Jeremiah 24:8

KJV

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

And as the evil {H7451} figs {H8384}, which cannot be eaten {H398}, they are so evil {H7455}; surely thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, So will I give {H5414} Zedekiah {H6667} the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and his princes {H8269}, and the residue {H7611} of Jerusalem {H3389}, that remain {H7604} in this land {H776}, and them that dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"But concerning the bad figs that are so bad as to be inedible, ADONAI says: 'I will make Tzidkiyahu the king of Y'hudah and his leaders resemble them, likewise the rest of Yerushalayim remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

And as the bad figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so bad, surely thus saith Jehovah, So will I give up Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 24:8 delivers a powerful prophetic judgment against King Zedekiah, his officials, and the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem who stubbornly resisted God's will, along with those who later sought refuge in Egypt. Through the vivid and repulsive imagery of "evil figs" that are utterly unfit for consumption, the verse pronounces God's severe condemnation and impending destruction upon those whose hearts were hardened in defiance, starkly contrasting their fate with the promised restoration for the exiles who had submitted to God's disciplinary hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 24 is a pivotal chapter within the broader prophetic book, strategically placed after the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC (which included King Jehoiachin) and preceding the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The chapter unfolds as the "Vision of the Two Baskets of Figs," a divinely inspired parable designed to illustrate God's discerning judgment. Verses 1-7 meticulously describe the "good figs," symbolizing the exiles already transported to Babylon, whom God promises to watch over, restore, and ultimately give a heart to know Him. In sharp contrast, verse 8, the focus of this commentary, introduces the "evil figs." These represent those who remained in Jerusalem under King Zedekiah, his officials, and those who subsequently fled to Egypt, all of whom consistently defied God's commands and Jeremiah's prophetic warnings. This immediate literary juxtaposition profoundly highlights God's precise judgment and the two distinct destinies awaiting different segments of the Judahite population, determined by their spiritual condition and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the turbulent final years of the Kingdom of Judah, culminating in Jerusalem's catastrophic downfall. Following Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege and deportation in 597 BC, Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, was installed as a puppet king by Babylon. Despite Jeremiah's persistent and clear warnings to submit to Babylon as God's instrument of judgment, as articulated in passages like [Jeremiah 27:12](/jeremiah/27-12 "Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah"), Zedekiah and his advisors stubbornly pursued rebellious alliances with Egypt. This strategy fostered a false sense of security and directly defied divine counsel, leading to their eventual ruin. Culturally, figs were a staple food in ancient Israel and a potent symbol of prosperity, blessing, and the fruitfulness of the land, as noted in [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Blessings of the Land"). Therefore, the imagery of "rotten figs" conveyed utter worthlessness, spiritual corruption, and divine rejection—a powerful and easily understood metaphor for a people deemed beyond redemption in God's eyes. The mention of those who "dwell in the land of Egypt" refers to a later flight of Judahites, undertaken against Jeremiah's explicit warnings, as recounted in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Flight to Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His righteous judgment against disobedience, even among His own covenant people. Secondly, it highlights the severe **Consequences of Rebellion and False Hope**, contrasting the ultimate futility of human strategies (such as resisting Babylon or fleeing to Egypt) with the absolute necessity of humble submission to God's revealed will. Zedekiah's persistent refusal to heed Jeremiah's prophecies led directly to the catastrophic destruction detailed in [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Fate"). Thirdly, the vision reinforces the profound theme of **God's Distinguishing Grace and Justice**. Here, God clearly differentiates between those who are chastened for future restoration (the "good figs") and those whose hardened hearts lead to irreversible condemnation (the "evil figs"). This distinction reveals God's perfect justice in holding leaders and their people accountable for their choices and spiritual condition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** (H7451) This term denotes badness, encompassing both physical quality (like rotten fruit) and moral depravity (wickedness, calamity). When applied to the figs, it conveys their utter worthlessness and inedibility, directly mirroring the profound spiritual and moral corruption of the people they represent. The subsequent repetition of "so evil" (H7455, _rôaʻ_) intensifies this sense of inherent, irredeemable badness, emphasizing a state of being beyond recovery or usefulness.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred covenant name of God, Jehovah or Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The declaration "thus saith the LORD" profoundly underscores the divine authority and absolute certainty of the prophecy. It signifies that this judgment is not merely Jeremiah's human opinion or political analysis, but God's unalterable, sovereign decree, binding and certain in its execution.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give," "put," "make," "appoint," or "deliver." In this specific context, the phrase "So will I give" implies God's active, intentional role in delivering Zedekiah and his cohorts into the hands of their enemies, or appointing them to a predetermined fate of destruction, exile, or death. This highlights God's sovereign control over the destinies of kings, nations, and individuals, orchestrating events according to His righteous judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil;":** This opening clause establishes the central and repulsive metaphor of the vision. The figs are not merely "bad" but are described as "evil" to such an extreme degree that they are completely inedible and utterly useless. This vivid imagery immediately signals a severe and uncompromising condemnation, setting the dire tone for the subsequent pronouncement of judgment. The emphatic repetition of "evil" underscores their profound and inherent corruption and worthlessness in God's sight.
* **"surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:":** This is the direct and authoritative application of the fig metaphor. The divine declaration, "thus saith the LORD," serves as an authenticating prophetic formula, confirming that this judgment originates directly from God Himself. The "evil figs" are explicitly identified as King Zedekiah, his royal court ("his princes"), the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem who stubbornly clung to false hopes and resisted God's will, and those who would later flee to Egypt in defiance of Jeremiah's warnings. The verb "give" here powerfully implies God's active handing over of these individuals to their appointed fate of destruction, exile, or death, underscoring His sovereign and decisive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 24:8 powerfully employs **Symbolism** and **Metaphor** to convey its message of divine judgment. The "evil figs" serve as a clear **symbol** for the unrepentant segment of Judah's population, specifically King Zedekiah, his officials, and those who remained in Jerusalem or fled to Egypt. This **metaphor** is extended by describing the figs as "so evil" that they "cannot be eaten," vividly conveying their utter worthlessness, spiritual corruption, and complete rejection in God's eyes. The sharp contrast with the "good figs" described earlier in the chapter creates a strong **Antithesis**, highlighting God's discerning judgment and the two distinct spiritual conditions and destinies. The phrase "thus saith the LORD" functions as a potent **Prophetic Formula**, lending irrefutable divine authority and certainty to the pronouncement of judgment. The specific naming of Zedekiah and the various groups creates a direct and inescapable **Application** of the symbolic vision, leaving no ambiguity about the targets of God's wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's righteous judgment and His sovereign control over human history. It reveals that God discerns the heart and judges accordingly, distinguishing between those who are pliable and responsive to His discipline, even in suffering (represented by the "good figs"), and those who harden their hearts in persistent rebellion, clinging to false securities. The severe fate of the "evil figs" underscores the dire consequences of persistent disobedience and the ultimate futility of resisting God's revealed will. It teaches a timeless truth: true security lies not in political alliances, human strength, or geographical location, but solely in humble submission and genuine repentance before the Lord. God's declaration through Jeremiah serves as an enduring warning against spiritual complacency, defiance, and the illusion of self-sufficiency.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride goes before destruction")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Hardness of heart stores up wrath")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Deliberate sin and judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 24:8 presents a sobering and enduring truth: God discerns the heart and judges accordingly. For believers today, this means that our spiritual condition, marked by our responsiveness to God's word and His Spirit, is of paramount importance. Are we like the "good figs," allowing God's discipline to refine us and draw us closer to Him, even when circumstances are difficult or painful? Or are we like the "evil figs," stubbornly resisting His will, clinging to our own plans, and seeking security in worldly solutions or human strength rather than in divine guidance and provision? This verse challenges us to deeply examine our hearts for any areas of unrepentance, defiance, or self-reliance that might hinder our walk with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom and lasting security are found only in aligning our lives with God's purposes, trusting His sovereignty, and embracing the path of humility and obedience, even when that path is uncomfortable or counter-cultural. Our ultimate hope and refuge are found in Christ alone, not in fleeting human strategies or earthly strongholds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's will, similar to the "evil figs" clinging to their own ways?**
* **How do I typically respond to difficult circumstances or divine discipline? Do I allow it to refine me, or do I tend to harden my heart?**
* **Where do I place my ultimate trust and security – in God's promises and sovereign plan, or in worldly solutions and human strength?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to cultivate a "heart to know God" (as promised to the good figs) in my daily walk and decisions?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Zedekiah being identified as an "evil fig"?**

