Jeremiah 8:13

KJV

¶ I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: [there shall be] no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and [the things that] I have given them shall pass away from them.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will surely {H622} consume {H5486} them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: there shall be no grapes {H6025} on the vine {H1612}, nor figs {H8384} on the fig tree {H8384}, and the leaf {H5929} shall fade {H5034}; and the things that I have given {H5414} them shall pass away {H5674} from them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'I will put an end to them,' says ADONAI. 'There are no grapes on the vine, and no figs on the fig tree; the leaf has withered; and what I have given them will pass from their possession.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.”

American Standard Version

I will utterly consume them, saith Jehovah: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig-tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:13 delivers a severe prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Judah, employing vivid agricultural metaphors to convey a complete and utter desolation. The Lord announces His intention to entirely "consume" or sweep away His people, removing all sources of sustenance and blessing. This prophecy depicts a future where the land, once flowing with milk and honey, will yield no fruit from its vines or fig trees, and even the leaves will wither. Furthermore, all the good things God had graciously bestowed upon them – their land, prosperity, and covenantal identity – will be irrevocably stripped away as a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:13 is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 7-10) where he confronts the people of Judah, particularly their false sense of security derived from the Temple and their superficial religious practices. This verse follows Jeremiah's lament over Judah's incurable wound and their refusal to acknowledge God's truth, even as destruction looms. It serves as a stark pronouncement of the inevitable judgment that will befall them, directly linking their spiritual barrenness to the physical desolation of their land. The agricultural imagery here is consistent with Jeremiah's frequent use of natural metaphors to illustrate spiritual realities, emphasizing the complete reversal of God's covenant blessings due to their persistent sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 8:13 is set against the backdrop of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people, including kings, priests, and false prophets, continued in idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to the Mosaic Law. They placed their trust in political alliances and the physical presence of the Temple in Jerusalem, believing God would not allow His holy city to fall. Grapes and figs were staple crops and vital symbols of prosperity, blessing, and covenant faithfulness in ancient Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Deuteronomy 8:8 - A Land of Abundance")). The failure of these crops, therefore, represented not just economic ruin but a profound spiritual curse and the withdrawal of God's favor, mirroring the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God, as the righteous judge, brings severe consequences upon His people for their covenant unfaithfulness. The imagery of barrenness highlights **Spiritual Barrenness and Futility**, portraying Judah as a vine that has failed to produce the expected fruit of righteousness, thus deserving to be cut off. This directly relates to the theme of **Covenant Disobedience and its Consequences**, as the loss of "the things that I have given them" directly refers to the blessings of land, peace, and prosperity promised under the Mosaic Covenant, which were conditional upon obedience (see [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience")). The passage underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment, and the futility of false hope in the face of persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **consume (Hebrew, _çûwph'_):** From H5486, a primitive root meaning "to snatch away, i.e. terminate; consume, have an end, perish, [idiom] be utterly." In Jeremiah 8:13, this word emphasizes the totality and finality of God's judgment. It's not merely a partial loss but a complete removal or termination of what once was. The Lord's declaration is one of decisive action, bringing an end to Judah's status and blessings.
* **fade (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** From H5034, a primitive root meaning "to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace." This word vividly portrays the decay and decline of life. Applied to the leaf, it signifies the loss of vitality, beauty, and ultimately, life itself. Spiritually, it reflects Judah's moral and spiritual decay, leading to their eventual demise and disgrace in the eyes of the nations.
* **pass away (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, a primitive root meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath." In this context, "pass away" signifies a complete removal, a transition from possession to forfeiture. The blessings God had given them will not merely diminish but will be utterly taken from them, highlighting the irreversible nature of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will surely consume them, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and certainty of the judgment. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_) underscores that this is an authoritative oracle from the self-existent God, Jehovah (H3068). The repetition implied by "surely consume" (H622 and H5486) emphasizes the absolute and complete nature of the destruction or removal that God intends to bring upon Judah. It is a declaration of sovereign, decisive action.
* **"[there shall be] no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree,"** This segment introduces the primary agricultural metaphor. Grapes and figs were quintessential symbols of prosperity, blessing, and the fruitfulness of the promised land. Their complete absence signifies a reversal of all God's covenant blessings, leading to famine, economic ruin, and the loss of national identity tied to the land's fertility. It points to a profound spiritual barrenness mirroring their physical desolation.
* **"and the leaf shall fade;"** This clause extends the agricultural metaphor, emphasizing decay and death. While fruit represents productivity and sustenance, the leaf represents vitality, health, and life itself. A fading leaf indicates a tree that is dying, not merely unproductive. This imagery conveys the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting not just their output but their very existence and well-being.
* **"and [the things that] I have given them shall pass away from them."** This concluding clause summarizes the cumulative effect of the judgment. It refers to all the blessings, privileges, and inheritances that God had graciously bestowed upon Israel as His chosen people – the land, the covenant, the Temple, prosperity, and security. Their unfaithfulness has led to the forfeiture of these divine gifts, signifying a complete loss of their privileged status and the withdrawal of God's protective hand. The phrase "pass away" (H5674) indicates a permanent and irreversible removal.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the nation of Judah is implicitly compared to a vine and a fig tree. The expected fruit (righteousness, obedience, covenant faithfulness) is absent, leading to the divine decision to "consume" them. This agricultural imagery is a powerful **Symbolism** for spiritual barrenness and the withdrawal of divine blessing. Grapes and figs symbolize prosperity and God's favor, while their absence symbolizes judgment and desolation. The phrase "I will surely consume them" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the absolute certainty and totality of the impending destruction. The declaration "saith the LORD" serves as an **Authoritative Pronouncement**, lending divine weight and irrevocability to the prophecy. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy of Judgment**, foretelling the dire consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion, specifically the Babylonian exile and the stripping away of their national identity and blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:13 profoundly articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and unfaithfulness. It underscores the conditional nature of God's covenant blessings, demonstrating that while God is merciful and patient, His justice is an inherent part of His character. The imagery of barrenness reflects a deep theological truth: a people chosen by God, who fail to bear the fruit of righteousness and obedience, will ultimately be stripped of their privileges and experience divine discipline. This passage highlights the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy, where outward religious observance without inward transformation leads to utter desolation. It serves as a powerful reminder that God expects genuine fruit from His people, and that His gifts, when abused or ignored, can be withdrawn.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [Matthew 21:18-22](/matthew/21-18 "Matthew 21:18-22 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree")
* [Hosea 9:10-17](/hosea/9-10 "Hosea 9:10-17 - Israel's Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:13 stands as a sobering warning to all who claim to be God's people. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity and to examine the true fruit of our lives. Just as Judah's external rituals could not mask their internal corruption, so too can our outward expressions of faith be rendered meaningless if our hearts are far from God. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment: Are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—or are we spiritually barren, producing only the withered leaves of hypocrisy and disobedience? The consequences of persistent rebellion against God's truth are severe, leading to a loss of divine favor and the blessings He intends for us. This passage compels us to cultivate genuine faith, rooted in obedience and a sincere desire to honor God, lest we, too, experience a spiritual desolation where the "things that I have given them shall pass away."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" does God expect to see in my life, and am I genuinely producing it?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on a false sense of security rather than true obedience to God's Word?**
* **How does the concept of God's righteous judgment shape my understanding of His character and my commitment to holiness?**
* **What blessings or privileges might I be taking for granted, and how can I cultivate a deeper appreciation and responsible stewardship of them?**

