Jeremiah 21:14

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.

But I will punish {H6485} you according to the fruit {H6529} of your doings {H4611}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: and I will kindle {H3341} a fire {H784} in the forest {H3293} thereof, and it shall devour {H398} all things round about {H5439} it.

I will punish you," says ADONAI, "as your deeds deserve. I will set its forest on fire, and it will devour everything around it."'"

I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’”

And I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith Jehovah; and I will kindle a fire in her forest, and it shall devour all that is round about her.

Jeremiah 21:14 delivers a powerful declaration of divine judgment against Jerusalem, underscoring God's unwavering justice in response to persistent disobedience.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a direct prophecy given by the prophet Jeremiah to King Zedekiah of Judah, who had sought the Lord's counsel during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. The people of Judah, including their leaders, had largely turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and injustice despite numerous warnings through prophets like Jeremiah. Jeremiah 21 details God's grim response: He would not fight for Jerusalem but against it, delivering the city and its inhabitants into the hands of the Babylonians. This specific verse highlights the principle that the impending destruction was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their actions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Retribution: The phrase "I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings" clearly articulates the principle of divine justice. God's judgment is not random but a precise response to the actions and choices of His people. This reinforces the biblical concept that as a man sows, so shall he reap.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The "fire" metaphor vividly portrays the utter destruction that awaits. It signifies a consuming, inescapable judgment that would devastate Jerusalem, symbolizing the severe outcomes of rejecting God's covenant and commandments.
  • God's Unwavering Justice: While God is merciful and long-suffering, this verse affirms His commitment to justice. He does not overlook sin indefinitely, and His character demands accountability for rebellion. The severity of the prophecy underscores the gravity of their actions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "fruit of your doings" (pĕrî ma‘alĕlêkem) powerfully conveys the idea of consequences stemming directly from one's actions. It's a direct connection between behavior and outcome. The imagery of "kindle a fire in the forest thereof" (Hebrew: ba'ya'ar, "in its forest") is a potent metaphor for widespread, uncontrollable devastation. A forest fire, often used in prophetic literature, suggests a comprehensive judgment that spares no part of the land or its people, symbolizing the extent of the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of Jerusalem.

Related Scriptures

  • The principle of God rendering to every man according to his deeds is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in Romans 2:6.
  • The theme of God's judgment by fire is recurrent, often symbolizing purification or destruction, as also depicted in Isaiah 1:31 and Hebrews 12:29.
  • For more context on the specific judgment against Jerusalem and King Zedekiah, refer to Jeremiah 21:7.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 21:14 serves as a timeless reminder of spiritual accountability. It teaches us that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences, both in this life and eternally. This verse calls for a deep introspection into our own "doings" and encourages a life of obedience to God's commands. It underscores the urgency of repentance when we stray, reminding us that while God is full of mercy, His justice is also certain. Understanding this aspect of God's character promotes reverence and motivates us to live in alignment with His will, recognizing that our choices today shape our future.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 3:10

    Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

  • Isaiah 3:11

    Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

  • Proverbs 1:31

    Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

  • Jeremiah 17:10

    I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:19

    And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

  • Jeremiah 52:13

    And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great [men], burned he with fire:

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