King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 8:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 8:13 in the King James Version says “I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.”

Jeremiah 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

12

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. I will: or, In gathering I will consume

13

I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. gall: or, poison

15

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

Read Jeremiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse uses harvest imagery to announce judgment: 'I will surely consume them, saith the LORD.' The Hebrew asoph asiph (אָסֹף אֲסִיפֵם) uses an emphatic verbal construction—'I will utterly gather them away/consume them.' The agricultural imagery follows: 'there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade.' Vines and figs represent covenant blessing (1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4); their failure signals covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:38-40). 'And the things that I have given them shall pass away from them' indicates loss of all God had provided—land, produce, prosperity, even national existence. The verse may anticipate Jesus' cursing of the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19), symbolizing fruitless Israel's judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Viticulture and fig cultivation were central to Judah's agricultural economy. Archaeological evidence shows extensive terraced vineyards and orchting throughout the Judean hill country. The vine and fig tree symbolized prosperity and security. Their destruction represented complete economic collapse—exactly what occurred during Babylon's invasions when agricultural infrastructure was devastated. The theme of fruitless Israel appears throughout the prophets (Isaiah 5:1-7, Hosea 9:10) and into Jesus' ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual fruitlessness invite divine judgment, and what constitutes genuine spiritual fruit?
  2. What warning does this verse offer to those who enjoy God's blessings without producing corresponding faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אָסֹ֥ף1 of 15

“I will surely”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אֲסִיפֵ֖ם2 of 15

“consume”

H5486

to snatch away, i.e., terminate

נְאֻם3 of 15

“them saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֹ֑ה4 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵין֩5 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֲנָבִ֨ים6 of 15

“there shall be no grapes”

H6025

a grape

בַּגֶּ֜פֶן7 of 15

“on the vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וְאֵ֧ין8 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בַּתְּאֵנָ֗ה9 of 15

“nor figs”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

בַּתְּאֵנָ֗ה10 of 15

“nor figs”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

וְהֶֽעָלֶה֙11 of 15

“and the leaf”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

נָבֵ֔ל12 of 15

“shall fade”

H5034

to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint

וָאֶתֵּ֥ן13 of 15

“and the things that I have given”

H5414

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

לָהֶ֖ם14 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יַעַבְרֽוּם׃15 of 15

“them shall pass away”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:19Joel 1:7Jeremiah 17:8Psalms 1:3-4Isaiah 5:4-6Jeremiah 5:17

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