### FAQ

**What does the agricultural imagery of "no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade" signify?**

Answer: This imagery is a powerful **metaphor** for complete desolation and the withdrawal of divine blessing. Grapes and figs were staple crops and symbols of prosperity, abundance, and God's covenant faithfulness in ancient Israel (e.g., [Joel 2:22](/joel/2-22 "Joel 2:22 - The Trees Bear Fruit")). Their absence signifies famine, economic ruin, and the loss of national identity tied to the land's fertility. The fading leaf further emphasizes decay, death, and the loss of vitality. Spiritually, it represents Judah's barrenness in righteousness, despite their outward religious practices, leading to a comprehensive judgment that affects every aspect of their existence.

**How does Jeremiah 8:13 relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: Jeremiah 8:13 directly relates to God's covenant with Israel, particularly the Mosaic Covenant. Under this covenant, God promised blessings (like a fruitful land) for obedience and curses (like famine and desolation) for disobedience. This is clearly outlined in passages such as [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The phrase "and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them" refers to the forfeiture of these covenant blessings—the land, prosperity, security, and their very status as God's chosen people—due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion against the covenant stipulations. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant, even in executing its punitive clauses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:13, with its stark imagery of a barren vine and a fading fig tree, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Jeremiah prophesied the judgment of a fruitless Israel, Jesus Himself came as the true vine and the perfect embodiment of Israel's purpose. In [John 15:1-6](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-6 - Jesus the True Vine"), Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." He warns that any branch (disciple) that does not bear fruit will be cut off and thrown away, echoing the judgment on barrenness seen in Jeremiah. Furthermore, Jesus' cursing of the barren fig tree in [Matthew 21:18-22](/matthew/21-18 "Matthew 21:18-22 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree") and [Mark 11:12-25](/mark/11-12 "Mark 11:12-25 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree") serves as a powerful enacted parable of judgment against a religiously outwardly vibrant but spiritually fruitless Israel, a direct fulfillment of the prophetic warnings. The "things that I have given them shall pass away from them" finds its ultimate expression in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70, signifying the end of the Old Covenant order and the transfer of God's blessings to those who are in Christ, the true Israel of God (cf. [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not all Israel is Israel")). Through Christ, a new covenant is established where spiritual fruitfulness is made possible by abiding in Him, ensuring that those who are truly His will never be consumed or have His promised blessings pass away from them (cf. [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A New and Better 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

Matthew 21:19

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Joel 1:7

He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalms 1:4

¶ The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

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.