Jeremiah 31:30

KJV

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

KJV (with Strong's)

But every one {H376} shall die {H4191} for his own iniquity {H5771}: every man {H120} that eateth {H398} the sour grape {H1155}, his teeth {H8127} shall be set on edge {H6949}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, each will die for his own sin; every one who eats sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge.

American Standard Version

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:30 marks a profound shift in the prophetic understanding of divine justice, moving away from a perceived principle of inherited guilt to a clear declaration of individual accountability. This verse directly refutes a common proverb of the time, asserting that in the coming era, each person will bear the consequences of their own actions and iniquity, vividly illustrated by the idiom of eating a sour grape and experiencing the immediate, unpleasant sensation of one's teeth being set on edge. This emphasis on personal responsibility serves as a foundational truth for the subsequent promise of the New Covenant, which centers on an individual, internal relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:30 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to promises of restoration and hope for Israel and Judah. Specifically, it directly follows [Jeremiah 31:29](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29 - The Old Proverb") which introduces the very proverb this verse refutes: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This immediate literary juxtaposition highlights the divine correction being offered. The declaration of individual accountability in verse 30 then serves as a crucial theological prerequisite for the detailed description of the [New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God's law is written on individual hearts, emphasizing a personal and internal relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The people of Judah, particularly those in Babylonian exile, were suffering immensely and often attributed their plight to the sins of their ancestors, encapsulating this sentiment in the popular proverb. This worldview, while acknowledging corporate sin and its consequences (which indeed led to the exile), fostered a sense of fatalism and externalized blame, hindering personal repentance. The proverb implied that the current generation was unjustly punished for the iniquities of previous ones, like King Manasseh's idolatry. Jeremiah 31:30, echoed by [Ezekiel 18:2-4](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2-4 - Individual Accountability"), directly challenges this cultural narrative. It proclaims that while corporate sin had led to national judgment, God's ultimate dealings would be based on individual moral standing, preparing the people for a future where personal righteousness and direct relationship with God would be paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Individual Accountability**, asserting that each person will be held responsible for their own choices and actions, refuting the notion of inherited guilt as a sole determinant of one's fate. Secondly, it highlights the precision of **Divine Justice**, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly aligned with individual conduct. While corporate sin led to the exile, God's ultimate justice is personal and equitable. Thirdly, the vivid imagery emphasizes the **Consequences of Sin**, illustrating that personal transgression inevitably leads to personal, painful repercussions, much like the physical discomfort of eating a sour grape. Finally, this declaration serves as a crucial **Foreshadowing of the New Covenant**, laying the theological groundwork for a covenant relationship that is deeply personal, where God's law is internalized, and individuals personally know and obey Him, as promised in [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - Law on the Heart and Personal Knowledge of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This word encompasses not just a single act of wrongdoing but a state of moral crookedness or perversion. It highlights the inherent bent away from God's standard that leads to sinful acts, and importantly, can also refer to the punishment that results from such sin. The phrase "his own iniquity" emphasizes the personal nature of this moral failing and its associated consequences.
* **sour grape (Hebrew, _bôçer'_):** From H1155, meaning "an immature grape." This specific term refers to a grape that is unripe and therefore intensely acidic, causing a sharp, unpleasant sensation when eaten. Its use here is purely metaphorical, providing a vivid, relatable sensory image for the immediate and disagreeable consequences of one's own actions, distinct from the actions of others.
* **set on edge (Hebrew, _qâhâh'_):** From H6949, meaning "to be dull; be set on edge, be blunt." This verb describes the unpleasant, jarring sensation in one's teeth after eating something extremely sour or acidic. It perfectly captures the direct, personal, and uncomfortable experience of suffering the consequences of one's own "sour grapes" – one's own sin. The idiom conveys a direct cause-and-effect relationship between personal sin and personal suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But every one shall die for his own iniquity:"** This clause introduces a radical departure from the prevailing proverb and worldview. The conjunction "But" signals a strong contrast. It asserts a principle of absolute individual responsibility for sin and its ultimate consequence, death. "Every one" (H376, _ʼîysh_) and "his own iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn'_) underscore that the judgment is personal and directly linked to one's moral failing. The verb "shall die" (H4191, _mûwth_) signifies not only physical death but also the spiritual separation and judgment that sin brings.
* **"every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge."** This second clause functions as a vivid, proverbial illustration of the principle stated in the first. "Every man" (H120, _ʼâdâm_) reinforces the universality of this individual accountability. The act of "eateth the sour grape" (H398, _ʼâkal_ H1155, _bôçer_) is a metaphor for committing personal sin. The immediate, unpleasant physical sensation of "his teeth shall be set on edge" (H8127, _shên_ H6949, _qâhâh_) graphically depicts the direct, personal, and inevitable consequences that follow one's own transgression. This imagery powerfully conveys that the pain and suffering experienced are a direct result of one's own choices, not those of ancestors.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its transformative message. The primary device is **Proverbial Correction**, as the verse directly quotes and then immediately refutes a popular saying, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This direct engagement with and overturning of a common belief emphasizes the radical nature of God's new declaration. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a vivid **Idiom** or **Metaphor** in the phrase "eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge." This sensory imagery provides a visceral and relatable illustration of the direct cause-and-effect relationship between personal sin and its unpleasant consequences. The physical discomfort of teeth being "set on edge" serves as a powerful analogy for the spiritual and existential pain resulting from one's own iniquity. Lastly, there is a clear **Antithesis** at play, contrasting the old understanding of collective or inherited guilt with the new emphasis on individual accountability. This stark contrast highlights the profound shift in divine dealings and prepares the audience for the deeply personal nature of the promised New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:30 is a pivotal theological statement that refines and clarifies the nature of divine justice and human responsibility. While the Old Testament often speaks of corporate solidarity and the generational consequences of sin (e.g., the exile itself as a consequence of national apostasy), this verse, along with its parallel in Ezekiel, emphasizes that in the new era, God's ultimate dealings with individuals will be based on their personal choices. It does not negate the reality that sin can have far-reaching effects, but it definitively asserts that each person is ultimately accountable for their own moral standing before God. This emphasis on individual culpability and consequence is crucial for understanding the personal nature of repentance, faith, and salvation, laying the groundwork for a direct, unmediated relationship with the divine. It underscores God's perfect righteousness, ensuring that justice is meted out precisely and personally, rather than being solely a matter of inherited fate.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Fathers Not Punished for Children's Sins")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die")
* [Galatians 6:5](/galatians/6-5 "Galatians 6:5 - Each Will Bear His Own Burden")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:30 offers profound insights for personal reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. It challenges us to embrace full personal accountability for our choices, actions, and character, rather than seeking to blame circumstances, upbringing, or the failings of previous generations. This verse liberates us from the fatalistic notion that we are perpetually bound by the sins of others, assuring us that God's justice is precise, fair, and ultimately directed at the individual. It encourages a proactive stance toward one's spiritual life, recognizing that personal sin leads to personal consequences, and therefore, personal repentance and transformation are essential. This understanding fosters a deep sense of responsibility and empowers us to seek God's grace for our own iniquities, knowing that He deals with each of us individually. It also provides comfort, reminding us that we are not condemned for the "sour grapes" eaten by others, but rather are invited into a personal relationship with a just and merciful God under the New Covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to blaming others or past circumstances for my own struggles or failures, rather than taking personal responsibility?**
* **How does the assurance of individual accountability, as declared in this verse, bring both a challenge and a comfort to my understanding of God's justice?**
* **Considering the "sour grape" metaphor, what "sour grapes" might I be eating in my own life, and what are the immediate, personal consequences I am experiencing as a result?**
* **How does the emphasis on individual responsibility in Jeremiah 31:30 prepare my heart to better understand and embrace the personal nature of the New Covenant?**

