He transplanted it to good soil by abundant waters: As mentioned in the comments on the previous verse, Revised Standard Version‘s interpretation here involves moving the vine to a different place, but it is better to render he transplanted it as “It was planted” (New King James Version , New American Standard Bible) to reflect the Hebrew text better. This verse is a summary of where the vine had been planted by the first eagle and why it had been planted there. It was planted in good soil by abundant waters (see Ezek 17.5). The Hebrew expression for good soil is more general than the one rendered “fertile soil” in verse 5, but the meaning is the same.

As in the alternate interpretation of Ezek 17.6, this verse gives the reasons why the first eagle planted the vine in such a good place to grow. Three things are mentioned: (1) that it might bring forth branches, that is, that the plant would grow well, (2) bear fruit, that is, “bear grapes” (Good News Translation), and (3) become a noble vine, that is, “become a splendid vine” (New International Version, New American Standard Bible; similarly New Living Translation). For the third reason New King James Version and New American Bible have “become a majestic vine,” and Good News Translation says “be a magnificent vine.” The vine was planted in a good place to grow very well and produce excellent grapes.

A good way to render the verse is:

• The vine was planted in good soil with plenty of water around it so that it could grow branches, produce fruit, and become a wonderful vine.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .