King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:5 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”

Jeremiah 17:5 · KJV

Context

O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever. thyself: Heb. in thyself

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

This verse establishes a fundamental antithesis between two ways of life: trusting in human strength versus trusting in the LORD. The Hebrew arur (אָרוּר, "cursed") is the opposite of baruch (blessed) in verse 7, framing a wisdom contrast similar to Psalm 1. The curse falls upon those who "trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm"—relying on human ability, alliances, or wisdom rather than God.

"Maketh flesh his arm" is a vivid idiom depicting human strength as the source of security and power. The arm symbolizes might and protection in Hebrew thought (Ex 6:6, Deut 4:34). To make flesh one's arm is to replace divine omnipotence with human frailty. The phrase "whose heart departeth from the LORD" reveals that external reliance on human resources stems from internal apostasy—the heart has turned away from covenant loyalty.

This verse articulates the Reformed principle that true faith and trust in God are inseparable. Practical atheism—living as if God were irrelevant while maintaining religious forms—is the essence of apostasy. The New Testament echoes this warning: confidence in the flesh is opposed to confidence in Christ (Phil 3:3-4). Only those whose hearts cling to the LORD avoid the curse of self-reliance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah spoke this oracle during a period when Judah constantly faced geopolitical pressure from Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. Kings and officials regularly formed military alliances with these powers rather than trusting God's protection (Isa 30:1-3, 31:1). King Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon, trusting in Egyptian aid, exemplifies this cursed trust in man (Jer 37:5-10, Ezek 17:15-18). Such political pragmatism, divorced from covenant faithfulness, led to Judah's destruction.

Reflection Questions

In what areas of life are you most tempted to trust in human wisdom, strength, or resources rather than God?
How does this verse challenge the modern idolatry of self-reliance and therapeutic self-help?
What does it mean practically for your heart to depart from the LORD while maintaining outward religious observance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words

כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 15

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 15

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 15

“from the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אָר֤וּר4 of 15

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

הַגֶּ֙בֶר֙5 of 15

“be the man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 15

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִבְטַ֣ח7 of 15

“that trusteth”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בָּֽאָדָ֔ם8 of 15

“in man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְשָׂ֥ם9 of 15

“and maketh”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בָּשָׂ֖ר10 of 15

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

זְרֹע֑וֹ11 of 15

“his arm”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

וּמִן12 of 15

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 15

“from the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יָס֥וּר14 of 15

“departeth”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

לִבּֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“and whose heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 17:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:8-9