King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:17 in the King James Version says “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Out...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”

Jeremiah 30:17 · KJV

Context

15

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

18

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. heap: or, little hill

19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

Read Jeremiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to heal those considered incurable and to restore those society has rejected ('an Outcast'). The term 'Zion' represents God's chosen people; their abandonment by others doesn't change God's commitment. This reflects the gospel's reversal of values - those rejected by the world are precious to God (1 Pet 2:10). God specializes in healing what others consider hopeless.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem ('Zion') had become an outcast among nations, defeated and despised. Yet God promises restoration beyond what seemed possible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God healing what others considered broken beyond repair?
  2. What does God's care for 'outcasts' teach about His character and yours?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּי֩1 of 17
H3588

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

אַעֲלֶ֨ה2 of 17

“For I will restore”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֲרֻכָ֥ה3 of 17

“health”

H724

wholeness (literally or figuratively)

לָ֛ךְ4 of 17
H0
וּמִמַּכּוֹתַ֥יִךְ5 of 17

“thee of thy wounds”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

אֶרְפָּאֵ֖ךְ6 of 17

“unto thee and I will heal”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

נְאֻם7 of 17

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֤י9 of 17
H3588

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

נִדָּחָה֙10 of 17

“thee an Outcast”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

קָ֣רְאוּ11 of 17

“because they called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֔ךְ12 of 17
H0
צִיּ֣וֹן13 of 17

“saying This is Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

הִ֔יא14 of 17
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

דֹּרֵ֖שׁ15 of 17

“whom no man seeketh after”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֵ֥ין16 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָֽהּ׃17 of 17
H0

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 30:17 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 30:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:20Jeremiah 33:61 Peter 2:24Psalms 103:3Exodus 15:26Psalms 23:3

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 30 →

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