Jeremiah 49:9

KJV

If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough.

KJV (with Strong's)

If grapegatherers {H1219} come {H935} to thee, would they not leave {H7604} some gleaning grapes {H5955}? if thieves {H1590} by night {H3915}, they will destroy {H7843} till they have enough {H1767}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If grape-pickers came to you, they would leave no grapes for gleaning. If thieves came at night, they would destroy until they were satisfied.

Berean Standard Bible

If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted?

American Standard Version

If grape-gatherers came to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, would they not destroy till they had enough?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:9 is a potent prophetic declaration that vividly illustrates the comprehensive and unsparing nature of God's impending judgment upon the nation of Edom. Through two rhetorical questions, the verse contrasts the limited destruction typically wrought by human agents—grapegatherers who leave gleanings and thieves who take only what they desire—with the absolute and utterly devastating judgment that God will bring, implying that divine wrath will leave nothing behind, far exceeding any human plundering or destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jeremiah's collection of prophecies against foreign nations, specifically targeting Edom in [Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7-22 "Jeremiah 49:7-22 - Prophecy Against Edom"). These oracles serve a crucial theological purpose: to demonstrate Yahweh's absolute sovereignty not only over Israel but over all nations, underscoring His universal dominion and unyielding justice. The immediate preceding verses, [Jeremiah 49:7-8](/jeremiah/49-7-8 "Jeremiah 49:7-8 - Edom's Wisdom and Desolation"), declare Edom's renowned wisdom rendered useless and her inhabitants put to flight, setting a desolate stage for the complete devastation described in verse 9. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the thoroughness of Edom's downfall, emphasizing that even their hidden treasures and seemingly impregnable strongholds will be exposed and plundered, leaving no avenue for escape or preservation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, descended from Esau, was a long-standing rival and often hostile neighbor of Israel, frequently appearing in prophetic literature due to their persistent animosity (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel")). Their territory was characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain, with their capital, Sela (later Petra), being a seemingly impregnable rock fortress. This geographical security often fostered a profound sense of pride and self-reliance, which the prophets frequently condemned as a form of hubris against God. Culturally, the reference to "grapegatherers" and "gleaning grapes" directly alludes to ancient Israelite agricultural laws (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:21](/deuteronomy/24-21 "Deuteronomy 24:21 - Law of Gleaning")) that mandated leaving a portion of the harvest for the poor and the sojourner. This reflects a societal expectation of restraint and mercy, even in the act of taking from the land. The stark contrast with "thieves by night" further highlights the ruthless, unrestrained nature of their actions, which, though destructive, still have a limit.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 49:9 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is the **Thoroughness of Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that when God's wrath is unleashed, it is far more absolute and devastating than any human act of destruction or plunder. Unlike the limited taking of grapegatherers or even the greedy but finite destruction of thieves, God's judgment leaves no remnant, underscoring His unyielding justice against sin and rebellion. This verse also powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or security (like Edom's rocky fortresses, as referenced in [Jeremiah 49:16](/jeremiah/49-16 "Jeremiah 49:16 - Edom's Pride and Downfall")), can escape accountability before the Almighty. Finally, it subtly touches upon the **Contrast between Human Restraint/Law and Unrestrained Greed/Judgment**, using familiar cultural practices to illustrate the unique and unparalleled nature of God's righteous indignation, which is driven by perfect justice, not human limitations or desires.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʻôlêlâh (Hebrew, _ʻôlêlâh'_):** This feminine active participle, typically used in the plural, refers to "gleanings" or "grape-gleanings." It specifically denotes the grapes left behind after the main harvest, which, according to Mosaic Law, were to be left for the poor, the sojourner, and the fatherless (e.g., [Leviticus 19:10](/leviticus/19-10 "Leviticus 19:10 - Law of Gleaning")). The word here evokes a sense of remnant, mercy, and provision, setting up a stark contrast with the complete destruction prophesied.
* **shâchath (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to decay" or, causatively, "to ruin" or "destroy." This verb implies a comprehensive and often violent act of spoiling, corrupting, or bringing to utter waste. When applied to the actions of thieves, it signifies their intent to not just take, but to devastate and leave nothing of value or use behind for others, beyond what they themselves carry away.
* **day (Hebrew, _day'_):** This word signifies "enough" or "sufficient." In the context of "destroy till they have enough," it indicates the limit of the thieves' destruction—they will stop once their desires are satisfied or their capacity to carry is met. This human limitation, even in greed, is precisely what the divine judgment is contrasted against; God's judgment has no such "enough" point, as it is total and complete.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes?"**: This rhetorical question establishes the first point of comparison, drawing on a familiar agricultural practice and Mosaic legal principle. Grapegatherers, even when harvesting thoroughly, would traditionally leave some grapes behind—the gleanings—either intentionally due to the law of gleaning or simply because some small clusters would be missed. This implies a degree of incomplete taking, a remnant, or a concession, however small. The question expects a "yes" answer: indeed, they would leave something.
* **"if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough."**: This introduces the second, more destructive comparison. Thieves, driven by greed and operating under the cover of darkness, would not only take but "destroy" (waste, ruin) what they don't take, ensuring maximum personal gain and leaving nothing of value for others. However, their destruction is still limited by their capacity or desire—they "destroy till they have enough," meaning they stop once their objective is met. This implies a finite, albeit ruthless, act of plundering. The underlying implication of the entire verse, through these two rhetorical questions, is that God's judgment on Edom will be far more complete than either of these scenarios. Unlike grapegatherers or thieves, God will leave absolutely nothing.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question**, posed twice ("would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes?", "if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough?"). These questions are not meant to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion by implying an obvious answer, which then serves as a baseline for comparison. The verse also heavily relies on **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition**, setting up two distinct scenarios—the relatively restrained action of grapegatherers (who leave gleanings) against the more destructive, but still limited, greed of thieves (who destroy "till they have enough"). This contrast highlights the severity of God's impending judgment, which is implicitly presented as far more absolute and complete than either human act. Finally, there is an element of **A fortiori** argumentation at play: if even human agents, whether merciful or greedy, leave *something*, then the divine judgment will be so utterly thorough that it will leave *nothing at all*. This emphasizes the unparalleled nature of God's wrath and the inescapable reality of His justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:9 powerfully underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and the unsparing nature of His righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. It reveals that divine judgment, when fully unleashed, is not partial or limited by human constraints or desires; it achieves its complete purpose, leaving no remnant or escape. This thoroughness serves as a stark warning to all who defy God, demonstrating that His justice is comprehensive and inescapable. The verse implicitly contrasts human mercy (gleaning laws) and even human greed (thieves taking "enough") with the boundless and ultimate nature of God's wrath, which is not driven by need or self-interest but by perfect justice and holiness. It portrays God as the ultimate judge, whose actions are not merely destructive but perfectly just and complete in their execution.

