Jeremiah 31:30 Meaning and Explanation
“But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Individual accountability replaces inherited judgment; each person answers for their own actions.
The Context of Jeremiah 31:30
Establishment of individual rather than inherited accountability.
What Does Jeremiah 31:30 Mean?
The proverb is reapplied: individual responsibility takes primacy. 'Every one shall die for his own iniquity'—not for the sins of ancestors. This establishes a new moral framework where accountability is personal and direct. The person who commits wrong (eats the sour grape) experiences the consequence.
This shift from collective inherited guilt to individual accountability is revolutionary for Israel's self-understanding. It emphasizes both personal dignity—each person's actions matter individually—and personal responsibility. The promise of restoration includes the promise of a new moral order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 31:30
What does Jeremiah 31:30 mean?
Individual accountability replaces inherited judgment; each person answers for their own actions.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:30?
Establishment of individual rather than inherited accountability.