Jeremiah 21:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:14 delivers a stark declaration of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, emphasizing God's unwavering justice in response to persistent disobedience. The verse proclaims that the impending destruction, orchestrated by the Babylonians, is a direct consequence of the people's actions, likened to a consuming fire that will utterly devastate the "forest" of the city and all that is within it, signifying a comprehensive and inescapable divine retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21 opens with King Zedekiah sending Pashhur and Zephaniah to Jeremiah, seeking a word from the LORD regarding Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem. The king hoped for a miraculous intervention, similar to past deliverances. However, Jeremiah's prophecy, delivered directly from God, shatters these hopes. Instead of fighting for Judah, God declares He will fight *against* them, delivering the city into the hands of the Babylonians. Verses 8-10 offer a stark choice: life for those who surrender, death for those who remain. Verse 11 shifts to a "house of David" oracle, urging righteous judgment, but then verse 12 warns of God's wrath if injustice persists. Jeremiah 21:14 serves as the climactic declaration of this impending judgment, specifically addressing the "inhabitants of Jerusalem" (implied from the preceding verses, especially [Jeremiah 21:13](/jeremiah/21-13 "Jeremiah 21:13 - Judgment on Jerusalem")), confirming that their "doings" have sealed their fate. It underscores the certainty and severity of the promised destruction, making it clear that no part of the city will be spared.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is set during a critical period in Judah's history, specifically around 588-586 BC, as Jerusalem was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, had rebelled, leading to this final, devastating siege. The people of Judah, including their leaders, had a long history of covenant unfaithfulness, marked by idolatry, social injustice, and a rejection of prophetic warnings. Jeremiah himself had been a consistent voice of warning for decades, often facing persecution for his unpopular messages. The "forest" metaphor in this context likely refers to Jerusalem itself, perhaps its densely populated areas, its palaces, or even its people, signifying a place of strength and vitality that would now be consumed. Forest fires were a known destructive force in the ancient Near East, symbolizing uncontrollable and widespread devastation. The judgment was not arbitrary but a culmination of centuries of covenant breaking, echoing the warnings found in the Mosaic Law concerning disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 21:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Retribution and Justice**, underscoring that God's judgment is not capricious but a righteous response to human actions. The phrase "according to the fruit of your doings" directly links sin with its consequences, a principle woven throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Unfaithfulness**. Judah's repeated rejection of God's commands and prophetic warnings led inevitably to this severe judgment, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their covenant obligations. Thirdly, the imagery of a consuming fire speaks to **God's Sovereignty and Unstoppable Judgment**. Despite Judah's resistance and false hopes, God's decree would be fulfilled. This theme is pervasive in Jeremiah, as the prophet consistently declares the certainty of Babylon's victory as God's instrument of judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485, this root carries a broad semantic range, including "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent)," "to oversee," "muster," "charge," "care for," "miss," or "deposit." In this context, it clearly signifies a hostile visitation, implying accountability and the execution of judgment. God is not merely observing but actively intervening to hold them responsible for their actions.
* **fruit (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_):** From H6529, this word literally means "fruit" (of a tree, ground, or womb) but is often used figuratively to denote "reward" or "product." Here, "fruit of your doings" (or "fruit of your works") powerfully conveys the idea of consequences directly stemming from one's actions, emphasizing the principle of sowing and reaping.
* **forest (Hebrew, _yaʻar'_):** From H3293, this term refers to a "copse of bushes" or a "forest." In prophetic literature, a forest can symbolize a nation, its leaders, its strength, or its people. Here, it likely represents Jerusalem itself—its structures, inhabitants, and perhaps its perceived invincibility—which God declares He will consume.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, this primitive root means "to eat" (literally or figuratively), but also "to burn up," "consume." In the context of fire, it signifies complete destruction, leaving nothing behind. The fire will not merely scorch but utterly consume everything in its path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the just nature of the impending judgment. God (Yᵉhôvâh) Himself declares that the punishment is not arbitrary but directly proportional to the "fruit" or outcome of their "doings" (maʻălâl), referring to their wicked actions, idolatry, and injustice. This underscores the principle of divine accountability.
* **"and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof,"** Here, God specifies the instrument and nature of the punishment. He will "kindle" (yâtsath) a destructive fire. The "forest thereof" (ba'ya'ar), referring to Jerusalem, signifies that the judgment will be internal and comprehensive, consuming the very heart of their strength and habitation. This is a powerful metaphor for the Babylonian invasion and the city's destruction.
* **"and it shall devour all things round about it."** This final clause emphasizes the totality and inescapability of the judgment. The fire, once kindled, will not be contained but will "devour" (ʼâkal) everything "round about it" (çâbîyb), implying a widespread and complete destruction that leaves no part of the city or its surroundings untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:14 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The central metaphor is that of a "fire in the forest," which powerfully symbolizes the overwhelming and destructive nature of God's judgment. The "forest" itself is symbolic, representing Jerusalem—its people, its structures, its perceived strength, and its very existence. A forest fire, by its nature, is uncontrollable and consumes everything in its path, thus symbolizing the comprehensive and inescapable devastation that would be wrought by the Babylonian army, acting as God's instrument. The phrase "fruit of your doings" is an instance of **Figurative Language**, specifically a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "fruit" represents the consequences or outcomes of their actions. This connects directly to the biblical principle of **Retribution**, where actions inevitably lead to corresponding results. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct and authoritative pronouncement from God through His prophet, emphasizing divine sovereignty and the certainty of His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:14 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God’s justice ensures that actions have consequences. This is not a vengeful act but a righteous response to a people who have persistently rejected His covenant and engaged in widespread sin. The "fruit of your doings" underscores that the impending judgment is a just recompense for their unfaithfulness, highlighting God's moral governance of the world. While God is merciful and patient, His holiness demands accountability, and His warnings through His prophets are not idle threats. This verse serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against God's will ultimately leads to severe consequences, demonstrating that God is both loving and just, upholding His own righteous character.

* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:14 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of spiritual accountability. It challenges us to consider the "fruit of our doings" in our own lives, urging a deep introspection into our actions, words, and intentions. This verse teaches us that God is not indifferent to our choices; there is a divine principle of sowing and reaping that operates in the moral universe. While we live under grace, the New Testament also affirms that our deeds have consequences, both in this life and in the life to come. This should motivate us not out of fear, but out of reverence for a holy God who desires our obedience and flourishing. It calls us to live intentionally, aligning our lives with God's commands, seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him. When we stray, it underscores the urgency of repentance, reminding us that God's justice, though certain, is always tempered by His offer of forgiveness to those who turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" are my current "doings" producing in my life and in the lives of those around me?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice, as seen in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my motivation for obedience?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's warnings or neglecting His commands, and what steps can I take towards repentance and alignment with His will?**

### FAQ
**Was God being unfair by punishing Jerusalem so severely?**

Answer: No, the Bible consistently portrays God's judgment as just and righteous, never arbitrary. Jeremiah 21:14 explicitly states that the punishment was "according to the fruit of your doings." For centuries, God had patiently warned His people through numerous prophets, including Jeremiah, about their idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. The book of Jeremiah details their persistent rebellion, despite God's long-suffering. The destruction of Jerusalem was not a sudden, capricious act but the culmination of generations of rejecting God's commands and warnings. It demonstrated God's commitment to His covenant, which included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). God's justice is an essential aspect of His holy character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 21:14 speaks of a fiery judgment against a rebellious people, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in a similar earthly destruction, but in how Christ Himself fully absorbed and transformed the "fruit of our doings." Humanity, like ancient Judah, continually produces the "fruit" of sin and rebellion, deserving of divine judgment. Yet, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly took upon Himself the full weight of humanity's "doings" and their just punishment. On the cross, He became sin for us, enduring the consuming fire of God's wrath that we deserved, as foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides a way for us to escape the judgment "according to the fruit of our doings" and instead receive the "fruit" of His righteousness. His resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death, offering new life to all who believe. Thus, while Jeremiah 21:14 highlights the certainty of judgment for sin, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, God has provided the ultimate means of salvation from that judgment, fulfilling divine justice while extending boundless mercy (see [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The fire of judgment that consumed Jerusalem ultimately points to the greater, redemptive fire of God's love and justice satisfied in Christ, allowing believers to bear the good "fruit of the Spirit" (see [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: