOD'S WORD® Translation It broke off the highest twig and carried it to a country of merchants. It planted the twig in a city of merchants. Good News Translation which he carried to a land of commerce and placed in a city of merchants. International Standard Version He plucked off the top of its shoot, brought it to a land of merchants, and set it down in a city full of traders. NET Bible He plucked off its topmost shoot; he brought it to a land of merchants and planted it in a city of traders. New Heart English Bible he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs of it, and carried it to a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. Webster's Bible Translation He cropped off the top of its young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders. World English Bible He cropped off the topmost of its young twigs, and carried it to a land of traffic. He planted it in a city of merchants. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe has cropped the top of its tender twigs, "" And he brings it to the land of Canaan. He has placed it in a city of merchants. Berean Literal Bible The topmost of its shoots he plucked off and he brought it in to a land of trade. In a city of merchants he set it. Young's Literal Translation The top of its tender twigs it hath cropped, And it bringeth it in to the land of Canaan. In a city of merchants it hath placed it. Smith's Literal Translation He plucked off the head of the suckers, and he will bring it to the land of Canaan, and he set it in a city of merchants. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe cropped off the top of the twigs thereof: and carried it away into the land of Chanaan, and he set it in a city of merchants. Catholic Public Domain Version He tore off the summit of its branches, and he transported it to the land of Canaan; he placed it in a city of merchants. New American Bible broke off its topmost branch, And brought it to a land of merchants, set it in a city of traders. New Revised Standard Version broke off its topmost shoot; he carried it to a land of trade, set it in a city of merchants. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe cropped off the topmost of its tender twigs, and carried it to the land of Canaan; and he set it in a city of merchants. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he cropped off the top of its growth and brought it to the land of Canaan and he placed it in a city of merchants OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, And carried it into a land of traffic; He set it in a city of merchants. Brenton Septuagint Translation he cropped off the ends of the tender twigs, and brought them into the land of Chanaan; he laid them up in a walled city. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine…3and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. 4 He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders. 5He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.… Cross References He plucked off its topmost shoot, 2 Kings 24:12-16 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. / As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD. / He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. … 2 Chronicles 36:10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah 22:24-27 “As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off. / In fact, I will hand you over to those you dread, who want to take your life—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans. / I will hurl you and the mother who gave you birth into another land, where neither of you were born—and there you both will die. … carried it to the land of merchants, Daniel 1:1-4 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god. / Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— … Jeremiah 24:1-2 After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. / One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten. Isaiah 39:6-7 The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. / And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” and planted it in a city of traders. Revelation 18:11-19 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves. … Nahum 3:16 You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away. Isaiah 47:15 This is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you. Jeremiah 22:23 O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” Isaiah 18:5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife and remove and discard the branches. Hosea 9:13 I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter. Jeremiah 48:40 For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab. Daniel 4:12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed. Isaiah 10:33-34 Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. Jeremiah 49:16 The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. Treasury of Scripture He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. the top. Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. Isaiah 47:15 Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee. Jeremiah 51:13 O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness. a land Jump to Previous Biting Branches Broke Canaan Carried City Highest Merchants Placed Planted Plucked Shoot Shoots Tender Thereof Top Topmost Trade Traders Traffic Traffick Twigs YoungJump to Next Biting Branches Broke Canaan Carried City Highest Merchants Placed Planted Plucked Shoot Shoots Tender Thereof Top Topmost Trade Traders Traffic Traffick Twigs YoungEzekiel 17 1. Under the parable of two eagles and a vine11. is shown God's judgment upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt 22. God promises to plant the cedar of the Gospel He plucked off its topmost shoot This phrase symbolizes the removal of Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The "topmost shoot" represents the royal lineage, specifically the young king who was taken into exile. This act signifies the disruption of the Davidic line, a significant event in Israel's history. The imagery of a shoot is often used in Scripture to denote new growth or potential, as seen in Isaiah 11:1, which speaks of a shoot from the stump of Jesse, pointing to the Messiah. carried it to the land of merchants and planted it in a city of traders Persons / Places / Events 1. The EagleSymbolizes a powerful nation, often interpreted as Babylon, which exerts influence over Israel. 