Jeremiah 8:13

¶ 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.

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.

"'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.'"

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.”

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

Jeremiah 8:13 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Judah, expressed through vivid agricultural imagery. The Lord declares a complete desolation, where the very sources of sustenance and blessing will fail.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of laments and condemnations from the prophet Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet." Jeremiah was called by God to warn the kingdom of Judah of impending destruction due to their persistent idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of God's covenant. Despite repeated warnings, the people, including their leaders and priests, clung to false hopes and superficial religiosity. The judgment described here, symbolized by the failure of crops and the fading of leaves, points directly to the coming Babylonian invasion and exile, which would strip Judah of its land, temple, and independence. It reflects God's response to a people who had become spiritually barren, despite outward appearances.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consumption: The phrase "I will surely consume them, saith the LORD" signifies God's decisive and thorough judgment. The Hebrew verb for "consume" (אָסַף, 'asaph) implies a gathering or sweeping away, leading to complete removal or destruction. This is not merely a threat but a declaration of inevitable consequence for their unfaithfulness.
  • Spiritual Barrenness and Futility: The imagery of "no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade" powerfully illustrates the spiritual and physical barrenness that will befall Judah. Just as a tree without fruit is useless, so too had Judah become unproductive in righteousness. This echoes the biblical concept of spiritual fruitlessness leading to removal, as seen in the parable of the barren fig tree.
  • Loss of Covenant Blessings: "and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them" refers to the blessings God had bestowed upon Israel—the land, prosperity, security, and even their very identity as God's chosen people. These were conditional upon their obedience to the covenant. Their disobedience led to the forfeiture of these gifts, a direct consequence outlined in the warnings of Deuteronomy 28.

Linguistic Insights

The agricultural metaphors used here are profound. Grapes and figs were staple crops and symbols of prosperity and blessing in ancient Israel. Their absence signifies a complete reversal of fortune and a loss of God's favor. The fading leaf further emphasizes decay and death, a stark contrast to the vibrancy of life associated with God's blessing.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 8:13 serves as a timeless warning about the consequences of spiritual complacency and rebellion against God. It reminds us that:

  • Actions Have Consequences: Persistent sin and rejection of God's truth inevitably lead to negative outcomes, both individually and corporately.
  • Spiritual Fruitfulness Matters: God desires His people to bear good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), not merely to exist. A lack of spiritual vitality can lead to a loss of blessings and purpose.
  • God's Justice is Real: While God is merciful and patient, His justice is an inherent part of His character. He will not forever tolerate rebellion.

This verse calls believers to examine their own lives for spiritual fruit, to remain faithful to God's Word, and to avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and false security that afflicted ancient Judah.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:19 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • James 1:11 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.