Jeremiah 24:3 – “Then the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘Figs,’ I answered. ‘The good ones are very good, but the bad ones are so bad they cannot be eaten.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Jeremiah 24:3 records God asking Jeremiah to describe what he sees in a vision. Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs: one with high-quality fruit, ripe and ready to eat, and the other with figs so rotten they are useless. This simple observation carries a profound message about spiritual realities.
The good figs represent people who trust God and submit to His will, even through hardship like exile. The bad figs symbolize those who rebel against God and refuse to turn from sin, ultimately leading to their destruction. God uses everyday imagery to communicate a deeper truth about His people’s hearts.
Historical Context
The historical setting is the aftermath of Babylon’s conquest of Judah. King Jehoiachin and many of Judah’s leaders had been taken into exile. The people left behind in Jerusalem believed they were safe, but God revealed that the exiles were the ones He was refining for His purposes.
Jeremiah’s vision aligns with the reality of Judah’s condition. The exile wasn’t just political upheaval; it was God’s way of disciplining and restoring His people. This vision reminded Jeremiah—and the people—that God’s plan was unfolding, even in judgment.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s deep awareness of His people’s spiritual condition. He distinguishes between those who submit to His will and those who persist in rebellion.
It also shows that God communicates clearly, asking questions to engage and teach His people. God doesn’t leave Jeremiah or the exiles in confusion; He uses vivid imagery to make His message unmistakable.
Literary Analysis
The question God asks—“What do you see, Jeremiah?”—is a recurring pattern in prophetic literature. It invites the prophet (and the reader) to consider the spiritual meaning behind the physical image.
The contrast between the “very good” and “very bad” figs creates a striking dichotomy, emphasizing the clear division between those who align with God’s purposes and those who oppose Him. The repetition of “so bad they cannot be eaten” underscores the utter uselessness of the bad figs.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 7:17-20: Jesus speaks of good and bad trees bearing fruit, reflecting the same principle of spiritual fruitfulness.
- John 15:5-6: Jesus teaches about abiding in Him to bear good fruit.
- Psalm 1:3-4: The righteous are compared to a tree bearing fruit in season, while the wicked are like chaff.
- Proverbs 3:11-12: God’s discipline is evidence of His love for His people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse calls Christians to examine their spiritual fruit. Are you growing closer to God and producing fruit that reflects His character, or are you resisting His work in your life?
It’s also a reminder to trust God’s purposes in difficult seasons. Like the exiles, we may not understand why we face hardship, but we can trust that God is working to refine and restore us for His glory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He speaks to Jeremiah and explains the meaning of the vision. He is not distant or detached but actively involved in teaching, correcting, and guiding His people. Even the judgment seen in this passage is an act of love—God disciplines His people to bring them back to Himself.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The imagery of good fruit finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true vine, and those who remain in Him bear good fruit (John 15:5). The distinction between the good and bad figs echoes Jesus’ teaching about the final judgment, where those who trust in Him are welcomed into eternal life, while those who reject Him are cast out (Matthew 25:31-46).
- Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit reflects the life of someone abiding in Christ.
- Luke 13:6-9: The parable of the fig tree emphasizes God’s patience and desire for His people to bear fruit.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What kind of spiritual fruit are you producing in your life?
- How do you respond to God’s discipline or correction?
- In what ways do you see God working to refine you during difficult times?
- How does this passage challenge you to trust in God’s purposes, even when they’re hard to understand?
- How can you share the message of God’s love and restoration with others who feel like “bad figs”?
Jeremiah 24:3 invites us to consider our spiritual condition before God. Are we living lives of trust, obedience, and faithfulness, or are we resisting His work? Through Jesus Christ, we are called to bear good fruit that glorifies God and testifies to His love and grace.