### FAQ

**What was the proverb mentioned in Jeremiah 31:30, and why was it problematic?**

Answer: The proverb was "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." This saying, also found in [Jeremiah 31:29](/jeremiah/31-29 "Jeremiah 31:29 - The Old Proverb") and [Ezekiel 18:2](/ezekiel/18-2 "Ezekiel 18:2 - The Proverb of Sour Grapes"), implied that the current generation was suffering unjustly for the sins of their ancestors. It was problematic because it fostered a sense of fatalism and allowed people to externalize blame, hindering personal repentance and a direct relationship with God. God's declaration in Jeremiah 31:30 directly refutes this, asserting that each individual would be accountable for their own iniquity.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "generational curses" or inherited sin?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:30 provides a crucial clarification regarding inherited sin. While the Bible acknowledges that the consequences of sin can indeed extend across generations (e.g., the exile was a consequence of centuries of national apostasy, as seen in [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Our Fathers Sinned")), this verse emphasizes that God's ultimate justice is personal. It refutes the idea that individuals are condemned *solely* for the sins of their ancestors, without any personal culpability. Instead, it asserts that each person will "die for his own iniquity." This does not deny the ripple effects of sin but stresses that when it comes to ultimate judgment and a personal relationship with God, individual accountability is paramount. The New Covenant, which follows this declaration, further solidifies this by offering personal forgiveness and transformation through faith in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:30, with its powerful declaration of individual accountability for sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse asserts that "every one shall die for his own iniquity," establishing the just consequence of human sin. This truth sets the stage for the Gospel: humanity, indeed, eats the "sour grape" of sin and justly experiences the "teeth set on edge" of its painful consequences, culminating in spiritual death, as [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death") declares, "the wages of sin is death." However, Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, uniquely stepped into humanity's place. He did not eat His own "sour grape," for He knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin")). Instead, He bore the "sour grapes" of *our* iniquity, experiencing the ultimate "teeth set on edge" on the cross, suffering the just punishment for our sins. Through His atoning sacrifice, the principle of "dying for one's own iniquity" is transformed for those who believe: while we deserve to die for our own, Christ died for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). This paves the way for the New Covenant, promised immediately after Jeremiah 31:30, where God's law is written on individual hearts, and personal forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God are made possible, not through inherited merit or demerit, but through individual faith in the one who bore the consequences for all ([Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant")).

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

Ezekiel 18:20

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Deuteronomy 24:16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Galatians 6:5

For every man shall bear his own burden.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Ezekiel 3:19

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.