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.

JEREMIAH 24:5KJV
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Jeremiah 24:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 24:5 mean?

Jeremiah 24:5 says that God recognizes and favors the people of Judah who have been taken away as captives to Babylon, comparing them to good figs. God explains that He Himself sent them into exile, and He did this for their benefit, not as a punishment without purpose.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time when many had been taken captive by the Babylonians (the Chaldeans). The image of "good figs" is used to describe those exiles whom God sees as valuable and worth caring for, even though they are far from home. The verse reassures the people that their exile is not random or purely negative; God has a plan for their good, even in difficult circumstances.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 24:5

  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov): This word describes the figs and means something pleasing, valuable, or beneficial. The use of "good" here emphasizes that the exiles are not rejected by God but are seen as precious.
  • "Acknowledge" (נָכַר, nakar): This word means to recognize or regard. God is saying He will pay special attention to the exiles, not overlook them.
  • "Captive" (גּוֹלָה, golah): This refers to those taken away from Judah into Babylon. The term highlights their status as displaced people, but also those under God's watchful eye.
  • "Sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): God makes it clear He is the one who sent them into exile, showing His control over the situation and that their suffering is not outside His purpose.
  • "Land of the Chaldeans" (אֶרֶץ כַּשְׂדִּים, eretz Kasdim): This is a specific reference to Babylon, making it clear where the exiles have gone and connecting the prophecy to real historical events.

Why Jeremiah 24:5 matters

  • Jeremiah 24:5 corrects the idea that those left in Jerusalem were favored and those exiled were rejected; instead, God says the exiles are like "good figs" in His eyes.
  • The verse emphasizes that God is in control of historical events, including the exile, and that He acts for the good of His people even in hardship.
  • This verse sets up a contrast in the chapter between the "good figs" (the exiles) and the "bad figs" (those remaining in Jerusalem), helping readers understand God's surprising perspective on blessing and judgment.

Where else these words appear

“captive” Hebrew H1546 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:27 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;
  • Jeremiah 29:22 And of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captivity of Judah which are in Babylon, saying, The LORD make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;
  • Ezekiel 33:21 And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

“figs” Hebrew H8384 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Proverbs 27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
  • Jeremiah 29:17 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.

“acknowledge” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

“Chaldeans” Hebrew H3778 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Jeremiah 32:5 And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.
  • Jeremiah 50:1 The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.