Jeremiah 3:24

KJV

For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

For shame {H1322} hath devoured {H398} the labour {H3018} of our fathers {H1} from our youth {H5271}; their flocks {H6629} and their herds {H1241}, their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But from our youth the shameful thing [idolatry] has devoured the fruit of our ancestors' work, their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for— their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

But the shameful thing hath devoured the labor of our fathers from our youth, their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:24 stands as a profound and lamentable confession from Judah, articulating the devastating impact of their spiritual apostasy. The verse portrays idolatry, personified as "shame," as a ravenous force that has utterly consumed the accumulated heritage, material wealth, and future generations—represented by their flocks, herds, sons, and daughters—that were the fruit of their ancestors' labor from the nation's earliest days. It powerfully underscores the futility and comprehensive destruction wrought by turning away from the living God to worship false deities, leaving behind only desolation and profound disgrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant section of Jeremiah (chapters 2-6) where the prophet delivers a scathing indictment against Judah for her pervasive unfaithfulness, frequently likening her spiritual infidelity to the harlotry of an unfaithful wife. Specifically, [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Persistent Unfaithfulness and Call to Repentance") details Judah's persistent backsliding and refusal to repent, despite God's patient calls for return. Verse 24 immediately follows a pivotal moment of national confession in [Jeremiah 3:23](/jeremiah/3-23 "Jeremiah 3:23 - Futility of Trusting in Falsehood"), where the people, in a moment of clarity, acknowledge the utter emptiness and deceit of their trust in "the hills, and in the multitude of mountains," realizing that "truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel." Thus, verse 24 serves as a stark expansion upon the calamitous consequences of this misplaced trust, detailing the comprehensive ruin brought about by their "shameful" idolatry. The subsequent verse, [Jeremiah 3:25](/jeremiah/3-25 "Jeremiah 3:25 - Confession of Shame and Sin"), continues this theme of national confession, explicitly linking their shame to their sin against the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous and pivotal period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the final kings of Judah—Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah—leading inexorably towards the Babylonian exile in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Despite King Josiah's significant reforms aimed at purging idolatry, the worship of foreign deities, particularly Canaanite gods like Baal and Asherah, remained deeply entrenched in Judahite society. This often involved syncretistic practices, where Yahweh worship was blended with pagan rituals, including abhorrent acts such as sacred prostitution and even child sacrifice, as condemned in passages like [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - The Abomination of Child Sacrifice in Tophet"). The "labour of our fathers" refers to the accumulated wealth, land, societal structures, and spiritual heritage painstakingly built over generations. The specific mention of "flocks and their herds" highlights the agrarian foundation of their economy and the primary source of their material prosperity. Tragically, "their sons and their daughters" points to the most grievous loss: the human cost of idolatry, whether through literal child sacrifice, the devastating casualties of war and famine brought by divine judgment, or the impending Babylonian exile that would strip the nation of its youth and vitality, effectively "devouring" their future.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 3:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **destructive nature of idolatry**, portraying it not merely as a theological error but as a ravenous, consuming force that annihilates all that is valuable and God-given, leading to national decay and personal ruin. This theme is pervasive, as seen in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **shame and disgrace** as an inevitable consequence of abandoning the covenant God. The Hebrew word for shame, *bôsheth*, frequently appears in Jeremiah to denote the futility, disappointment, and humiliation associated with idol worship, emphasizing that idols are powerless to deliver on their promises and ultimately bring only dishonor. Thirdly, the verse poignantly addresses the **generational impact of sin**, as the "labour of our fathers" is devoured, signifying the squandering of a precious heritage and the loss of future generations. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that the consequences of sin can extend beyond the immediate perpetrators, affecting subsequent generations, as articulated in passages like [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "Exodus 34:7 - God's Mercy and Justice Across Generations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shame (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** (H1322) From the root *bûsh* (to be ashamed), *bôsheth* denotes not merely a subjective feeling of embarrassment but an objective state of disgrace, confusion, and humiliation. Crucially, in this context, it is specifically linked to the futility, worthlessness, and ultimate disappointment associated with idol worship. Here, "shame" is personified as the active, destructive agent, indicating that the very act of misplaced devotion to false gods, or the idols themselves, is the source of their comprehensive ruin and public disgrace.
* **Devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) This primitive root literally means "to eat," but its metaphorical usage here signifies consumption, destruction, or utter ruin. It paints a vivid and violent picture of something being completely consumed, leaving nothing behind. The active voice ("hath devoured") emphasizes the relentless, comprehensive, and insatiable nature of the destruction wrought by their idolatry, leaving no aspect of their national life—material, social, or familial—untouched.
