◄ Jeremiah 17 ►
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

The Sin and Punishment of Judah

1“The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus,

engraved with a diamond point

on the tablets of their hearts

and on the horns of their altars.

2Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles

by the green trees and on the high hills.

3O My mountain in the countryside,

I will give over your wealth

and all your treasures as plunder,

because of the sin of your high places,

within all your borders.

4And you yourself will relinquish

the inheritance that I gave you.

I will enslave you to your enemies

in a land that you do not know,

for you have kindled My anger;

it will burn forever.”

5This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind,

who makes mere flesh his strengtha

and turns his heart from the LORD.

6He will be like a shrub in the desert;

he will not see when prosperity comes.

He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

7But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in Him.

8He is like a tree planted by the waters

that sends out its roots toward the stream.

It does not fear when the heat comes,

and its leaves are always green.

It does not worry in a year of drought,

nor does it cease to produce fruit.

9The heart is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

10I, the LORD, search the heart;

I examine the mindb

to reward a man according to his way,

by what his deeds deserve.

11Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay

is the man who makes a fortune unjustly.

In the middle of his days his riches will desert him,

and in the end he will be the fool.”

Jeremiah’s Prayer for Deliverance

12A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,

is the place of our sanctuary.

13O LORD, the hope of Israel,

all who abandon You will be put to shame.

All who turn away will be written in the dust,

for they have abandoned the LORD,

the fountain of living water.

14Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;

save me, and I will be saved,

for You are my praise.

15Behold, they keep saying to me,

“Where is the word of the LORD?

Let it come now!”

16But I have not run away from being Your shepherd;

I have not desired the day of despair.

You know that the utterance of my lips

was spoken in Your presence.

17Do not become a terror to me;

You are my refuge in the day of disaster.

18Let my persecutors be put to shame,

but do not let me be put to shame.

Let them be terrified,

but do not let me be terrified.

Bring upon them the day of disaster

and shatter them with double destruction.

Restoring the Sabbath
(Nehemiah 13:15–22)

19This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand at the gate of the people, through which the kings of Judah go in and out; and stand at all the other gates of Jerusalem.

20Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, all people of Judah and Jerusalem who enter through these gates. 21This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. 22You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. 23Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline.

24If, however, you listen carefully to Me, says the LORD, and bring no load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, and keep the Sabbath day holy, and do no work on it, 25then kings and princes will enter through the gates of this city. They will sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses with their officials, along with the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever. 26And people will come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, and from the foothills,c the hill country, and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.

27But if you do not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in its gates to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.’”

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

Bible Hub





Jeremiah 17 Summary
The Sin and Punishment of Judah

Verses 1–4 – Sin Carved in Stone
Judah’s guilt is engraved with an iron stylus, fixed as permanently as writing on the horns of the pagan altars they love. Their children inherit the same idolatry, and the land itself will be plundered; even the high places of worship will be lost. Exile is certain, “for My anger will burn forever.”

Verses 5–8 – Curses and Blessings: Trusting Flesh vs Trusting the LORD
Two stark pictures: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man… he will be like a shrub in the desert,” but “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD… he will be like a tree planted by the waters.” One life is arid and anxious; the other stays green in drought.

Verses 9–10 – The Deceptive Heart and God the Searcher
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind.” God alone can assess true motives and will repay everyone accordingly.

Verses 11 – The Empty Nest Egg
Like a partridge sitting on eggs it did not lay, a person who gains riches unjustly will lose them in mid-life and end up a fool. Ill-gotten security always evaporates.

Verses 12–13 – The Glorious Throne and the Fountain of Living Water
A majestic throne has always been set on high in Jerusalem’s sanctuary. Those who abandon the LORD abandon “the fountain of living water” and will be written in the dust.

Verses 14–18 – Jeremiah’s Personal Plea
Jeremiah asks, “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed.” He trusts God to vindicate him against mockers, begging that the day of disaster fall on the unrepentant, not on him.

Verses 19–23 – The Forgotten Sabbath
At the city gates Jeremiah warns: stop carrying burdens on the Sabbath. The covenant sign of rest has become a routine violation, a symptom of stubbornness.

