King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:9 in the King James Version says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 17:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. sitteth: or, gathereth young which she hath not brought forth

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is one of Scripture's most penetrating assessments of human nature. The Hebrew aqov (עָקֹב, "deceitful") comes from the same root as Jacob's name, meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter"—one who deceives and tricks. The heart is not merely mistaken but actively deceptive, skilled at self-justification and rationalization. "Above all things" (literally "from all") indicates the heart surpasses everything else in its capacity for deception.

"Desperately wicked" translates anush (אָנֻשׁ), which can mean incurably sick, frail, or mortal. The heart's condition is terminal—beyond human remedy. The rhetorical question "who can know it?" emphasizes the depth and inscrutability of human corruption. We cannot even accurately diagnose our own hearts, let alone cure them.

This verse is foundational for the Reformed doctrine of total depravity. Not that humans are as evil as possible, but that sin affects every faculty, including moral judgment. The heart, which should guide us, is itself corrupted. This explains why all humanity sins (Rom 3:10-18, 23) and why regeneration must be God's sovereign work (Ezek 36:26, 2 Cor 5:17). Only divine omniscience can truly know the heart (Jer 17:10), and only divine power can transform it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern thought often located emotions, will, and moral consciousness in internal organs—heart, kidneys, liver. The Hebrew lev (לֵב, heart) encompassed the whole inner person, including intellect, affections, and will. Jeremiah's radical assessment of the heart's depravity challenged both ancient and modern assumptions about innate human goodness. This text became central to Reformed theological anthropology and debates about human nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse expose the inadequacy of trusting your own moral intuitions or emotions as guides for life?
  2. In what ways have you experienced your heart's deceitfulness through self-justification or rationalization of sin?
  3. How does the doctrine of the heart's depravity drive us to Christ as our only hope for transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עָקֹ֥ב1 of 7

“is deceitful”

H6121

(transitive) fraudulent or (intransitive) tracked

הַלֵּ֛ב2 of 7

“The heart”

H3820

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

מִכֹּ֖ל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְאָנֻ֣שׁ4 of 7

“above all things and desperately wicked”

H605

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

ה֑וּא5 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִ֖י6 of 7
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יֵדָעֶֽנּוּ׃7 of 7

“who can know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:21-22Matthew 15:19Ecclesiastes 9:3Proverbs 28:26Hebrews 3:12Genesis 6:5

Test Your Knowledge

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