Jeremiah 24:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The worthless figs represent Zedekiah, his court, the people left in Jerusalem, and those who fled to Egypt—all marked for judgment.
The Context of Jeremiah 24:8
The evil figs represent those who rejected exile and remained in Judah or fled to Egypt.
What Does Jeremiah 24:8 Mean?
Here the interpretation of the evil figs is delivered. They represent not the exiles but those who remained: Zedekiah (the puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar) and his princes, the remnant in Jerusalem, and those who fled to Egypt seeking refuge. These groups rejected or avoided the exile, trusting instead in their own survival strategies—remaining in the land or fleeing south. In God's reckoning, they are worthless, unfit for His purpose.
The contrast with verse 5 is stark. Where the exiles are acknowledged with favor, these groups are 'given' to destruction. Their refusal to be taken captive, their trust in alternatives to God's plan, renders them worthless in His sight. The inclusion of Egypt-dwellers shows that geographical location cannot save them; their spiritual condition is what matters.
Jeremiah 24:8 in the Original Language
qelal (קָלַל), 'evil' (root shared with 'naughty' in verse 2) — to be light, worthless, or contemptible; their very nature renders them unsuitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 24:8
What does Jeremiah 24:8 mean?
The worthless figs represent Zedekiah, his court, the people left in Jerusalem, and those who fled to Egypt—all marked for judgment.
What is the context of Jeremiah 24:8?
The evil figs represent those who rejected exile and remained in Judah or fled to Egypt.