* **Labour (Hebrew, _yᵉgîyaʻ'_):** (H3018) Derived from *yāgaʻ* (to toil, grow weary), *yᵉgîyaʻ* refers to the product of toil, hard work, or exertion. It encompasses the accumulated wealth, property, and heritage passed down through generations. The phrase "labour of our fathers" thus refers to the entire accumulated legacy—economic, social, and spiritual—that previous generations had painstakingly built. This emphasizes the profound tragedy: not just current losses, but the obliteration of ancestral efforts and foundational stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth;"**: This opening clause establishes the central indictment and the destructive agent. "Shame," personified, is the active force, representing the disgrace, futility, and inherent worthlessness of their idolatry. This "shame" has "devoured" (utterly consumed) the "labour of our fathers"—the accumulated wealth, heritage, and societal foundation built over generations. The phrase "from our youth" can be understood as "from our nation's youth" or "from our earliest history," indicating that this destructive pattern of idolatry and its calamitous consequences has been a long-standing issue, consuming their heritage from the very beginning of their national existence.
* **"their flocks and their herds,"**: This phrase specifies the tangible, economic assets that have been consumed. Flocks (sheep and goats) and herds (cattle) represented the primary form of wealth, livelihood, and agricultural prosperity in ancient Israel. Their destruction signifies economic ruin and the loss of sustenance, a direct and devastating consequence of the nation's spiritual unfaithfulness. This points to the material devastation that accompanies spiritual decay.
* **"their sons and their daughters."**: This final, most tragic clause highlights the ultimate and most devastating loss: the nation's children. This could refer to several horrific outcomes: the literal sacrifice of children to pagan deities (a heinous practice condemned throughout the Old Testament), the loss of life through war and famine brought about by God's judgment, or the impending exile where the youth would be taken captive. In essence, it signifies the "devouring" of future generations and the very continuity of the nation. It underscores the complete and utter desolation that idolatry brings, impacting even the most precious aspect of a people's future.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound devastation and the consequences of apostasy. **Personification** is central, as "shame" is vividly depicted as an active, ravenous agent that "hath devoured" the nation's most cherished assets. This transforms an abstract concept into a tangible, destructive force, emphasizing that the very act of idolatry and its inherent disgrace are the primary agents of their ruin. The use of **metaphor** is evident in "devoured," which extends beyond literal eating to signify utter consumption, destruction, and waste. This vivid imagery paints a disturbing picture of a relentless, insatiable force leaving nothing behind. The verse also utilizes **merism** by listing "flocks and their herds" alongside "their sons and their daughters." This rhetorical technique uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a comprehensive whole, indicating that the devastation is total and all-encompassing, affecting both material wealth and human life, from the economic foundation to the very future of the nation. The escalating nature of the losses, from the general "labour" to specific livestock and culminating in the most grievous loss of children, creates a profound sense of increasing tragedy and despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:24 starkly reveals the profound theological truth that idolatry is not merely a benign spiritual misstep but a destructive, consuming force that annihilates all that is precious and God-given. It demonstrates that turning away from the Creator to created things—whether physical idols, the pursuit of wealth, or even the sacrifice of one's own children—results in an inverse return: not blessing and prosperity, but shame, desolation, and utter ruin. This aligns perfectly with the biblical principle that God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with another, and that those who trust in idols will inevitably become like them—senseless, powerless, and ultimately disgraced. The verse serves as a powerful and timeless warning that true security, lasting peace, and genuine prosperity are found only in covenant faithfulness to Yahweh, whereas spiritual infidelity inevitably leads to comprehensive loss and public disgrace before both God and the nations.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Futility and Impotence of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Exchanging God's Glory for Idolatry")
* [Hosea 4:7](/hosea/4-7 "Shame as a Consequence of Rejecting God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:24 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for humanity, reflecting the profound and devastating consequences of misplaced devotion. While ancient Israel grappled with literal idols of wood and stone, contemporary society faces its own pervasive forms of idolatry—the worship of success, wealth, pleasure, power, comfort, or even self. When anything other than the one true God becomes the ultimate object of our trust, affection, and pursuit, it inevitably begins to "devour" our true well-being and the very fabric of our lives. This can manifest as the erosion of relationships, the squandering of spiritual heritage, the loss of moral compass, or a deep, gnawing emptiness despite outward success. The verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of what we truly worship and where we place our ultimate hope. It reminds us that true security, lasting joy, and genuine prosperity are found only in loving and serving the Lord with undivided hearts, for only He can truly sustain and enrich our lives and the lives of future generations, ensuring that our "labour" is not consumed by shame but blessed by His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" in my life, though perhaps not physical statues, might be subtly "devouring" my time, resources, energy, or relationships?**
* **In what ways might my pursuits or priorities be squandering the "labour of my fathers"—the spiritual, moral, or material heritage passed down to me?**
* **How does the "shame" described in this verse manifest in contemporary society when people place their ultimate trust in fleeting things rather than in God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my life is centered on God, preventing the "devouring" effects of misplaced devotion and cultivating a legacy of faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What does "shame hath devoured" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Shame hath devoured" is a powerful personification where "shame" (Hebrew *bôsheth*), representing the disgrace, futility, and destructive consequences of idolatry, is depicted as a ravenous entity that consumes. It means that the very act of worshiping false gods, which ultimately brings nothing but disappointment and humiliation, actively destroys the nation's accumulated wealth, resources, and future generations. It's not just that they *felt* ashamed, but that the *cause* of their shame—their idolatry—was the active agent of their ruin, leaving them utterly desolate and disgraced before God and the nations. This concept is further elaborated in [Jeremiah 2:26-27](/jeremiah/2-26-27 "Jeremiah 2:26-27 - The Shame of Idolatry and Its Exposure").

