King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:8 in the King James Version says “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 h...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 17:8 · KJV

Context

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?

10

I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse extends the blessing announced in verse 7 using vivid agricultural imagery. The Hebrew word for 'tree' (ets, עֵץ) planted 'by the waters' (mayim, מַיִם) and spreading roots 'by the river' (yubal, יוּבָל) depicts a tree with constant water supply—in contrast to trees dependent on sporadic rainfall in Palestine's semi-arid climate. The phrase 'shall not see when heat cometh' uses ra'ah (רָאָה), meaning to perceive or be affected by—the tree doesn't suffer when drought and heat arrive. Its 'leaf shall be green' (ra'anan, רַעֲנָן) indicates continuous vitality, freshness, and flourishing. 'Shall not be careful in the year of drought' uses da'ag (דָּאַג), meaning to be anxious or worried—the tree remains untroubled because its roots access deep water sources. 'Neither shall cease from yielding fruit' (peri, פְּרִי) emphasizes productivity regardless of circumstances. This imagery echoes Psalm 1:3 and anticipates Jesus as the true vine (John 15:1-8). Theologically, it teaches that those rooted in God through faith have an inexhaustible spiritual resource enabling perseverance, joy, and fruitfulness even in trials. The Christian life draws sustenance from union with Christ, not fluctuating circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tree metaphor resonated powerfully with Jeremiah's audience familiar with Palestine's agricultural challenges. The region's climate featured distinct dry and rainy seasons, making agriculture precarious. Trees planted near wadis (seasonal streams) or springs had distinct advantages over those dependent on rainfall alone. Archaeological studies of ancient Israelite agriculture reveal sophisticated water management systems—cisterns, aqueducts, and terraced farming—reflecting constant water scarcity concerns. Jeremiah's ministry occurred during prolonged drought periods, as referenced in chapter 14, making this imagery especially poignant. When Babylon besieged Jerusalem (588-586 BC), the city experienced extreme famine, and agricultural production ceased. Those who had relied on their own strength and resources (like trees without deep roots) withered under judgment's heat. Yet the faithful remnant who trusted God—represented by Jeremiah himself, who suffered imprisonment yet remained spiritually fruitful—exemplified the promise. The exiles in Babylon who maintained faith despite displacement proved this truth: spiritual vitality comes from God's presence, not favorable circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'droughts' or trials in your life have revealed whether your spiritual roots reach deep into relationship with God or remain shallow?
  2. How does this passage challenge the modern pursuit of circumstances-based happiness rather than Christ-rooted contentment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְהָיָ֞ה1 of 25
H1961

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

כְּעֵ֣ץ׀2 of 25

“For he shall be as a tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שָׁת֣וּל3 of 25

“planted”

H8362

to transplant

עַל4 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַ֗יִם5 of 25

“by the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְעַל6 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יוּבַל֙7 of 25

“by the river”

H3105

a stream

יְשַׁלַּ֣ח8 of 25

“and that spreadeth out”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

שָֽׁרָשָׁ֔יו9 of 25

“her roots”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֤א10 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְאֶ֙11 of 25

“and shall not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי12 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָבֹ֣א13 of 25

“cometh”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חֹ֔ם14 of 25

“when heat”

H2527

heat

וְהָיָ֥ה15 of 25
H1961

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

עָלֵ֖הוּ16 of 25

“but her leaf”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

רַֽעֲנָ֑ן17 of 25

“shall be green”

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

וּבִשְׁנַ֤ת18 of 25

“in the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בַּצֹּ֙רֶת֙19 of 25

“of drought”

H1226

restraint (of rain), i.e., drought

לֹ֣א20 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִדְאָ֔ג21 of 25

“and shall not be careful”

H1672

be anxious

וְלֹ֥א22 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמִ֖ישׁ23 of 25

“neither shall cease”

H4185

to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)

מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת24 of 25

“from yielding”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פֶּֽרִי׃25 of 25

“fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

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 17:8 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 17:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 1:3Isaiah 58:11Ezekiel 47:12Ezekiel 31:4-10Psalms 92:10-15Job 8:16

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