King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:7 in the King James Version says “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 17:7 · KJV

Hope

Context

5

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

6

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.

7

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

8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. drought: or, restraint

9

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding condemnation (v. 5-6) of those who trust in human strength. The Hebrew word for 'blessed' (baruch, בָּרוּךְ) denotes divine favor, happiness, and prosperity—not mere temporal success but covenantal well-being rooted in relationship with God. 'Trusteth in the LORD' uses batach (בָּטַח), meaning to feel secure, confident, and safe, with Yahweh (not circumstances or human power) as the object. The parallel phrase 'whose hope the LORD is' employs mibtach (מִבְטָח), indicating God Himself is the foundation and object of confidence. This trust is not passive wishful thinking but active reliance on God's character, promises, and covenant faithfulness. The following verse (v. 8) illustrates this blessing with the tree metaphor—deep-rooted, flourishing, and fruitful regardless of external circumstances. This passage anticipates the New Testament teaching that faith in Christ (not works or human ability) is the basis of justification and blessing (Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah delivered this oracle during the final decades before Judah's exile (approximately 609-586 BC), when the nation faced mounting pressure from Egypt and Babylon. Political leaders vacillated between alliances with these superpowers rather than trusting in Yahweh. The immediate context (Jeremiah 17:1-4) condemns Judah's deeply engraved sin and idolatry. Jeremiah's call to trust in the LORD alone contradicted prevailing political wisdom that advocated strategic alliances. Archaeological evidence from this period shows extensive diplomatic correspondence between Judah and neighboring nations. The prophet witnessed firsthand the futility of such human trust when Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 586 BC. Those who trusted in fortifications, alliances, and military might were destroyed or exiled, while the remnant who heeded Jeremiah's counsel to submit to God's discipline through Babylon survived. This oracle's wisdom proved true: human strength fails, but God remains faithful.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of your life reveal trust in human strength, intelligence, or resources rather than in God's character and promises?
  2. How does trusting in the LORD differ from merely believing correct theology about Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בָּר֣וּךְ1 of 8

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

הַגֶּ֔בֶר2 of 8

“is the man”

H1397

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 8
H834

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

יִבְטַ֖ח4 of 8

“that trusteth”

H982

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

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 8

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהָיָ֥ה6 of 8
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 8

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

מִבְטַחֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“and whose hope”

H4009

properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance

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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:3-4Psalms 34:8Psalms 40:4Psalms 125:1Isaiah 30:18Psalms 84:12

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