Jeremiah 24:3
Jeremiah 24:3 in Multiple Translations
“Jeremiah,” the LORD asked, “what do you see?” “Figs!” I replied. “The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten.”
Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.
Then said Jehovah unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, that cannot be eaten, they are so bad.
Then the Lord said to me, What do you see, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs are very good, and the bad very bad, and of no use for food, they are so bad.
“Jeremiah,” the Lord asked, “what can you see?” “I see figs!” I replied. “The good figs look very good, but the bad figs look very bad, so bad they can't be eaten.”
Then saide the Lord vnto mee, What seest thou, Ieremiah? And I said, Figges: ye good figges verie good, and the naughtie verie naughtie, which cannot be eaten, they are so euill.
And Jehovah saith unto me, 'What art thou seeing, Jeremiah?' and I say, 'Figs, the good figs [are] very good, and the bad [are] very bad, that are not eaten for badness.'
Then the LORD asked me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” I said, “Figs. The good figs are very good, and the bad are very bad, so bad that they can’t be eaten.”
Then said the LORD to me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? and I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, that cannot be eaten, they are so bad.
And the Lord said to me: What seest thou, Jeremias? And I said: Figs, the good figs, very good: and the bad figs, very bad, which cannot be eaten because they are bad.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” I replied, “I see some figs. Some are very good ones, but some are very bad, with the result that no one would eat them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 24:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 24:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוָ֜ה
אֵלַ֗/י
מָֽה
אַתָּ֤ה
רֹאֶה֙
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
תְּאֵנִ֑ים
הַ/תְּאֵנִ֤ים
הַ/טֹּבוֹת֙
טֹב֣וֹת
מְאֹ֔ד
וְ/הָֽ/רָעוֹת֙
רָע֣וֹת
מְאֹ֔ד
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
תֵאָכַ֖לְנָה
מֵ/רֹֽעַ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
רֹאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
תְּאֵנִ֑ים
tᵉʼên
H8384
fig
N-fp
הַ/תְּאֵנִ֤ים
tᵉʼên
H8384
fig
Art | N-fp
הַ/טֹּבוֹת֙
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
טֹב֣וֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וְ/הָֽ/רָעוֹת֙
raʻ
H7451
bad
Conj | Art | Adj
רָע֣וֹת
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵאָכַ֖לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp
מֵ/רֹֽעַ
rôaʻ
H7455
evil
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 24:3
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
רֹאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
וָ/אֹמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תְּאֵנִ֑ים
tᵉʼên
H8384
"fig"
N-fp
This word refers to the fig tree or its fruit, and is used in the Bible to describe a common food source in ancient Israel. It appears in stories like the one about Jesus and the fig tree in Matthew.
Definition: fig, fig tree
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: fig (tree). See also: Genesis 3:7; Jeremiah 8:13; Psalms 105:33.
הַ/תְּאֵנִ֤ים
tᵉʼên
H8384
"fig"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to the fig tree or its fruit, and is used in the Bible to describe a common food source in ancient Israel. It appears in stories like the one about Jesus and the fig tree in Matthew.
Definition: fig, fig tree
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: fig (tree). See also: Genesis 3:7; Jeremiah 8:13; Psalms 105:33.
הַ/טֹּבוֹת֙
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
טֹב֣וֹת
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וְ/הָֽ/רָעוֹת֙
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Conj | Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
רָע֣וֹת
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵאָכַ֖לְנָה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מֵ/רֹֽעַ
rôaʻ
H7455
"evil"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes something as bad or evil, whether physically or morally. It is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah to convey a sense of wrongdoing. The concept of evil is central to the Bible's teachings.
Definition: 1) badness, evil 1a) badness, bad quality 1b) wilfulness 1c) evil, badness (ethical) 1d) sadness
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be so bad, badness, ([idiom] be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness, sorrow, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:19; Jeremiah 23:2; Psalms 28:4.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 24:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
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- Jeremiah 24:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 24:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 24:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
- Sermons on Jeremiah 24:3
Context — The Good and Bad Figs
1After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD.
2One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten.
3“Jeremiah,” the LORD asked, “what do you see?” “Figs!” I replied. “The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten.”
4Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 8:2 | “Amos, what do you see?” He asked. “A basket of summer fruit,” I replied. So the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.” |
| 2 | Zechariah 5:5–11 | Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.” “What is it?” I asked. And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.” Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.” And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. “This is Wickedness,” he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening. Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. “Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me. “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar, ” he told me. “And when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal.” |
| 3 | Matthew 25:32–33 | All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. |
| 4 | Zechariah 4:2 | “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 1:11–14 | And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” “I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied. “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.” Again the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see?” “I see a boiling pot,” I replied, “and it is tilting toward us from the north.” Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 9:9 | (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) |
| 7 | Amos 7:8 | “Amos, what do you see?” asked the LORD. “A plumb line,” I replied. “Behold,” said the Lord, “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them: |
| 8 | Zechariah 5:2 | “What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. ” |
Jeremiah 24:3 Summary
In Jeremiah 24:3, God shows Jeremiah two baskets of figs, one with good figs and one with bad figs, to illustrate the spiritual condition of the people of Judah. The good figs represent those who are obedient to God and will be blessed, while the bad figs represent those who are rebellious and will face judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 24:5-10. This verse reminds us that God sees our hearts and will judge us according to our actions, similar to the concept in Ezekiel 18:20 where the soul who sins will die. Just like the figs, we can either be fruitful and pleasing to God, or unfruitful and disobedient, so we should strive to be like the good figs, bearing good fruit for God's kingdom, as seen in John 15:1-5 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two baskets of figs in Jeremiah 24:3?
The two baskets of figs represent the two groups of people from Judah: those who were exiled to Babylon and those who remained in Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 24:5 and Jeremiah 24:8. The good figs symbolize the exiles who would be blessed by God, while the bad figs represent those who would face judgment, similar to the concept in Deuteronomy 30:19 where God sets before us life and death, blessings and curses.
Why did God ask Jeremiah what he saw in Jeremiah 24:3?
God asked Jeremiah what he saw to draw out a response that would lead to a deeper understanding of the vision, similar to how God asked Adam and Eve questions in the Garden of Eden, as seen in Genesis 3:9 and Genesis 3:11, to prompt them to think and respond.
What is the spiritual significance of the 'good' and 'bad' figs in Jeremiah 24:3?
The 'good' and 'bad' figs represent the spiritual condition of the people, with the good figs symbolizing those who are righteous and obedient to God, and the bad figs representing those who are rebellious and disobedient, as seen in Jeremiah 24:5 and Jeremiah 24:8, and also in other passages like Matthew 7:17-18 where good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and judgment?
This verse shows that God is sovereign over all things, including the fate of nations and individuals, and that He will judge each person according to their actions and heart, as seen in Jeremiah 24:5-10 and also in other passages like Romans 2:2 and Psalm 96:13, where God's judgment is based on His righteousness and justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am like the 'good' figs, and how can I nurture those qualities to become even more fruitful for God's kingdom?
- How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances, like the exiles in Jeremiah 24:5, and what can I learn from their experience about trusting in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I be a 'good' fig in my community, demonstrating the love and character of Christ to those around me, as seen in Matthew 5:16 and Colossians 3:12-14?
- What are some 'bad' figs in my life that I need to confess and repent of, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 24:3
Then said the Lord unto me, what seest thou, Jeremiah?.... This question is put, in order that, upon his answer to it, he might have an explication of the vision: and I said, figs; the good figs,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 24:3
Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
God having caused the prophet to have such a visible object appear to him, asked him what he saw as .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
Jeremiah 24:3 Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.Ver. 3. What seest thou, Jeremiah?] See on Jeremiah 1:11. The good figs, very good.] See on Jeremiah 24:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 24:3
(3) What seest thou, Jeremiah?—The question is asked as if to force the symbol as strongly as possible on the prophet’s mind, leaving him to wait till another word of the Lord should come and reveal its true interpretation. We are reminded, as he must have been, of the vision and the question which had first called him to his work as a prophet (Jeremiah 1:11).
Sermons on Jeremiah 24:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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Jesus of Nazareth Is Passing by - Part 2 by Brian Long | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of responding to God's call for repentance and salvation, drawing parallels to the finality of God's judgment as seen in the examples of Amos and |
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When Jesus of Nazareth Passes By by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He references the story of Noah and the flood as an example of God's patie |
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Be Sowers of Seed by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee preaches on the symbolism of a basket of summer fruit in the book of Amos, representing the end of the harvest and rapid spoilage. This imagery signifies the impend |
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the visions and messages received by the prophet Zechariah, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the new covenant fellowship, the need for young and old |
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Pt 8 the Drawing of the Net by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the parable of the net in the sea. He highlights the lessons to be learned from this parable, such as the authority for ma |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Thessalonians 1-3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the events that will occur during the end times. He explains that John, the author of Revelation, is representativ |
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The Gospel Call by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuation in the faith. He uses the example of believers in the Roman Empire who were being persecuted |