And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

JEREMIAH 24:9KJV
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Jeremiah 24:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 24:9 mean?

Jeremiah 24:9 says that God will hand over the people of Judah to be scattered among all the kingdoms of the earth, where they will suffer harm and become objects of shame, ridicule, and cursing wherever they are sent. The verse describes a severe judgment in which the people will not only be exiled but also become a warning and a byword among the nations.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time when many have already been taken into exile by Babylon. The context is a vision about two baskets of figs, representing two groups of exiles. Here, God describes what will happen to those who have done evil: they will be uprooted, scattered, and publicly disgraced in every place to which God drives them, serving as an example of misfortune.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 24:9

  • "Deliver" (נָתַן, nathan, H5414) means to give or hand over. Here, it emphasizes that God is actively allowing this scattering and suffering, not just permitting it passively.
  • "Removed" (זַעֲוָה, za'avah, H2189) carries the sense of being tossed about or made an object of horror. This word highlights the violence and distress of their removal, not just a simple relocation.
  • "Reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah, H2781) means shame or disgrace. The verse stresses that their fate will be humiliating and dishonorable in the eyes of others.
  • "Proverb" (מָשָׁל, mashal, H4912) and "taunt" (שִׁנִּינָה, shininah, H8148) both point to the idea that the people will become a saying or a mocking example—a story people tell to warn or ridicule others.

Why Jeremiah 24:9 matters

  • Jeremiah 24:9 clarifies that exile is not just about physical displacement but also about public shame and loss of reputation among the nations, which deepens the sense of judgment.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the contrast between those who will be restored (the "good figs") and those who will face ongoing disgrace (the "bad figs"), helping readers understand the seriousness of turning away from God.
  • The strong language about becoming a "proverb" and "curse" shows that the consequences of Judah's actions are meant to be a lasting warning to others, not just a temporary punishment.

Where else these words appear

“taunt” Hebrew H8148 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
  • 1 Kings 9:7 Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:
  • 2 Chronicles 7:20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

“removed” Hebrew H2113 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 29:8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.
  • Isaiah 28:19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
  • Jeremiah 29:18 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:

“removed” Hebrew H2189 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:25 The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 15:4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“curse” Hebrew H7045 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 27:12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
  • Deuteronomy 29:27 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book:
  • Proverbs 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.