Jeremiah 29:17

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Behold, I will send {H7971} upon them the sword {H2719}, the famine {H7458}, and the pestilence {H1698}, and will make {H5414} them like vile {H8182} figs {H8384}, that cannot be eaten {H398}, they are so evil {H7455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

thus says ADONAI-Tzva'ot: 'I will attack them with sword, famine and plague; I will make them like bad figs, so bad they are inedible.

Berean Standard Bible

this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will send against them sword and famine and plague, and I will make them like rotten figs, so bad they cannot be eaten.

American Standard Version

thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so bad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:17 delivers a severe pronouncement of divine judgment from the LORD of hosts against the unrepentant inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Zedekiah. It starkly contrasts with messages of hope for the exiles, declaring that those who stubbornly resist God's word and cling to false assurances will face devastating consequences: the sword, famine, and pestilence. This judgment is vividly illustrated by the metaphor of "vile figs," signifying their utter worthlessness and spiritual corruption in God's sight, rendering them unfit for any redemptive purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:17 is embedded within a pivotal letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah from Jerusalem to the Jewish exiles already in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1-23). This letter serves to counter the deceptive messages of false prophets, both among the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem, who were promising a swift end to the Babylonian captivity or no exile at all. While the letter contains the well-known message of hope and future restoration for the exiles in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"), verse 17, along with verses 16 and 18, addresses those who remained in Jerusalem—King Zedekiah and the unrepentant people—who continued to reject Jeremiah's prophetic warnings to surrender to Babylon. This judgment is a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion and refusal to heed God's word, setting them apart from the "good figs" (the earlier exiles) described in [Jeremiah 24:5](/jeremiah/24-5 "Jeremiah 24:5 - The Good Figs").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Nebuchadnezzar had already besieged Jerusalem and deported a significant portion of its elite in 597 BC, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel. King Zedekiah was installed as a puppet king, but he, along with the remaining populace, harbored rebellious hopes, often fueled by false prophets who proclaimed peace and imminent deliverance from Babylon. Jeremiah consistently warned that resistance to Babylon was resistance to God's ordained judgment and would lead to further devastation. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" were common instruments of divine judgment and warfare in the ancient Near East, frequently occurring together during sieges and their aftermath. The fig metaphor was culturally resonant; figs were a staple food and a symbol of prosperity and well-being in Israel. Good figs were prized, while rotten figs were discarded as utterly useless, a vivid image of worthlessness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and brings consequences for disobedience, as seen in the broader context of [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion and False Hope**, contrasting the divine judgment on the unrepentant with the eventual restoration promised to those who genuinely seek God. The people's persistent idolatry and rejection of prophetic warnings are central to their downfall. Thirdly, the verse develops the **Fig Metaphor**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah, notably in [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Vision of Good and Bad Figs"), where the "vile figs" represent those destined for destruction, distinguishing them from the "good figs" (the exiles) whom God intends to restore. This distinction reveals God's righteous discernment between those who are redeemable and those who have hardened their hearts beyond repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This powerful divine title, appearing frequently in prophetic books, combines the covenant name of God, YHWH (Jehovah, the self-existent one), with "hosts" (armies, organized mass, or even heavenly bodies). It emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and His command over all creation, including angelic armies and the forces of nature. When God speaks as "LORD of hosts," His pronouncements are certain, backed by infinite power and authority, underscoring the inevitability of the judgment declared in this verse.
* **pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to destroy," this term refers to a plague or murrain, a widespread infectious disease that brings death. In the context of ancient warfare and divine judgment, pestilence often accompanied famine and the sword, devastating populations by weakening them from within. Its inclusion here signifies a comprehensive and inescapable form of divine judgment that leaves no one untouched.
* **vile (Hebrew, _shôʻâr'_):** This adjective describes something harsh, horrid, offensive, or disgusting. Applied to the figs, it conveys an extreme state of decay and foulness, making them utterly repulsive and unusable. In a metaphorical sense, it denotes the moral and spiritual corruption of the people of Jerusalem, rendering them abhorrent in God's sight and beyond any redemptive value in their current state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them":** This opening establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" is a prophetic formula, signaling that the words are not Jeremiah's but God's own, delivered by His supreme authority. The "them" refers specifically to King Zedekiah and the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem who have resisted God's will. God explicitly states His active role in initiating the impending judgment.
* **"the sword, the famine, and the pestilence":** These three calamities represent a comprehensive and devastating sequence of judgment. The "sword" signifies death by warfare and violent conquest. "Famine" refers to starvation resulting from siege or crop failure. "Pestilence" denotes widespread disease. Together, they paint a picture of total societal collapse and widespread death, a common triad of covenant curses for disobedience (cf. [Leviticus 26:25-26](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25-26 - Covenant Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28:21-22](/deuteronomy/28-21 "Deuteronomy 28:21-22 - Curses for Disobedience")).
* **"and will make them like vile figs":** This clause introduces the central metaphor of the verse. Drawing from the imagery in [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Good and Bad Figs"), God declares that the unrepentant people of Jerusalem are like "vile figs." This implies extreme decay, worthlessness, and spiritual corruption. Just as rotten fruit is fit only for discarding, so too are these people, in their current state of rebellion, deemed beyond use or restoration by God.
* **"that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.":** This final phrase elaborates on the nature of the "vile figs," emphasizing their complete uselessness and inherent badness. The figs are "evil" not just in their physical decay but also in their symbolic representation of the people's moral and spiritual depravity. Their "evil" (Hebrew: *rôaʻ*) encompasses both physical badness (as in rottenness) and moral wickedness, reinforcing the severity of their condition and the justice of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the comparison of the unrepentant people of Jerusalem to "vile figs." This imagery is vivid and culturally significant, drawing on the common experience of spoiled fruit to represent utter worthlessness and corruption. The figs are not just bad; they are "vile," emphasizing their repulsive and irredeemable nature. This metaphor is an extension of the **Allegory** introduced in [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Good and Bad Figs"), where good figs represent the exiles God intends to restore, and bad figs represent those destined for destruction. The repetition of the triad "sword, famine, and pestilence" is a form of **Merism**, where a comprehensive reality (total devastation) is expressed by listing its constituent parts. This **Triad** of judgments is a common prophetic motif, signifying a complete and inescapable divine punishment. The declarative "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" is an example of a **Prophetic Formula**, lending immense authority and certainty to the pronouncement, underscoring that these are not mere human predictions but divine decrees.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:17 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of persistent rebellion against His revealed will. While God's character is rich in mercy and patience, as seen in His promises to the exiles, He is also holy and righteous, holding humanity accountable for their choices. The judgment described here is not arbitrary but a just response to the hardened hearts, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings by those in Jerusalem. It underscores the truth that divine patience has limits, and unrepentant sin leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, destruction. This verse highlights the critical distinction God makes between those who are open to His discipline and future restoration, and those whose hearts are so hardened they become "vile" and irredeemable in their current state.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 2:20-21](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20-21 - Famine and Sword in Jerusalem")
* [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - One Third by Pestilence, Famine, and Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:17, though a word of severe judgment, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to soberly consider the gravity of unrepentant sin and the deceptive nature of false assurances. In a world that often seeks comfort and avoids uncomfortable truths, this verse reminds us that God is both merciful and just. We are called to discern truth from falsehood, to not cling to self-serving narratives or promises of ease that contradict God's revealed word, but rather to embrace genuine repentance and humble obedience. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we like the "good figs" who, even in discipline, remain pliable and open to God's refining work, or are we hardening ourselves, becoming "vile" and resistant to His transforming grace? This verse calls for vigilance against spiritual complacency and a deep commitment to aligning our lives with God's will, understanding that true hope is found not in avoiding consequences but in faithful submission to the Lord of hosts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be clinging to false hopes or deceptive assurances, rather than embracing God's truth, even if it's difficult?**
* **How seriously do I take the consequences of unaddressed sin in my own life and in the community around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is pliable and responsive to God's word, rather than becoming hardened and "vile"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "**LORD of hosts**" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Hosts" refers to armies or vast multitudes, including heavenly armies. When God is called the "LORD of hosts," it underscores His absolute sovereignty as the commander of all creation and events. In [Jeremiah 29:17](/jeremiah/29-17 "Jeremiah 29:17 - The Lord of Hosts' Judgment"), it highlights that the judgment pronounced is not merely a human prediction but a certain and powerful decree from the Almighty God, who has the power to execute His word. It reinforces the inevitability and comprehensive nature of the impending calamities.

