King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:29 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:29 in the King James Version says “In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.”

Jeremiah 31:29 · KJV

Context

27

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

28

And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

29

In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.

30

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb reflected a fatalistic attitude: 'The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' The people claimed they were suffering for their ancestors' sins, not their own—essentially denying personal responsibility and blaming previous generations. God declares this excuse will no longer apply in the new covenant era. While it is true that sin has generational consequences (Exodus 20:5), each person also bears responsibility for their own choices.

The following verse (31:30) clarifies: 'every one shall die for his own iniquity.' The new covenant will bring clarity regarding individual accountability. Ezekiel addresses this same proverb extensively (Ezekiel 18), emphasizing that 'the soul that sinneth, it shall die'—not the children for the fathers' sin, nor the fathers for the children's sin. This establishes the principle of personal moral responsibility before God.

For Christians, this finds fulfillment in the gospel. While we all inherit Adam's sin nature and its consequences (original sin), each person is also judged for their own deeds (Romans 2:6). Christ bore the punishment for the sins of all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21), but each individual must personally repent and believe. We cannot ride on our parents' faith or blame our families for our own unfaithfulness. Every person stands before God individually accountable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exilic generation was tempted to view themselves as innocent victims punished for King Manasseh's sins (2 Kings 23:26). While Manasseh's idolatry did have devastating long-term consequences, the generation facing exile was equally guilty of covenant breaking. This proverb allowed them to evade responsibility. God's correction insisted they acknowledge their own guilt, a necessary prerequisite for genuine repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might we be tempted to blame our circumstances on previous generations rather than taking responsibility for our own choices?
  2. How does the gospel balance the reality that we inherit sin's consequences (original sin) with personal accountability for our own sin?
  3. What does it mean to 'die for one's own iniquity' in light of Christ bearing our sins on the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בַּיָּמִ֣ים1 of 11

“In those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 11
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹא3 of 11
H3808

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

יֹאמְר֣וּ4 of 11

“they shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ע֔וֹד5 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אָב֖וֹת6 of 11

“no more The fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אָ֣כְלוּ7 of 11

“have eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בֹ֑סֶר8 of 11

“a sour grape”

H1155

sour grape

וְשִׁנֵּ֥י9 of 11

“teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

בָנִ֖ים10 of 11

“and the children's”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תִּקְהֶֽינָה׃11 of 11

“are set on edge”

H6949

to be dull

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 31:29 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 31:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:2-3Lamentations 5:7Jeremiah 31:30

Test Your Knowledge

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