Verses 24–27 – Sabbath Obedience and Future Hope
If the people honor the Sabbath, kings will ride through Jerusalem’s gates forever; but if they refuse, fire will consume the city palaces and “will not be quenched.”

Jeremiah 17 is a profound exploration of sin and trust in the relationship between God and the people of Judah. This chapter presents a vivid contrast between those who turn away from God and place their trust in mankind versus those who wholly place their trust in the Lord. Jeremiah uses metaphorical imagery and poignant messages from God to encapsulate these concepts, concluding with a call to respect the Sabbath and his personal plea for deliverance.

Historical Setting

Jeremiah’s words came during the final decades before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah cultivated alliances with Egypt, leaning on human power instead of the LORD. Idols dotted every hill, and Sabbath commerce filled the city gates—exactly the behaviors condemned in this chapter.

Key Themes

• Trust: One path counts on human muscle or political deals; the other sinks roots into God’s faithfulness (Psalm 118:8–9; Proverbs 3:5–6).

• Heart Condition: Sin is not surface deep. Engraved guilt (v 1) and incurably crooked hearts (v 9) echo Genesis 6:5.

• Accountability: God “tests the heart” (v 10) like a smelter tests metal, later echoed by Jesus—“By your words you will be justified” (Matthew 12:37).

• Sabbath: A weekly reminder that God, not human effort, sustains life (Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14).

• Hope and Warning: Obedience invites blessing and continuity of David’s throne; refusal invites unquenchable fire—paralleling Deuteronomy 28.

Connections to the New Testament

• Living Water: Jesus applies the “fountain of living water” imagery to Himself (John 4:10-14; 7:37-38), inviting the thirsty to trust Him rather than broken cisterns.

• Deceitful Heart: Romans 3:10-18 expands Jeremiah’s diagnosis to all humanity; salvation must come from outside us.

• Searcher of Hearts: Revelation 2:23 repeats, “I am He who searches minds and hearts,” tying Jeremiah’s language to Christ.

• Sabbath Fulfillment: Hebrews 4:9 speaks of a “Sabbath rest” still offered to God’s people—complete reliance on Christ’s finished work.

Intertextual Links in the Old Testament

• Tree by Water: Psalm 1:3 portrays the righteous person the same way Jeremiah does.

• Dust Writing: Jesus writing in the dust (John 8:6) may recall 17:13—those who forsake Him are written in the earth.

• Partridge Analogy: Similar irony appears in Proverbs 13:11, “Dishonest wealth will dwindle.”

• Fire in the Gates: Amos 1–2 and 2 Chronicles 36:19 confirm the prophecy of Jerusalem’s burning.

Archaeological Background

• City Gates: Excavations at Jerusalem’s southern gate reveal benches and storerooms—places for commerce, matching Jeremiah’s focus on Sabbath trade.

• High Places: Idolatrous altars and standing stones from the 7th century BC have been unearthed at sites such as Arad and Lachish, demonstrating how widespread the forbidden worship was.

• Iron Stylus and Stone: Ostraca (inscribed potsherds) show that iron tools regularly etched messages onto hard surfaces, illustrating the “engraved” metaphor.

• Partridge Imagery: The chukar partridge common in Judah sometimes broods stolen eggs, a local picture listeners would have recognized immediately.

Word and Phrase Insights

• “Trust” (bāṭaḥ) implies placing one’s full weight on something secure.

• “Heart” (lēb) in Hebrew includes mind, will, and emotions—making its deceit a total problem.

• “Sabbath” (šabbāṯ) comes from a root meaning “to cease.” Carrying loads through the gate directly negated that calling.

• “Engraved” (ḥāqaq) is the same verb used for carving laws into stone (Isaiah 30:8), stressing the indelibility of Judah’s sin.

Life Application

• Where do I look first in crisis—contacts, cash, or Christ? The desert shrub/tree contrast makes the answer obvious.

• The human heart can self-deceive with religious language while quietly hustling forbidden gain. Regular confession keeps that from hardening.

• The Sabbath principle—planned, God-centered rest—guards against worshiping work. Turning devices off one day a week might be today’s gate-closing.

• In uncertain times, Jeremiah’s personal prayer (v 14) offers a model: “You are my praise.” God is both the healer and the defense.

Literary Features

• Parallelism: Verses 5-8 set curse and blessing in matching lines.

• Chiasm: vv 11-13 pivot from folly (partridge) to glory (throne) to folly again (names in dust).

• Vivid Metaphor: Tree, shrub, partridge, fountain—they color the chapter, making abstract truth memorable.

Takeaway

Jeremiah 17 drives home a choice as old as Eden: lean on self and dry up, or lean on the LORD and flourish. God still reads hearts, but He also still offers living water.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 1:1-3
This passage parallels Jeremiah 17:7-8, describing the blessedness of the man who delights in the law of the Lord.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. This verse reinforces the priority of trusting in God above all else.
Teaching Points
The Heart's Deceitfulness
Jeremiah 17:9 states, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? This verse highlights the inherent sinfulness and unreliability of the human heart, emphasizing the need for divine guidance and transformation.

Trust in Man vs. Trust in God
Verses 5-8 contrast the outcomes of trusting in man versus trusting in the Lord. Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind... Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. Trusting in human strength leads to spiritual barrenness, while trusting in God results in spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.

The Importance of Sabbath Observance
Verses 19-27 stress the significance of keeping the Sabbath holy. God promises blessings for obedience and warns of consequences for neglecting this commandment, underscoring the importance of honoring God's ordained times of rest and worship.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Jeremiah 17:10 declares, I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. This verse affirms God's omniscience and His just nature in dealing with humanity.
Practical Applications
Examine Your Trust
Regularly assess where you place your trust. Are you relying on your own understanding and strength, or are you fully trusting in the Lord?

Guard Your Heart
Be aware of the deceitfulness of your heart. Seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and Scripture to align your heart with His will.

Honor the Sabbath
Make a conscious effort to set aside time for rest and worship, recognizing the importance of the Sabbath in your spiritual life.

Seek God's Justice
Trust in God's perfect justice and sovereignty, especially when facing situations that seem unfair or beyond your control.
People
1. The People of Judah
The chapter addresses the collective people of Judah, highlighting their sin and idolatry. The text speaks of their hearts being deceitful and their trust misplaced in human strength rather than in God.

2. The Man Who Trusts in Man
This is a general reference to individuals who place their trust in human beings and human strength rather than in God. The text describes such a person as cursed and likens them to a shrub in the desert.

3. The Man Who Trusts in the LORD
In contrast to those who trust in man, this person is blessed. The text compares them to a tree planted by the waters, symbolizing stability and prosperity due to their faith in God.

4. The Heart
While not a person, the heart is personified in the text as deceitful and desperately wicked, emphasizing the inner moral and spiritual condition of individuals.

5. The LORD
God is a central figure in this chapter, depicted as the one who searches the heart and tests the mind, rewarding each person according to their conduct.

6. Jeremiah
Although not directly named in every verse, the prophet Jeremiah is the speaker and the one delivering God's message to the people of Judah. He intercedes for them and pleads for God's deliverance.
Places
1. Judah
In Jeremiah 17:1, Judah is mentioned as the place where the sin of the people is engraved. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), which means "praised." This reflects the tribe and region that was central to the southern kingdom of Israel.

2. Jerusalem
In Jeremiah 17:19, Jerusalem is referenced as the city where Jeremiah is instructed to stand at the gates. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." It is the capital city and spiritual center for the people of Israel.
Events
1. The Sin of Judah Engraved
The chapter begins with a vivid description of Judah's sin being engraved with an iron tool on their hearts and on the horns of their altars (Jeremiah 17:1). The Hebrew word for "engraved" (חָרוּת, charut) emphasizes the permanence and depth of their sin.

2. Judah's Idolatry and Consequences
The people of Judah are reminded of their idolatry, which leads to their wealth and treasures being plundered and their high places being destroyed (Jeremiah 17:2-3). The Hebrew term for "high places" (בָּמוֹת, bamot) refers to the elevated sites where idolatrous worship occurred.

3. Judah's Loss of Inheritance
God declares that Judah will lose their inheritance and be enslaved in a land they do not know, as a consequence of their sin (Jeremiah 17:4). This reflects the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy.

4. The Curse of Trusting in Man
A curse is pronounced on those who trust in man and make flesh their strength, turning their hearts away from the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5). The Hebrew word for "curse" (אָרוּר, arur) indicates a divine pronouncement of judgment.