**How does the "labour of our fathers" relate to "their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters"?**

Answer: The "labour of our fathers" refers to the accumulated heritage, wealth, and societal structures built by previous generations through their hard work and effort. "Their flocks and their herds" specifically identify the material and economic aspects of this heritage—the primary source of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society. "Their sons and their daughters" represent the most precious and irreplaceable part of this heritage: the future generations, the very continuity of the nation. By listing these, the verse illustrates that the "shame" (idolatry) has consumed *everything*—from the tangible economic base to the future of the family line, indicating a total and comprehensive devastation of the national legacy. This comprehensive loss highlights the all-encompassing nature of God's judgment on idolatry, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:24, with its stark depiction of shame devouring the nation's heritage due to idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in Jesus Christ. Israel's persistent pattern of unfaithfulness and the resulting shame pointed to humanity's inherent inability to save itself from the destructive power of sin and false worship. However, in Christ, God Himself entered into human history to bear the ultimate shame and curse of sin, not for His own transgression, but for ours. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame") declares that Jesus, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame." He took upon Himself the disgrace and futility of our idolatry, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to "devour" sin's power and its devastating consequences. Through His atoning work, the "labour" of God's redemptive plan, which began with the covenant with Abraham, is not devoured but brought to glorious fruition. Those who trust in Him are no longer put to shame ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame")), but instead receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). He restores what sin has devoured, transforming our shame into His glory and offering new life and a secure future, fulfilling the promise of a true and lasting inheritance that can never be consumed by the ravages of sin or the deceit of idols.

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

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.

Hosea 2:8

For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 11:13

For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.

Hosea 10:6

It shall be also carried unto Assyria [for] a present to king Jareb: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel.