Jeremiah 17 7

Jeremiah 17:7 kjv

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

Jeremiah 17:7 nkjv

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:7 niv

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7 esv

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:7 nlt

"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD
and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

Jeremiah 17 verses

Jeremiah 17 7 Meaning

Jeremiah 17:7 declares a profound blessedness upon the individual who places their complete trust and reliance solely in the LORD. This verse contrasts sharply with the preceding verses that describe a cursed existence for those whose hearts turn from the LORD, seeking strength and security in human efforts or external forces. It highlights a steadfast confidence in God's faithfulness and power as the true source of security, hope, and spiritual vitality. The LORD becomes not just an object of trust but the very foundation and essence of one's hope and security.

Jeremiah 17 7 Context

Jeremiah 17:7 stands as a powerful declaration in the midst of a crucial section (Jer 17:5-11) addressing the fundamental issue of trust. This immediate context is a stark contrast between two types of reliance, vividly described through metaphorical imagery. Verses 5-6 present the "cursed" person, likened to a barren shrub in the desert, whose heart turns away from the LORD, relying instead on human strength ("flesh") and man-made systems. This person lives in parched lands, oblivious to good, highlighting spiritual unfruitfulness and lack of vitality. Verse 7, then, immediately introduces the antithesis: the "blessed" person, who places unwavering trust in the LORD. The imagery for this blessed individual is elaborated in verse 8, comparing them to a thriving tree planted by water, yielding fruit even in drought.

Broader historical and literary context places this verse within Jeremiah's ministry to Judah during a time of immense political and spiritual crisis, spanning the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. The nation faced the imminent threat of Babylonian invasion and cultural absorption. Despite numerous warnings from Jeremiah, the people of Judah consistently leaned on alliances with powerful nations like Egypt, pursued idolatry, and clung to human ingenuity and strength rather than turning to God for salvation. Jeremiah 17:7 is therefore a prophetic call to repentance and true faith, challenging the widespread misplacement of trust and offering the path to genuine security and life in a time of national impending doom. It undergirds the entire book's message about Judah's apostasy and the divine judgment that would follow, while simultaneously providing a beacon of hope for those who would truly seek and rely upon the LORD.

Jeremiah 17 7 Word analysis

• Blessed (Hebrew: Baruch): This word signifies a state of divine favor, prosperity, and spiritual flourishing. It's not just happiness, but an objective declaration of God's grace and active provision. It implies that God has poured out His favor and given the means for life and thriving. This state is divinely conferred, not self-generated. The semantic range also includes being enriched, empowered, and well-being.
• is the man (Hebrew: ha'geber): While ish (איש) refers to a general male person, geber (גבר) often denotes a strong, mighty man, a warrior, or someone characterized by strength. Its usage here might imply that even the "strongest" among humanity will find their ultimate strength and blessing only through trust in the LORD, not in their own capabilities, or it may simply mean humanity in general. It stands in contrast to "flesh" (בשר, basar) in Jer 17:5, which signifies human weakness.
• who trusts (Hebrew: yivṭaḥ from root bataḥ - בטח): This word implies a deep sense of security, confidence, and complete reliance. It denotes leaning on something, feeling safe and secure in its dependability, like leaning on a rock or resting one's weight entirely upon something. It's a profound, unwavering inner certainty and expectation. It includes feeling secure from danger and resting in confidence.
• in the LORD (Hebrew: YHWH, Yahweh): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful nature as the one who makes and keeps His promises. To trust in YHWH means to trust in His specific character as revealed to Israel – His power, sovereignty, justice, and mercy. This is distinct from trusting in a generic deity or human institution. It emphasizes the unique and relational nature of the object of trust.
• whose confidence (Hebrew: mivṭaḥ - מבטח): This term is derived from the same root bataḥ as "trusts," but here it acts as a noun, denoting the object of one's trust or security. It is the place of refuge, the basis of security, or the very hope one possesses. It describes where one puts their faith.
• indeed is the LORD (Hebrew: v'hayah YHWH mivṭaḥo - וְהָיָה יְהוָה מִבְטַחֽוֹ): The repetition and emphasis of "the LORD" (YHWH) in both clauses are crucial. Not only does the person trust in the LORD, but the LORD Himself is the very essence and substance of that trust and security. This is a complete and absolute identification: God is not merely the one to whom trust is given, but God is the trust itself. There is no other foundation for their security or hope. The particle "indeed" or "and" emphasizes this direct identification, making the LORD the sole and sufficient object and source of hope.

Jeremiah 17 7 Bonus section

The structural pattern in Jeremiah 17:5-8, which contrasts the cursed and the blessed, strongly echoes Psalm 1. Both passages utilize the imagery of a tree to depict the differing outcomes of where one places their reliance: the wicked (Jer 17:5-6) are like a "shrub in the desert," seeing no good, while the righteous (Jer 17:7-8) are like a "tree planted by the water," which prospers and bears fruit even in drought. This literary parallel underscores the enduring biblical theme that genuine spiritual vitality and flourishing are intrinsically linked to one's orientation towards and trust in God alone. This thematic connection provides an additional layer of intertextual richness to the concept of "blessedness" and "trust." Furthermore, this absolute dependence on YHWH implies an intimate, covenantal relationship, reminding the audience that God's personal name signifies His unwavering presence and faithfulness to His people, inviting them into that secure relationship.

Jeremiah 17 7 Commentary

Jeremiah 17:7 stands as a pinnacle declaration of authentic faith in a biblical world often characterized by divided loyalties. Following the stark pronouncements of curse in verses 5-6, this verse opens the door to blessedness. It doesn't just offer an alternative; it presents the only true path to life and flourishing. The "blessed man" (not cursed) is defined by one fundamental choice: trusting in the LORD. This trust is not superficial assent but a deep, ingrained reliance, a conscious turning of the entire being towards God for security and strength.

The emphatic reiteration that "whose confidence indeed is the LORD" elevates this trust from a mere action to an identity-defining relationship. God is not just an occasional help but the very foundation, substance, and wellspring of one's entire hope and security. This excludes any rival sources of confidence—human strength, political alliances, material wealth, or personal wisdom—all of which were temptations for Judah in Jeremiah's day and for believers today. When the LORD is one's mivṭaḥ (confidence/refuge), it means there's no backup plan, no hidden fallback. The entirety of one's future and well-being rests completely in God's hands. Such trust leads to spiritual vitality, as elaborated in verse 8, picturing a stable, fruitful tree whose life is drawn from an unfailing source. This verse therefore calls for absolute, singular, and wholehearted dependence on God, promising ultimate blessing and resilience in return.