Jeremiah 24 5

Jeremiah 24:5 kjv

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.

Jeremiah 24:5 nkjv

"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 24:5 niv

"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.

Jeremiah 24:5 esv

"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 24:5 nlt

"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians.

Jeremiah 24 verses

Jeremiah 24 5 meaning

This verse pronounces God's distinct favor upon the Jewish exiles already transported to Babylon following the initial wave of deportations. Comparing them to "good figs" in a divine vision, it signifies that the LORD considers them a chosen remnant destined for preservation, restoration, and future blessing, despite their present captivity. This divine declaration counters conventional wisdom, asserting God's purposeful plan even in their displacement.

Jeremiah 24 5 Context

Jeremiah chapter 24 presents a vivid prophetic vision of two baskets of figs, shown to the prophet immediately after the first major deportation of Judeans to Babylon in 597 BC. This event saw King Jehoiachin, his court, leading citizens, skilled artisans, and the prophet Ezekiel exiled. Those remaining in Jerusalem included Zedekiah, the puppet king installed by Babylon, and the poorer inhabitants.

The historical context is critical: the Judeans had been deceived by false prophets assuring them of a quick return from exile and invincibility for those who remained in Jerusalem. Jeremiah's vision shatters these illusions. Verse 5 specifically addresses the "good figs" — those who had already been taken captive to the land of the Chaldeans (Babylon). In the eyes of many Judeans, these exiles were the most unfortunate and cursed. However, Jeremiah, speaking for the LORD, declares the opposite: these are the chosen, the "good figs" with whom God has a future, contrasting sharply with the "bad figs" (Zedekiah, those in Jerusalem, and those fleeing to Egypt), whom God would pursue with disaster. This prophecy served as a crucial message of hope and discernment during a period of national catastrophe and widespread theological confusion.

Jeremiah 24 5 Word analysis

• Thus says the LORD: (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, ko amar YHWH) This is a foundational prophetic formula, establishing the divine authority and unquestionable truth of the subsequent message. It underlines that this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a direct word from God, carrying ultimate weight and certainty.

• the God of Israel: (אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, Elohei Yisrael) Reaffirms God's covenant relationship and enduring commitment to His chosen people, Israel, even in judgment. It signifies that He is still actively engaged with their destiny.

• Like these good figs: (כַּתְּאֵנִים הַטֹּבֹת הָאֵלֶּה, katte'enim hattovot ha'elleh) This is the central simile from Jeremiah's vision (Jer 24:2-3). The term "good figs" (טוֹבֹת, tovot, meaning wholesome, excellent, delicious) denotes quality, ripeness, and suitability for consumption. It's a metaphor for divine favor and potential for flourishing.

• so I will regard as good: (כֵּן אָכִּיר, ken akkir) The Hebrew verb אָכִּיר (akkir) comes from נָכַר (nakar), meaning "to discern, recognize, know, acknowledge, show favor." Here, it signifies more than merely seeing or perceiving something as good. It denotes a proactive, volitional act of divine acknowledgment and special favor. God will distinguish them with favor, protecting them, and actively working for their good, even amidst their exile. It's an intimate, positive identification, distinguishing them from others.

• the exiles from Judah: (אֶת־גָּלוּת יְהוּדָה, et-galut Yehudah) This refers specifically to the population taken captive to Babylon, primarily those exiled with King Jehoiachin in 597 BC (2 Kgs 24). They represent a segment of the covenant people whom God had chosen to preserve through the trial of exile.

• whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans: (אֲשֶׁר שִׁלַּחְתִּי מִן־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה אֶרֶץ כַּשְׂדִּים, asher shillachti min-hammaqom hazzeh eretz Kashdim) This clause emphasizes God's sovereign agency in the exile. The phrase "I have sent away" (שִׁלַּחְתִּי, shillachti, from שָׁלַח, shalach - to send, let go, send away) makes it clear that their deportation was not an accident or a mere consequence of Babylon's military might, but an act of God's deliberate, sovereign will and purpose. It was a planned dispersion, ultimately for their purification and preservation. The "land of the Chaldeans" refers to Babylonia, their place of exile.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel": This opening confirms divine authorship and covenant fidelity, anchoring the difficult message in God's unchanging character and commitment to His people, even in judgment.
  • "Like these good figs, so I will regard as good": This powerful analogy establishes the core of the prophecy. It transforms the outward appearance of misfortune (exile) into an inward reality of divine favor and positive designation, revealing God's true assessment, contrary to human perception.
  • "the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away": This phrase highlights God's purposeful sovereignty over their fate. The exiles are not abandoned victims but chosen instruments in a larger divine plan, their relocation part of God's redemptive work, distinguishing them for a unique destiny.

Jeremiah 24 5 Bonus section

The divine selection of the "good figs" points to the principle of a remnant – a theological concept evident throughout scripture, where God always preserves a faithful portion of His people, even through judgment. This remnant carries the covenant promises and is instrumental in the continuation of God's redemptive plan. The apparent "failure" of exile is re-contextualized as a divine strategy for preservation and the establishment of a future, purer Israel, hinting at the New Covenant where God's law would be written on their hearts. The message directly confronted contemporary beliefs that presence in Jerusalem guaranteed safety due to the Temple, effectively decentralizing where God's favor was located. God’s purposes transcended geographical location, residing instead in His sovereign choice and commitment to His covenant people, wherever they might be.

Jeremiah 24 5 Commentary

Jeremiah 24:5 unveils a profound and counterintuitive message of hope and divine selection amidst national catastrophe. God's declaration that He would "regard as good" the exiles in Babylon fundamentally reorients the Judean understanding of blessing and judgment. Historically, exile was perceived as ultimate punishment and abandonment. However, through this fig vision, God reveals that He is actively at work, using even judgment to purify and preserve a chosen remnant. The exiles, typically seen as the most afflicted, are precisely those God had separated for a future, ensuring their spiritual and national survival. The verb "regard as good" is vital; it conveys not a passive observation but an active, preferential selection and an intimate knowledge coupled with favorable intent. God's direct agency ("I have sent away") underscores His sovereign control over seemingly disastrous events, transforming a forced displacement into a strategic act of divine preservation. This promise provided solace and purpose to figures like Daniel and Ezekiel, serving as a beacon of hope for their return and restoration. It distinguishes this group from the complacent or defiant factions remaining in Jerusalem or fleeing to Egypt, who were headed for further destruction. The "good figs" were ripe for God's redemptive work and future covenant faithfulness.