Answer: Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before its catastrophic destruction. His identification as an "evil fig" signifies his utter spiritual and moral corruption in God's eyes, rendering him and his rule worthless, unfruitful, and deserving of severe judgment. Despite Jeremiah's repeated warnings to submit to Babylon as God's instrument, Zedekiah consistently pursued rebellious alliances with Egypt, demonstrating a hardened heart and a profound refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty over the unfolding events. His stubborn disobedience and lack of faith led directly to the final siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and his own gruesome fate, including the blinding of his eyes (see [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "Zedekiah's fate")). His portrayal as an "evil fig" underscores that his leadership was detrimental, spiritually bankrupt, and ultimately led his people to ruin and divine condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 24:8 speaks of a specific historical judgment against unrepentant Judah, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and application. The stark distinction between "good" and "evil" figs powerfully foreshadows the ultimate separation revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself frequently spoke of discerning true disciples from false ones, using metaphors like good and bad fruit (e.g., [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17-20 "Good tree bears good fruit")). Those who reject Christ and His gracious call to repentance are, in a spiritual sense, "evil figs" – unfruitful, unredeemable in their state of rebellion, and ultimately destined for judgment, as vividly depicted in parables like the unfruitful fig tree (e.g., [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6-9 "Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree")). Conversely, the "good figs" of Jeremiah 24, refined through exile and promised a heart to know God, prefigure those who, through saving faith in Christ, are transformed by the Holy Spirit and bear spiritual fruit for the Kingdom of God (e.g., [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "I am the vine; you are the branches")). Christ is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to redemption and spiritual fruitfulness that Zedekiah and his cohorts tragically rejected. Those who cling to false hopes or persistently resist God's gracious invitation in Christ ultimately face spiritual barrenness and eternal separation, while those who humble themselves and embrace Him are made spiritually alive and fruitful, becoming part of God's restored and redeemed people, the true Israel in Christ (e.g., [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Not all Israel is Israel")).

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

Jeremiah 43:1

¶ And it came to pass, [that] when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, [even] all these words,

Jeremiah 44:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

Jeremiah 24:2

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.

Jeremiah 29:16

[Know] that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, [and] of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

Jeremiah 29:18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

Jeremiah 37:17

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 39:2

[And] in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth [day] of the month, the city was broken up.