Jeremiah 24:2

KJV

One basket [had] very good figs, [even] like the figs [that are] first ripe: and the other basket [had] very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} basket {H1731} had very {H3966} good {H2896} figs {H8384}, even like the figs {H8384} that are first ripe {H1073}: and the other {H259} basket {H1731} had very {H3966} naughty {H7451} figs {H8384}, which could not be eaten {H398}, they were so bad {H7455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the baskets had in it very good figs, like those that ripen first; while the other basket had very bad figs, so bad that they were inedible.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first-ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 24:2 presents a pivotal element of a prophetic vision, where the prophet observes two distinct baskets of figs. One basket contains exceptionally good, early-ripening figs, while the other holds figs so utterly rotten and inedible that they are rendered useless. This vivid imagery serves as a powerful allegory, divinely revealed to Jeremiah, illustrating God's clear distinction between two groups of His people in the aftermath of the first Babylonian deportation: those whom He intends to preserve and restore, and those destined for severe judgment due to their persistent rebellion and spiritual corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the descriptive heart of the vision introduced in [Jeremiah 24:1](/jeremiah/24-1 "Jeremiah 24:1 - Vision of Two Fig Baskets"), which immediately follows a period of significant national upheaval and the first Babylonian deportation. The vision of the figs provides a divine commentary on the recent historical events and sets the stage for God's pronouncements regarding the future of Judah and its exiles. The subsequent verses, [Jeremiah 24:3-7](/jeremiah/24-3 "Jeremiah 24:3-7 - God's Interpretation of the Good Figs") and [Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - God's Interpretation of the Bad Figs"), directly interpret the meaning of the two baskets of figs, revealing God's surprising and counter-intuitive assessment of the two groups. This vision is a crucial prophetic oracle, offering both hope and warning, and contributing to the broader narrative of judgment and restoration that characterizes much of the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision is set shortly after the first Babylonian invasion of Judah in 597 BC, when King Jehoiachin, along with the royal family, court officials, skilled craftsmen, and a significant portion of Jerusalem's elite, was taken into exile to Babylon ([2 Kings 24:14-16](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile to Babylon")). Those remaining in Judah, under the puppet king Zedekiah, often considered themselves the "true" remnant, believing they had been spared God's judgment. Conversely, the exiles might have felt abandoned or cursed. Figs were a common and highly valued staple crop in ancient Israel, often eaten fresh or dried for preservation. "First ripe" figs (`bakkurâh`) were particularly prized for their sweetness and quality, symbolizing blessing and prosperity. Conversely, "naughty" or "bad" figs (`raʻ`) that were inedible represented worthlessness, corruption, and judgment, often associated with spiritual decay or divine curse, as seen in other prophetic warnings against unrepentant Israel ([Hosea 9:10](/hosea/9-10 "Hosea 9:10 - Israel like early figs, but turning to Baal")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Distinction and Sovereign Judgment**. God, not human perception, determines the spiritual state and future of His people. The vision powerfully illustrates that those whom the world might consider "lost" (the exiles) are, in God's eyes, the "good figs" destined for restoration and a covenant relationship ([Jeremiah 24:5-7](/jeremiah/24-5 "Jeremiah 24:5-7 - God's Promise to the Exiles")). Conversely, those who remained in Jerusalem, often complacent and rebellious, are deemed the "bad figs," facing severe judgment and dispersion ([Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - God's Judgment on the Remnant")). This highlights the theme of **Hope in Exile** and **Consequences of Rebellion**, emphasizing that true spiritual health is not tied to geographical location but to a repentant heart and obedience to God's word, even in the face of hardship. The vision also subtly introduces the theme of **Remnant Theology**, where God preserves a faithful portion for His future purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **first ripe (Hebrew, _bakkurâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "firstfruits," `bakkurâh` (H1073) refers specifically to the earliest figs of the season. These were highly prized for their superior taste and were often considered a delicacy. In the allegorical sense, this term emphasizes the special favor and divine selection of the exiles, implying they are a choice portion, set apart for God's redemptive purposes, much like the first and best of a harvest.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) carries a broad range of positive meanings, including beautiful, pleasant, prosperous, and morally upright. When applied to the figs, it signifies not just their physical quality (edible, sweet, desirable) but also, by extension in the allegory, the spiritual and moral quality of the people they represent—those who are pleasing in God's sight and destined for His favor and restoration.
* **naughty / bad (Hebrew, _raʻ'_ / _rôaʻ'_):** This powerful word `raʻ` (H7451) denotes something bad, evil, worthless, or harmful. When applied to the figs, it describes their utterly spoiled and inedible nature. The accompanying phrase "they were so bad" (H7455, `rôaʻ`) intensifies this description. Allegorically, these terms signify the moral and spiritual corruption of the people represented, indicating their rebellion against God, their unrepentant hearts, and their ultimate worthlessness in His eyes for His redemptive plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One basket [had] very good figs, [even] like the figs [that are] first ripe:"** This clause introduces the first group, characterized by excellence. The "very good figs" are explicitly likened to "first ripe" figs, emphasizing their superior quality, desirability, and perhaps their status as a choice selection. This sets a positive tone for the group they represent, hinting at divine favor and potential.
* **"and the other basket [had] very naughty figs,"** This clause introduces the contrasting second group. The figs are described as "naughty," immediately signaling their undesirable and corrupted nature. The repetition of "very" (H3966, `mᵉʼôd`) intensifies the negative description, highlighting the extreme badness of these figs in stark contrast to the first basket.
* **"which could not be eaten, they were so bad."** This final clause underscores the utter worthlessness and uselessness of the "naughty" figs. Their inedibility signifies their complete corruption and inability to fulfill their purpose, serving as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual condition of the people they represent—beyond redemption or use in God's immediate plans for restoration. The repetition and emphasis on their "badness" reinforce the severity of their condition.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 24:2 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire vision of the two baskets of figs functions as an extended metaphor for two distinct groups within the Israelite population: the exiles in Babylon and the remnant in Jerusalem. This allegory allows for a concrete, visual representation of abstract theological concepts. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "good figs" symbolizing those whom God would preserve and restore, and the "naughty figs" symbolizing the rebellious and unrepentant destined for judgment. The use of **Contrast** is stark and effective, juxtaposing the "very good figs" with the "very naughty figs" to highlight the divine distinction between the two groups. The phrase "first ripe" acts as a **Metaphor** for divine favor and a choice selection, while the description "could not be eaten, they were so bad" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme corruption and worthlessness of the second group. This vivid imagery and stark contrast serve to make God's message of judgment and hope clear and unforgettable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 24:2 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign prerogative to distinguish between individuals and groups based on their spiritual condition, not merely their outward circumstances or human perceptions. It challenges the common assumption that those who remained in Jerusalem were favored, revealing God's surprising assessment that the exiles, seemingly punished, were actually the "good figs" preserved for a future hope. This vision underscores that true spiritual vitality and covenant faithfulness are what matter to God, leading either to restoration or severe judgment. It speaks to the enduring theme of God's justice and mercy, demonstrating His faithfulness to His redemptive plan even amidst national catastrophe.

