King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 24:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 24:5 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive o... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. them: Heb. the captivity

Jeremiah 24:5 · KJV


Context

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.

4

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

5

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. them: Heb. the captivity

6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.

7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'good figs' represent the exiles in Babylon - those whom God would preserve and restore. Paradoxically, those who seemed judged (exiled) were actually recipients of God's special care, while those who remained in Jerusalem faced worse judgment. God's perspective inverts human wisdom. The promise 'I will set mine eyes upon them for good' echoes His covenant commitment despite circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This vision came after the first deportation to Babylon in 597 BC, when King Jehoiachin and Jerusalem's leadership were exiled. Those remaining in Jerusalem under Zedekiah considered themselves fortunate, but God's perspective differed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes use apparent setbacks for your ultimate good?
  2. What does this teach about trusting God's hidden purposes during difficult seasons?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כֹּֽה1 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר2 of 21

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙3 of 21

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י4 of 21

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כַּתְּאֵנִ֥ים6 of 21

figs

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

לְטוֹבָֽה׃7 of 21

Like these good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הָאֵ֑לֶּה8 of 21
H428

these or those

כֵּֽן9 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אַכִּ֞יר10 of 21

so will I acknowledge

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

אֶת11 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גָּל֣וּת12 of 21

them that are carried away captive

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

יְהוּדָ֗ה13 of 21

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שִׁלַּ֜חְתִּי15 of 21

whom I have sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִן16 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמָּק֥וֹם17 of 21

out of this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֛ה18 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶ֥רֶץ19 of 21

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כַּשְׂדִּ֖ים20 of 21

of the Chaldeans

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

לְטוֹבָֽה׃21 of 21

Like these good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 24:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 24:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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