King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:17 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make the...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 29:17 · KJV

Context

15

Because ye have said, The LORD hath raised us up prophets in Babylon;

16

Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

17

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.

18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them: to be a curse: Heb. for a curse

19

Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence—This covenantal curse triad (חֶרֶב רָעָב וָדֶבֶר, cherev ra'av vadever) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah (14:12, 21:7, 24:10, 27:8, 29:18, 32:24, 38:2, 42:17, 44:13), echoing Leviticus 26:25-26 and Deuteronomy 28:21-22. God doesn't improvise judgment—He executes the covenant curses Israel agreed to at Sinai.

And will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil—The fig metaphor from chapter 24 returns. The Hebrew שְׁקֻעִים (shequim) means rotten, abhorrent figs—inedible and worthless. Those who seemed blessed by remaining in Jerusalem were spiritually putrid, beyond remedy. Christ's cursing of the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14) echoes this imagery: religious appearance without fruit merits judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem would endure a horrific eighteen-month siege (588-586 BC) fulfilling this prophecy literally. Lamentations describes the sword, famine, and pestilence in graphic detail. Ezekiel also used the fig metaphor (Ezek 17:1-10) to describe Jerusalem's leadership. This was fulfilled history, not mere prediction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does covenant faithfulness to God's revealed word determine blessing, not geographical or religious proximity?
  2. What 'vile figs' might exist in modern Christianity—outwardly religious but spiritually rotten?
  3. When Jesus cursed the fig tree, was He illustrating the same principle as Jeremiah? How?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כֹּ֤ה1 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

אָמַר֙2 of 21

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 21

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת4 of 21

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הִנְנִי֙5 of 21
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מְשַׁלֵּ֣חַ6 of 21

“Behold I will send”

H7971

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

בָּ֔ם7 of 21
H0
אֶת8 of 21
H853

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

הַחֶ֖רֶב9 of 21

“upon them the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

אֶת10 of 21
H853

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

הָרָעָ֣ב11 of 21

“the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וְאֶת12 of 21
H853

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

הַדָּ֑בֶר13 of 21

“and the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

וְנָתַתִּ֣י14 of 21

“and will make”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אוֹתָ֗ם15 of 21
H853

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

כַּתְּאֵנִים֙16 of 21

“them like vile”

H8182

harsh or horrid, i.e., offensive

הַשֹּׁ֣עָרִ֔ים17 of 21

“figs”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 21
H834

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

לֹא19 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵאָכַ֖לְנָה20 of 21

“that cannot be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מֵרֹֽעַ׃21 of 21

“they are so evil”

H7455

badness (as marring), physically or morally

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 29:17 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 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 24:8-10Jeremiah 29:18Ezekiel 5:12-17Jeremiah 43:11Luke 21:23Ezekiel 14:12-21

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 29 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes