Jeremiah 24:2 Meaning and Explanation
“One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →One basket contains excellent figs, perfect and early-ripened; the other holds worthless, inedible figs.
The Context of Jeremiah 24:2
The vision's symbolic contents are described in stark contrast.
What Does Jeremiah 24:2 Mean?
The contrast is absolute and intentional. The good figs are described as 'first ripe,' suggesting the finest quality—those that ripen earliest and are most prized. This represents abundance, health, and desirability. The imagery is concrete and visual, allowing the hearer to grasp the metaphor through everyday experience with fruit.
The evil figs are not merely inferior; they are completely unsuitable for consumption. The phrase 'could not be eaten, they were so bad' emphasizes utter worthlessness. There is no middle ground, no spectrum of quality—only perfect figs and utterly spoiled ones, establishing the moral framework for what follows.
Jeremiah 24:2 in the Original Language
ra'a (רָעָה), 'naughty' — evil, bad, malignant; often used of things that are harmful or defective in quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 24:2
What does Jeremiah 24:2 mean?
One basket contains excellent figs, perfect and early-ripened; the other holds worthless, inedible figs.
What is the context of Jeremiah 24:2?
The vision's symbolic contents are described in stark contrast.