* [Jeremiah 24:5-7](/jeremiah/24-5 "Jeremiah 24:5-7 - God's Promise to the Good Figs")
* [Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - God's Judgment on the Bad Figs")
* [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17-20 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of the figs in Jeremiah 24:2 serves as a powerful call to self-examination and spiritual discernment for believers today. It compels us to consider not merely our outward circumstances—whether we feel "blessed" or "exiled" by life's events—but rather the true condition of our hearts before God. Are we cultivating a spirit of repentance, humility, and obedience, allowing God to refine us through trials, much like the "good figs" who were preserved for His purposes? Or are we, like the "naughty figs," hardened in rebellion, resistant to His word, and spiritually unproductive? This passage reminds us that God sees beyond superficial appearances and evaluates our character and our response to His will. It encourages us to embrace spiritual discipline and seek genuine transformation, trusting that even in difficult seasons, God is at work to shape us into vessels fit for His use, promising a new heart and spirit to those who turn to Him ([Ezekiel 11:19](/ezekiel/11-19 "Ezekiel 11:19 - A New Heart and Spirit")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to evaluate my spiritual condition: by external circumstances or by the internal state of my heart before God?**
* **In what ways might I be resisting God's refining work in my life, potentially making me like the "naughty figs"?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is "good" and receptive to God's will, even when facing hardship or displacement?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "first ripe" figs?**

Answer: "First ripe" (Hebrew: `bakkurâh`, H1073) figs were highly prized in ancient Israel. They were the earliest fruits of the season, known for their superior sweetness and quality. Their significance in Jeremiah 24:2 is twofold: literally, they represent the best of the harvest. Allegorically, they symbolize the exiles whom God chose to preserve and restore, indicating His special favor and the high value He placed on them, despite their difficult circumstances. This contrasts sharply with the "naughty" figs, which were utterly worthless. The concept of firstfruits often carried connotations of blessing and divine selection, as seen in various Old Testament offerings and laws ([Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")).

**Why were the figs in the second basket "naughty" and "could not be eaten"?**

Answer: The term "naughty" (Hebrew: `raʻ`, H7451) signifies bad, evil, or worthless. When applied to the figs, it means they were utterly spoiled, putrid, and inedible. This physical state serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and moral condition of the people they represented—those who remained in Jerusalem and later fled to Egypt. Their inability to be eaten symbolizes their spiritual corruption, their resistance to God's word, and their ultimate worthlessness in God's redemptive plan for the nation. It indicates a state of unrepentance and active rebellion that rendered them unfit for God's purposes, leading to severe judgment ([Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - God's Judgment on the Bad Figs")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 24:2 speaks directly to the immediate historical context of Judah's exile, its allegorical message finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The distinction between the "good figs" and "naughty figs" foreshadows Jesus' own teaching on fruitfulness and judgment. Jesus often used the metaphor of fruit to describe the character and spiritual condition of individuals, famously stating, "You will recognize them by their fruits" ([Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Recognize Them By Their Fruits")). He spoke of good trees bearing good fruit and bad trees bearing bad fruit, with the latter being cut down and thrown into the fire ([Matthew 7:17-19](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17-19 - Good and Bad Fruit")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "first ripe fig," the "firstfruits" of the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")), representing the perfect offering and the promise of new life for all who are in Him. The "good figs" of Jeremiah's vision, preserved for restoration, find their ultimate restoration and spiritual flourishing in Christ, who gathers His elect and transforms them into fruitful branches abiding in Him, the true vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine")). Conversely, those who reject Him and remain in their spiritual corruption, like the "naughty figs," face the ultimate judgment, unable to partake in the life He offers ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Those Who Believe Are Not Condemned")). Thus, Jeremiah's vision points forward to the ultimate separation and judgment enacted through Christ, leading to eternal life for those who bear good fruit in Him and condemnation for those who do not.

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 5:4

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Micah 7:1

¶ Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: [there is] no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

Hosea 9:10

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

Ezekiel 15:2

Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, [or than] a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

Ezekiel 15:5

Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

Jeremiah 24:5

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.