Jeremiah 31:29
In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Original Language Analysis
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ע֔וֹד
H5750
ע֔וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אָב֖וֹת
no more The fathers
H1
אָב֖וֹת
no more The fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְשִׁנֵּ֥י
teeth
H8127
וְשִׁנֵּ֥י
teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
9 of 11
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Historical Context
The exilic generation was tempted to view themselves as innocent victims punished for King Manasseh's sins (2 Kings 23:26). While Manasseh's idolatry did have devastating long-term consequences, the generation facing exile was equally guilty of covenant breaking. This proverb allowed them to evade responsibility. God's correction insisted they acknowledge their own guilt, a necessary prerequisite for genuine repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might we be tempted to blame our circumstances on previous generations rather than taking responsibility for our own choices?
- How does the gospel balance the reality that we inherit sin's consequences (original sin) with personal accountability for our own sin?
- What does it mean to 'die for one's own iniquity' in light of Christ bearing our sins on the cross?
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb reflected a fatalistic attitude: 'The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' The people claimed they were suffering for their ancestors' sins, not their own—essentially denying personal responsibility and blaming previous generations. God declares this excuse will no longer apply in the new covenant era. While it is true that sin has generational consequences (Exodus 20:5), each person also bears responsibility for their own choices.
The following verse (31:30) clarifies: 'every one shall die for his own iniquity.' The new covenant will bring clarity regarding individual accountability. Ezekiel addresses this same proverb extensively (Ezekiel 18), emphasizing that 'the soul that sinneth, it shall die'—not the children for the fathers' sin, nor the fathers for the children's sin. This establishes the principle of personal moral responsibility before God.
For Christians, this finds fulfillment in the gospel. While we all inherit Adam's sin nature and its consequences (original sin), each person is also judged for their own deeds (Romans 2:6). Christ bore the punishment for the sins of all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21), but each individual must personally repent and believe. We cannot ride on our parents' faith or blame our families for our own unfaithfulness. Every person stands before God individually accountable.