* [Obadiah 1:5](/obadiah/1-5 "Obadiah 1:5 - Edom's Utter Ruin")
* [Joel 1:7](/joel/1-7 "Joel 1:7 - Devastation by Locusts")
* [Nahum 1:9](/nahum/1-9 "Nahum 1:9 - The Lord's Vengeance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:9, while a specific prophecy against ancient Edom, carries timeless principles for all humanity. It serves as a profound reminder that God is not to be trifled with; His justice is absolute, and His judgment, when it comes, is comprehensive and inescapable. This should lead us to a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness and power. We are called to recognize that our actions, whether individual or corporate, have consequences before a just God. The contrast between human limitations (even in destruction) and the boundless nature of divine judgment should humble us, prompting genuine introspection about our own lives and allegiances. It compels us to consider whether we are living in defiance of God or in humble submission to His will. Understanding the severity of God's wrath should not lead to despair, but rather to a profound appreciation for His mercy and a fervent desire to seek His grace while it is still available. It calls us to repentance and a life lived in accordance with His righteous standards, knowing that only in Him can we find true security and escape from the judgment to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the thoroughness of God's judgment, as depicted in this verse, shape your understanding of His character and holiness?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Edom, be relying on our own perceived strength, wisdom, or security rather than on God's sovereign protection and grace?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin against God?**
* **How should the understanding of God's comprehensive judgment motivate us towards genuine repentance, humble submission, and a deeper walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah use the examples of grapegatherers and thieves to describe God's judgment?**

Answer: Jeremiah employs these examples to create a powerful rhetorical contrast that emphasizes the unparalleled thoroughness of God's judgment. Grapegatherers, according to ancient Israelite law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:21](/deuteronomy/24-21 "Deuteronomy 24:21 - Law of Gleaning")), were commanded to leave "gleanings" for the poor, signifying a degree of restraint and mercy. Thieves, while destructive and greedy, still only take "enough"—what they can carry or what satisfies their immediate desire, leaving some things behind, even if ruined. By contrasting these human actions, which always leave *something*, Jeremiah implies that God's judgment will be so complete that it will leave *nothing* behind. It's a way of saying, "If even these human agents leave a remnant, how much more utterly devastating will God's judgment be?" This highlights the absolute nature of divine wrath against Edom.

**Does this verse imply that God is more destructive than human thieves?**

Answer: The verse does not imply that God is "more destructive" in a wanton or malicious sense like a human thief. Rather, it emphasizes the *completeness* and *finality* of God's righteous judgment. Human thieves are driven by selfish greed and destroy only to the extent that it serves their purpose ("till they have enough"). God's judgment, however, is driven by perfect justice and holiness, and when it falls, it is utterly comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned and no remnant. It is not about a greater *degree* of destruction in terms of wantonness, but a greater *scope* and *thoroughness* in terms of achieving its divine purpose of accountability and desolation for persistent rebellion. The point is that there will be no escape or remainder from God's decree; His judgment is perfectly executed and leaves no aspect of sin unaddressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:9 speaks of a historical judgment upon Edom, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse highlights the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, a reality that is perfectly upheld and ultimately satisfied in Jesus Christ. For those who are "in Christ," the full, unsparing judgment of God against sin, which leaves no remnant of guilt or condemnation, was poured out upon Jesus on the cross. He became sin for us, bearing the utter destruction and separation that our transgressions deserved, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). This means that for believers, the "destruction" of sin's penalty is complete, leaving no "gleaning grapes" of wrath for us to bear, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Conversely, for those who reject Christ, the thoroughness of God's judgment, as foreshadowed in Edom's downfall, awaits in the final judgment, where every hidden thing will be exposed and every sin fully accounted for, leaving no escape or remnant of unpunished rebellion ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Christ is both the one who fully bore the judgment for His people and the one through whom the final, comprehensive judgment will be executed upon all who refuse His saving grace, demonstrating that God's justice is always perfectly satisfied, either in the substitutionary work of the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) or in the just condemnation of the unrepentant.

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

Obadiah 1:5

If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave [some] grapes?

Obadiah 1:6

How are [the things] of Esau searched out! [how] are his hidden things sought up!

Isaiah 17:6

¶ Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two [or] three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four [or] five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.