Jeremiah 29:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will send judgment against those in Jerusalem: sword, famine, and pestilence.
The Context of Jeremiah 29:17
God promises to send sword, famine, and pestilence against those in Jerusalem.
What Does Jeremiah 29:17 Mean?
The people remaining in Jerusalem will experience military defeat, starvation, and disease. The comparison to worthless figs emphasizes their spiritual corruption and uselessness. They refused the warning that produced the earlier exile and now face the full consequences.
This is not malice but consequence. The exiles, by accepting their exile and seeking God, are on a path to restoration. Those in Jerusalem, by refusing to recognize God's hand in judgment, have chosen a far darker path. The comparison of judgment shows the difference between discipline that leads to repentance and judgment that follows continued rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 29:17
What does Jeremiah 29:17 mean?
God will send judgment against those in Jerusalem: sword, famine, and pestilence.
What is the context of Jeremiah 29:17?
God promises to send sword, famine, and pestilence against those in Jerusalem.