5. The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord
In contrast, a blessing is promised to those who trust in the Lord, likened to a tree planted by the waters, which remains fruitful even in drought (Jeremiah 17:7-8). The imagery of a tree by water is a common biblical metaphor for spiritual vitality.

6. The Deceitful Heart
The heart is described as deceitful above all things and beyond cure, highlighting the need for divine intervention (Jeremiah 17:9). The Hebrew term for "deceitful" (עָקֹב, aqob) suggests a treacherous and insidious nature.

7. God's Knowledge and Judgment
God declares His ability to search the heart and test the mind, rewarding each person according to their deeds (Jeremiah 17:10). This underscores God's omniscience and justice.

8. The Parable of the Partridge
A parable is given about a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay, symbolizing the futility of unjust gain (Jeremiah 17:11). The Hebrew word for "partridge" (קֹרֵא, kore) is used here to illustrate the vanity of ill-gotten wealth.

9. The Glorious Throne and Hope of Israel
The Lord is acknowledged as the hope of Israel and the source of living water, with His glorious throne exalted from the beginning (Jeremiah 17:12-13). This reflects the centrality of God in Israel's identity and sustenance.

10. Jeremiah's Prayer for Deliverance
Jeremiah prays for deliverance and vindication, expressing his trust in God amidst persecution (Jeremiah 17:14-18). His plea for healing and salvation highlights his reliance on God's faithfulness.

11. The Sabbath Command
The chapter concludes with a command to keep the Sabbath holy, warning of destruction if the people fail to honor it (Jeremiah 17:19-27). The emphasis on the Sabbath underscores its covenantal significance as a sign of Israel's relationship with God.
Topics
1. The Sin of Judah (Jeremiah 17:1-4)
This section addresses the deep-rooted sin of Judah, described as being engraved on their hearts. The Hebrew word for "engraved" is "חָרוּת" (charut), indicating a permanent and indelible mark. The passage highlights the consequences of their idolatry and the loss of their inheritance.

2. Trust in Man vs. Trust in God (Jeremiah 17:5-8)
Here, the contrast between trusting in human strength and trusting in the Lord is emphasized. The Hebrew word "אָרוּר" (arur) means "cursed," used to describe those who rely on man. In contrast, those who trust in the Lord are likened to a tree planted by the waters, drawing from the imagery of stability and nourishment.

3. The Deceitful Heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
This passage discusses the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart. The Hebrew term "עָקֹב" (aqob) means "deceitful" or "crooked," underscoring the heart's tendency to lead astray. God is portrayed as the one who searches the heart and tests the mind, rewarding each according to their deeds.

4. The Partridge and Unjust Gain (Jeremiah 17:11)
The metaphor of a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay illustrates the futility of unjust gain. The Hebrew word "קֹרֵא" (qore) refers to the partridge, symbolizing those who acquire wealth unjustly and ultimately lose it.

5. A Glorious Throne and the Hope of Israel (Jeremiah 17:12-13)
This section acknowledges God's eternal throne and His role as the hope of Israel. The Hebrew word "מִקְוֵה" (mikveh) means "hope" or "gathering," emphasizing God as the source of hope and refuge for His people.

6. Jeremiah's Prayer for Deliverance (Jeremiah 17:14-18)
Jeremiah prays for healing and deliverance, expressing his trust in God amidst persecution. The Hebrew word "רָפָא" (rapha) means "heal," reflecting Jeremiah's plea for restoration and vindication against his adversaries.

7. Observance of the Sabbath (Jeremiah 17:19-27)
The chapter concludes with a call to observe the Sabbath, highlighting its importance as a covenant sign. The Hebrew word "שַׁבָּת" (shabbat) signifies rest and cessation from work, serving as a reminder of God's creation and covenant with His people. The passage warns of consequences for neglecting the Sabbath, emphasizing obedience to God's commands.
Themes
1. The Deceitfulness of the Heart
Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This theme highlights the inherent sinfulness and unreliability of the human heart. The Hebrew word for "deceitful" (עָקֹב, 'aqob) suggests a sense of being insidious or treacherous, emphasizing the need for divine insight and transformation.

