Jeremiah 24 2

Jeremiah 24:2 kjv

One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

Jeremiah 24:2 nkjv

One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

Jeremiah 24:2 niv

One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early; the other basket had very bad figs, so bad they could not be eaten.

Jeremiah 24:2 esv

One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs, but the other basket had very bad figs, so bad that they could not be eaten.

Jeremiah 24:2 nlt

One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat.

Jeremiah 24 verses

Jeremiah 24 2 Meaning

This verse describes a vision given to Jeremiah where he sees two baskets of figs set before the LORD. One basket contains good figs, representing the exiles in Babylon, and the other contains bad figs, symbolizing those left in Jerusalem and the surrounding land. The LORD's pronouncement distinguishes between these two groups, indicating a future where the exiles will be restored and favored, while those who remained will face severe judgment.

Jeremiah 24 2 Context

Jeremiah chapter 24 follows the destruction of Jerusalem and the first wave of exiles deported to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, likely during the reign of King Jehoiachin. This vision comes to Jeremiah while the second deportation is either occurring or imminent. The prophet was commissioned to speak to Judah concerning their impending judgment, emphasizing their sinfulness and the certainty of the Babylonian captivity. This chapter specifically addresses the spiritual state of the nation, contrasting the fate of those exiled with those remaining in the land, highlighting a divinely ordained distinction based on their obedience and heart attitude towards God. The historical backdrop is crucial: Judah had repeatedly disregarded God's warnings, leading to this divine punishment. Jeremiah's ministry was often met with opposition and disbelief from the people and the religious leaders who clung to false hopes of immediate deliverance.

Jeremiah 24 2 Word Analysis

• וּרְאֵה֙ (ure'ēh): "And see." This is the imperative form of the verb "to see." It immediately directs Jeremiah's attention to the vision the LORD is about to show him, commanding his full engagement and observation.

• יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ (Yirməyāhū): "Jeremiah." The direct address to the prophet, emphasizing that this revelation is personally for him to convey.

• הִנֵּ֗ה (hinnēh): "Behold," or "Lo." A particle used to draw attention and create anticipation for what follows. It highlights the importance and immediacy of the vision.

• סַלֵּ֤י (sallê): "Baskets." This is the plural construct form of the word "basket" (סַל, sal). Baskets were common vessels for carrying produce.

• תְּאֵנִים֙ (tə'enîm): "Figs." The plural of "fig" (תְּאֵנָה, tĕ'enāh). Figs were a staple fruit in ancient Israel, often eaten fresh or dried, and considered a sign of prosperity and divine favor. The state of the figs (good or bad) serves as a powerful metaphor.

• אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ăšer): "Which," or "that." A relative pronoun connecting the baskets to the figs they contain.

• לִפְנֵ֣י (lifnê): "Before." Indicates placement or presentation in the presence of someone or something.

• יְהוָ֔ה (YHWH): "The LORD." The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and divine role in the events depicted.

• הָעֲמָדִֽים (’āmaḏîm): "Standing," or "set." Refers to the placement or arrangement of the baskets.

• מִפְּנֵי (mippənê): "From before," or "away from." This phrasing, in conjunction with the direction of the figs, suggests separation or disposition.

• בָּבֶֽל (Bāḇel): "Babylon." The place of exile.

• הַכַּשְׂדִּיִֽם (haḵašdîm): "The Chaldeans." Refers to the people of Babylonia, often used synonymously with Babylonians themselves in the text.

• Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

  • "two baskets of figs set before the LORD": This phrase immediately establishes a visual and theological scenario. The "two baskets" represent a duality, a clear division that the LORD himself presents. "Figs" are chosen as the metaphor for God's people, their condition reflecting their spiritual state. The "setting before the LORD" underscores that this is a divine observation and judgment.
  • "the one basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe": The "good figs" are explicitly likened to the "first ripe" (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkûrîm), symbolizing the best, the early and precious fruit. This suggests a quality of desirability and early favor.
  • "and the other basket had very naughty figs, even when they be rotten, that they could not be eaten": The "bad figs" are described as "naughty" (or "evil" in some translations) and beyond use, indicating utter worthlessness and a state of corruption. This stark contrast between good and bad is central to the message.
  • "This oracle concerning the exiles" versus "this remnant": The structure implies a correspondence between the groups and the figs. The immediate context (verse 3) confirms this: the good figs represent those taken captive to Babylon, and the bad figs represent those left behind in Jerusalem and Egypt.

Jeremiah 24 2 Bonus Section

The "figs" (תְּאֵנִים, tĕ'enîm) were a very common and cherished fruit in ancient Israel. They symbolized peace, prosperity, and the blessings of the land promised by God (Deut. 8:8, 1 Kings 4:25). The state of the figs therefore carries significant symbolic weight. "First ripe" (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkûrîm) refers to the first fruits, which were particularly precious and offered to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgement of His sovereignty. The juxtaposition of the fresh, desirable "first ripe" figs with the rotten, inedible ones paints a vivid picture of two distinct destinies for God's people: one group is favored and preserved as precious fruit, while the other is corrupt and discarded. This prophecy would have been especially challenging for those remaining in Jerusalem who considered themselves the true people of God and who may have scorned those exiled, believing themselves to be more righteous or blessed. The vision directly refutes such assumptions, revealing God's different perspective and purpose.

Jeremiah 24 2 Commentary

Jeremiah 24:2 is foundational to understanding God's perspective on His people during a period of intense national crisis. The vision of the two baskets of figs is a powerful and memorable metaphor for divine judgment and sovereign action. The LORD directly shows Jeremiah that His judgment is not indiscriminate. While the entire nation suffers the consequences of sin, there is a discernment between those who will ultimately be recipients of His restorative mercy (the exiles) and those who will face complete destruction (the remaining impenitent). The "good figs" represent the faithful remnant who, though currently in distress and exile, are viewed by God as valuable and worthy of future restoration and blessing. The "bad figs" represent those who have persistently rejected God's word and continued in their rebellion, their spiritual decay rendering them utterly unfit for His purposes and therefore subject to utter condemnation. This vision highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even amidst judgment, pointing toward a future renewal and the preservation of His chosen people through those who are willing to be transformed by His grace. The LORD is not merely punishing; He is sifting, purifying, and preserving for future glory.