Old Testament
Jeremiah 29:17
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The LORD of hosts says: "I am sending war, famine, and disease against them. I will make them like rotten figs — so bad they can't be eaten.
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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.
What Jeremiah 29:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God, referred to as the LORD of hosts, declares a severe judgment against a group of people. He uses vivid imagery to describe their fate, comparing them to rotten figs that are so spoiled they cannot be eaten. This symbolizes their moral decay and the consequences of their actions. The mention of war, famine, and disease indicates the severity of the punishment they will face. These calamities are not just random events but are portrayed as direct actions from God in response to their evil ways. The rotten figs represent the people’s inability to be of any good or value due to their wickedness. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and living in sin, emphasizing that such choices lead to destruction and suffering.
How to apply Jeremiah 29:17 to your life
This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our actions and the importance of living righteously. It encourages self-reflection on our moral choices and the potential consequences of straying from God's path. We should strive to be fruitful and good in our lives, avoiding the fate of the rotten figs.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 29:17 mean?
Jeremiah 29:17 conveys God's declaration of judgment against a group of people, using the imagery of rotten figs to symbolize their moral decay and the severe consequences they will face, including war, famine, and disease.
What is the significance of rotten figs in Jeremiah 29:17?
The rotten figs in Jeremiah 29:17 symbolize people who are so morally corrupt that they are no longer of any value, illustrating the severity of their wickedness and the impending judgment from God.
What does God say He will send in Jeremiah 29:17?
In Jeremiah 29:17, God states that He will send war, famine, and disease as forms of judgment against the people, highlighting the seriousness of their actions and the consequences they will endure.
How does Jeremiah 29:17 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Jeremiah 29:17 exemplifies the theme of divine judgment by showing how God responds to the wickedness of the people with severe punishments, serving as a warning about the consequences of turning away from Him.
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