**Why are the people described as "vile figs"?**

Answer: The metaphor of "vile figs" is drawn from [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Good and Bad Figs"), where God uses the imagery of good and bad figs to represent two groups of people. The "good figs" were the exiles who had already been taken to Babylon (like Jehoiachin), whom God promised to restore. The "vile figs" are King Zedekiah and the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem who stubbornly resisted God's word through Jeremiah, refused to surrender to Babylon, and clung to false hopes. Just as rotten figs are utterly worthless, repulsive, and unfit for consumption, so too were these unrepentant people considered spiritually corrupt and beyond immediate redemption in God's eyes due to their persistent sin and rejection of His will. It signifies their moral decay and worthlessness in the divine economy.

**How does this verse relate to the message of hope in Jeremiah 29:11?**

Answer: Jeremiah 29:17 stands in stark contrast to the message of hope found in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). While [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future") offers a future of hope and restoration to the exiles who humbled themselves and sought God, [Jeremiah 29:17](/jeremiah/29-17 "Jeremiah 29:17 - Judgment on Vile Figs") delivers a severe judgment to those who remained in Jerusalem and continued in their rebellion and defiance. It highlights God's righteous discernment: He has distinct plans for different groups based on their responsiveness to His word. For the repentant, there is hope; for the unrepentant, there is judgment. Both verses are part of the same letter, demonstrating God's justice and mercy operating simultaneously within His overarching plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 29:17 is a pronouncement of judgment on unrepentant Israel, its theological underpinnings find profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not in a direct prophecy of Christ, but in the New Testament's revelation of God's ultimate judgment and redemptive work. The "vile figs" represent humanity's fallen state, corrupted by sin and rendered spiritually useless apart from divine intervention. Just as these figs were beyond human redemption, so too is humanity incapable of saving itself from the "sword, famine, and pestilence" of sin's consequences—spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal judgment. However, Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath, becoming the ultimate sacrifice to take away the sin of the world. Through His atoning work on the cross, He absorbed the very judgment of the sword, famine, and pestilence that sin deserves, offering a path to reconciliation and new life. Those who are "in Christ" are no longer "vile figs" destined for destruction but are made new creations, "good fruit" (cf. [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17-20 - Good Tree, Good Fruit")), grafted into the true vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")), and destined for eternal life. The ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment and salvation is realized in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies both God's righteous judgment against sin and His boundless grace for the repentant.

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 24:8

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:

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

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 52:6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Luke 21:23

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

Ezekiel 14:12

¶ The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?