2. Trust in the Lord vs. Trust in Man
Verses 5-8 contrast the outcomes of trusting in human strength versus trusting in the Lord. "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind... But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:5, 7). The Hebrew root for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of confidence and security, underscoring the importance of placing one's faith in God rather than in fallible human beings.

3. The Consequences of Sin
Jeremiah 17:1-4 describes the indelible nature of Judah's sin, written "with an iron stylus, with a diamond point" (v. 1). This theme underscores the seriousness of sin and its lasting impact, as well as the inevitable judgment that follows unrepentant behavior.

4. The Sabbath as a Covenant Sign
In verses 19-27, the observance of the Sabbath is emphasized as a sign of the covenant between God and His people. The call to "keep the Sabbath day holy" (v. 22) serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence for God's commands, reflecting the Hebrew concept of holiness (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) as being set apart for divine purposes.

5. God as the Source of Hope and Healing
Jeremiah 17:14 declares, "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise." This theme highlights God's role as the ultimate healer and savior, emphasizing reliance on His power for restoration and deliverance. The Hebrew word for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) conveys a sense of making whole or restoring to health.

6. The Certainty of Divine Judgment
The chapter repeatedly warns of impending judgment due to the people's disobedience and idolatry. Verses 3-4 and 27 speak of the consequences of forsaking God, reinforcing the certainty of divine retribution for sin. The Hebrew term for "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) reflects the idea of justice and the execution of rightful decisions by God.
Answering Tough Questions
1. (Jeremiah 17:1) How can sin be literally “engraved” on a person’s heart, and what evidence supports a physical or metaphorical interpretation?

2. (Jeremiah 17:5) Why does it say one is cursed for trusting in humanity, given the social and scientific advancements reliant on human collaboration?

3. (Jeremiah 17:9) If the heart is so deceitful, why would a just God hold humans accountable for following their inherent nature?

4. (Jeremiah 17:13) Is there any historical or archaeological proof that God’s judgments, such as the writing of names in the dust, were visibly carried out?

5. (Jeremiah 17:27) How should the promise of “unquenchable fire” in Jerusalem be reconciled with the city’s repeated rebuildings and continued existence?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. In what ways does the metaphor of Judah's sin being engraved on their hearts and altars in verses 1-4 resonate with you?

2. How might you practically shift your trust from human beings to God, as suggested in verses 5-8?

3. In today's world, how can we relate to the imagery of a bush in the desert versus a tree by the water?

4. Considering verses 9-11, how does understanding the deceitfulness of the human heart influence your daily choices and actions?

5. How does acknowledging that only God can fully understand and heal our hearts change your perspective on personal struggles?

6. In verse 11, Jeremiah speaks about the fleeting value of ill-gotten riches. How does this apply in our contemporary society?

7. How can you apply the importance of keeping the Sabbath as depicted in verses 19-27 in a modern context?

8. What consequences might we face today if we don't respect and observe a day of rest as God commands?

9. Jeremiah prays for healing and salvation in verses 14-18. How can his approach inform our prayers in times of distress?

10. How does Jeremiah’s plea for his enemies' shame and dismay resonate with your feelings towards those who wrong you?

11. In what ways can we find hope and comfort in God's judgment and omnipotence as depicted in Jeremiah 17?

12. How do the blessings and curses outlined in this chapter reflect God's justice and mercy?

13. How does the narrative of sin, judgment, and grace in Jeremiah 17 resonate with the overall message of the Bible?

14. In what ways can the trust in God, as exemplified in this chapter, provide a template for addressing modern societal challenges?

15. How can the concept of inherent sin, as mentioned in this chapter, be reconciled with the belief in human goodness?

16. How can we use Jeremiah's approach to prayer as a guide for our own prayers in moments of need?

17. How does the concept of 'reward according to one's deeds' shape your actions and decisions?

18. How does the chapter's depiction of God as the ultimate heart examiner challenge your understanding of personal integrity and motives?

19. How does the command to observe the Sabbath translate into today's fast-paced, always-on society?

20. In what ways can the lessons from Jeremiah 17 help you grow in your relationship with God and others?



Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions


Jeremiah 16
Top of Page
Top of Page