Jeremiah 24:1
The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
Jeremiah 24:1 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes a vision given to the prophet Jeremiah by the LORD. In the vision, Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs placed before the temple of the LORD. This imagery symbolizes the fate of the people of Judah after they were carried away captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. The baskets represent the two groups of exiles: one group that is considered good and fruitful, and the other group that is regarded as bad and unfruitful. The good figs symbolize those who would eventually return to the land of Judah and be restored, while the bad figs represent those who would face destruction and exile. This vision serves as a reminder of God's judgment upon the people of Judah for their disobedience and rebellion, as well as His promise of restoration for those who repent and turn back to Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet recounts a vision where he sees two baskets of figs placed before the temple of the Lord. The setting is after the Babylonian king Nebuchadrezzar had carried away captive Jeconiah and the other leaders of Judah to Babylon. The figs symbolize the people of Judah, with one basket containing good figs representing those who were faithful and obedient to God, and the other containing bad figs symbolizing those who were disobedient and corrupt. The captivity in Babylon serves as a punishment for the sins of the people, but the vision also offers hope for restoration and redemption. Through this theological interpretation, we can see God's justice, mercy, and ultimate plan for His people, demonstrating the consequences of disobedience and the promise of restoration for those who repent and turn back to Him.
Jeremiah 24:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jehovah showed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of Jehovah, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
World English Bible
Yahweh showed me, and behold, two baskets of figs set before Yahweh’s temple, after that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
Douay-Rheims
The Lord shewed me: and behold two baskets full of figs, set before the temple of the Lord: after that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away Jechonias the son of Joakim the king of Juda, and his chief men, and the craftsmen, and engravers of Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord shewed me, and beholde, two baskets of figges were set before the Temple of the Lord, after that Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel had caryed away captiue Ieconiah ye sonne of Iehoiakim King of Iudah, and the princes of Iudah with the workemen, and cunning men of Ierusalem, and had brought them to Babel.