The imagery of the withered vine is a powerful symbol found in the Bible, representing judgment, unfruitfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God. This metaphor is primarily drawn from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where the vine often symbolizes Israel, God's chosen people.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 15:1-8: In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel presents a parable of the vine. The Lord asks, "How is the wood of the vine better than any branch among the trees of the forest?" (Ezekiel 15:2). The vine, when it becomes unfruitful, is deemed useless and is destined for the fire. This serves as a metaphor for Jerusalem, which, due to its unfaithfulness and idolatry, is subject to divine judgment. The withered vine here illustrates the futility and destruction that come from abandoning God's covenant.

2. Ezekiel 19:10-14: This passage further develops the theme of the withered vine. The mother of Israel is likened to a vine planted by the waters, fruitful and full of branches. However, due to God's wrath, it is uprooted and cast into the wilderness, where it becomes dry and withered. "Fire has gone out from its main branch and devoured its fruit," (Ezekiel 19:14) signifies the internal corruption and the resulting divine punishment.

3. Isaiah 5:1-7: Although not explicitly mentioning a withered vine, Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard" parallels the theme. The vineyard, representing Israel, is expected to yield good grapes but instead produces wild grapes. The Lord declares, "I will make it a wasteland; it will not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns will grow there" (Isaiah 5:6). The vineyard's desolation is a direct result of Israel's injustice and unrighteousness.

Theological Significance:

The withered vine serves as a stark warning against spiritual barrenness and the consequences of forsaking God. In the Old Testament context, Israel is often depicted as a vine or vineyard, chosen and nurtured by God to bear fruit. When Israel fails to live up to its calling, the imagery of the withered vine underscores the seriousness of divine judgment.

This metaphor also highlights the importance of remaining in a covenant relationship with God. Just as a vine must remain connected to its source of life to thrive, so must God's people remain faithful to Him to bear spiritual fruit. The withered vine is a call to repentance and a reminder of the blessings that come from obedience and faithfulness.

New Testament Connection:

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on this imagery in John 15:1-8, where He declares, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser" (John 15:1). Here, the emphasis shifts to the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit. The withered branches, which are cut off and thrown into the fire, echo the Old Testament warnings and reinforce the need for a living, vibrant relationship with Jesus.

The withered vine, therefore, is a profound biblical symbol that calls believers to examine their spiritual lives, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to produce the fruits of righteousness through a deep connection with God.