2. The Topmost Shoot Represents the king or leadership of Israel, specifically Jehoiachin, who was taken into exile. 3. Land of Merchants Refers to Babylon, known for its commerce and trade. 4. City of Traders Indicates the city of Babylon, a hub of economic activity and political power. 5. Ezekiel The prophet delivering God's message through this parable, addressing the fate of Israel and its leaders. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod uses powerful nations to execute His judgment, demonstrating His control over world events. The Consequences of Unfaithfulness Israel's leadership is removed due to their unfaithfulness, reminding us of the importance of remaining true to God's covenant. Hope in Exile Even in judgment, God has a plan for restoration, as seen in the eventual return from Babylonian exile. The Dangers of Worldly Alliances Trusting in political and economic powers rather than God leads to downfall, urging believers to place their trust in God alone. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Ezekiel are vital in communicating God's messages, calling people to repentance and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 17:4?2. How does Ezekiel 17:4 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 3. What does the "seed of the land" symbolize in Ezekiel 17:4? 4. How can we apply the lesson of humility from Ezekiel 17:4 today? 5. Connect Ezekiel 17:4 with God's covenant promises in the Old Testament. 6. How does Ezekiel 17:4 encourage trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose? 7. What is the symbolic meaning of the "topmost shoot" in Ezekiel 17:4? 8. How does Ezekiel 17:4 reflect God's sovereignty over nations? 9. What historical events does Ezekiel 17:4 allude to? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 17? 11. In Ezekiel 17:3–4, how can the imagery of a great eagle plucking off the top of a cedar be reconciled with actual historical events or natural realities? 12. (Genesis 37:12-17) Are there any historical records or evidence supporting Joseph's journey to Shechem and Dothan that validate this narrative? 13. (1 Thess 1:1) How do we verify historically or archaeologically that a Christian church actually existed in Thessalonica at this early date? 14. Who is the Whore of Babylon in biblical prophecy? What Does Ezekiel 17:4 Mean He plucked off its topmost shoot“He plucked off its topmost shoot” (Ezekiel 17:4a) pictures the first eagle snipping the highest sprout from the lofty cedar. • The cedar represents Judah’s royal line (cf. Ezekiel 17:3; 31:3-4). • The “topmost shoot” points to King Jehoiachin, the youthful heir of David’s throne (2 Kings 24:8; Jeremiah 22:24). • History confirms the image: “Jehoiachin king of Judah… surrendered” (2 Kings 24:12). The eagle—Nebuchadnezzar—literally removed the king, demonstrating God’s precise fulfillment of prophecy (2 Chronicles 36:10). • The Lord’s faithfulness to His word is highlighted: what He announces, He accomplishes (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11). Carried it to the land of merchants “[He] carried it to the land of merchants” (Ezekiel 17:4b) shows the eagle flying with its prize to a distant, bustling marketplace. • Babylon was famed for trade and wealth (Isaiah 47:15; Revelation 18:11). • Nebuchadnezzar deported Jehoiachin and key leaders to Babylon: “He carried away all Jerusalem… all the craftsmen and smiths” (2 Kings 24:14-15). • God used this relocation to discipline His people, yet also to preserve the Messianic line in exile (Jeremiah 24:5-7). • The scene reminds us that earthly power moves at God’s command (Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:21). And planted it in a city of traders “[He] planted it in a city of traders” (Ezekiel 17:4c) completes the picture: the shoot is set down in Babylon’s fertile soil. • “Planted” signals Nebuchadnezzar’s intent to establish a puppet regime and to cultivate loyalty (Ezekiel 17:13-14). • Even in captivity the exiles would take root: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat their produce” (Jeremiah 29:5-7). • God’s sovereignty shines; He uproots and He plants (Jeremiah 18:7-10). The exile was not the end of Judah’s story but preparation for eventual restoration (Ezra 1:1-4). • Babylon’s commercial bustle underscores the contrast between worldly prosperity and Judah’s lost glory, stirring hope for a future divine transplant back home (Ezekiel 17:22-23). summary Ezekiel 17:4 paints Nebuchadnezzar’s removal of King Jehoiachin from Jerusalem and his deportation to Babylon. The eagle’s precise actions—plucking, carrying, planting—affirm God’s literal, detailed control over nations and kings. Judah’s judgment was real, yet God preserved the royal line, setting the stage for promised restoration in Christ. (4) Into a land of traffick.--Literally, a land of Canaan, the word being sometimes used for merchant or merchandise, as in Hosea 12:8 (Engl. 7); Isaiah 23:8; Zephaniah 1:11. The parallelism of the next clause shows that this is its meaning here. Babylon has already been called Canaan in Ezekiel 16:29, probably from its commercial character.Hebrew He plucked offקָטָ֑ף (qā·ṭāp̄) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6998: To pluck off or out its topmost רֹ֥אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head shoot, יְנִֽיקוֹתָ֖יו (yə·nî·qō·w·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3242: A young shoot, twig carried it וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·ḇî·’ê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the land אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of merchants, כְּנַ֔עַן (kə·na·‘an) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan and planted שָׂמֽוֹ׃ (śā·mōw) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set it in a city בְּעִ֥יר (bə·‘îr) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement of traders. רֹכְלִ֖ים (rō·ḵə·lîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7402: To travel for, trading Links Ezekiel 17:4 NIVEzekiel 17:4 NLT Ezekiel 17:4 ESV Ezekiel 17:4 NASB Ezekiel 17:4 KJV Ezekiel 17:4 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 17:4 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 17:4 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 17:4 French Bible Ezekiel 17:4 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 17:4 He cropped off the topmost (Ezek. 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