Jeremiah 17 8

Jeremiah 17:8 kjv

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.

Jeremiah 17:8 nkjv

For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8 niv

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:8 esv

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:8 nlt

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17 verses

Jeremiah 17 8 Meaning

Jeremiah 17:8 describes the blessed condition of the person who trusts wholly in the Lord. Such an individual is likened to a thriving tree, intentionally planted beside abundant waters, whose roots draw constant nourishment from a steady river. This tree, representing the faithful believer, remains unaffected by harsh conditions like intense heat or prolonged drought. Instead, its leaves stay vibrant and green, and it consistently yields fruit, signifying enduring vitality, unwavering trust, spiritual resilience, and continuous productivity despite adversity.

Jeremiah 17 8 Context

Jeremiah 17:8 is the culmination of a contrastive wisdom saying (Jer 17:5-8). The preceding verses (Jer 17:5-6) vividly describe the cursed fate of those who put their trust in mere human strength or resources (symbolized by a "shrub in the desert," lacking water and hope). In stark opposition, Jer 17:7 declares the blessedness of the person whose trust and hope are entirely in the Lord. Verse 8 then elaborates on this blessing using the rich metaphor of a well-nourished, resilient, and fruitful tree. Historically, Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period when the kingdom of Judah was under immense political pressure from powerful empires (Assyria, Babylon, Egypt), leading many to seek alliances and rely on human pacts rather than divine protection. This context emphasizes the urgency of choosing God as the sole object of trust for true stability and flourishing.

Jeremiah 17 8 Word analysis

• For he shall be as a tree: The conjunction "For" (כִּי - ki) introduces the reason or elaboration for the blessedness mentioned in the previous verse. "He" refers to the individual whose "trust is in the Lord." "As a tree" (כְּעֵץ - k'etz) is a foundational simile, establishing a visual metaphor for the characteristics of such a person. A tree, especially in an agricultural society, symbolizes life, stability, and produce.
• planted: (שָׁתוּל - shatul) This participle implies intentionality and security. It's not a wild growth, but carefully established. This signifies divine design and protection; God Himself has "planted" this person in a place of blessing.
• by the waters: (עַל מַיִם - 'al mayim) "By" (עַל) indicates proximity and direct access. "Waters" (מַיִם - mayim) are a consistent biblical symbol of life, nourishment, and God's refreshing presence and provision. This signifies constant, available spiritual sustenance.
• and that spreadeth out her roots: (וְעַל יוּבַל יְשַׁלַּח שָׁרָשָׁיו - v'al yuval yeshallach shorashav) This emphasizes deep, extensive grounding. The "roots" (שָׁרָשָׁיו - shorashav) are the unseen, yet crucial, foundation of a tree, reflecting the inner strength, faith, and depth of connection to God that anchors a person.
• by the river: (יוּבַל - yuval) While mayim (waters) can be general, yuval specifically refers to a perennial stream, a strong and reliable source, unlike wadis that dry up. This indicates an abundant, continuous, and unfailing supply of spiritual life and sustenance from God.
• and shall not see when heat cometh: (וְלֹא יִרְאֶה כִּי יָבֹא חֹם - v'lo yireh ki yavo chom) "Shall not see" indicates an absence of adverse effect or a lack of alarm. "Heat" (חֹם - chom) represents intense trials, adversity, and challenging circumstances. The person is immune to the damaging effects of such periods.
• but her leaf shall be green: (וְהָיָה עָלֵהוּ רַעֲנָן - v'hayah 'alehu ra'anan) In contrast to wilting or drying up, the leaf remains "green" (רַעֲנָן - ra'anan), signifying vibrancy, health, life, and enduring spiritual freshness even amidst difficulties.
• and shall not be careful: (וּבִשְׁנַת בַּצֹּרֶת לֹא יִדְאָג - uvishnat batzoret lo yid'ag) "Careful" (יִדְאָג - yid'ag) implies worry or anxiety. The person's trust eliminates fear even in the face of grave threats.
• in the year of drought: (בִּשְׁנַת בַּצֹּרֶת - bishnat batzoret) "Drought" (בַּצֹּרֶת - batzoret) represents prolonged, severe adversity, a time of scarcity and distress. This is an even more extreme test than "heat."
• neither shall cease from yielding fruit: (וְלֹא יָמִישׁ מֵעֲשׂוֹת פֶּרִי - v'lo yamish me'asot p'ri) "Neither shall cease" (לֹא יָמִישׁ) emphasizes uninterrupted continuity. "Yielding fruit" (מֵעֲשׂוֹת פֶּרִי - me'asot p'ri) denotes constant productivity, spiritual growth, good works, and the positive impact on the world, regardless of external circumstances.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters: This opening establishes the divine providence and security. The "planting" indicates intentional design and deep-seated security provided by God, placing the faithful in a sustained spiritual environment.
• and that spreadeth out her roots by the river: This highlights the active and deep connection to the source of life. "Spreading roots" suggests drawing sustenance from below, an internal reliance and strength that goes beyond surface appearances, accessing the enduring supply of God's grace.
• and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green: This speaks to resilience in the face of moderate adversity. The person is insulated from the harm of lesser trials, maintaining visible vitality (green leaf) due to the inner nourishment.
• and shall not be careful in the year of drought: This goes further, indicating a profound lack of anxiety or worry even during severe and prolonged periods of hardship. True trust in God brings inner peace regardless of external desolation.
• neither shall cease from yielding fruit: This is the ultimate proof of enduring strength and vitality. The constant fruitfulness speaks to consistent spiritual productivity, righteousness, and positive impact, defying even the most challenging circumstances through God's empowering presence.

Jeremiah 17 8 Bonus section

The imagery of the tree "planted by the waters" (often a river or streams) is a common and powerful motif in biblical wisdom literature, most notably in Psalm 1, emphasizing divine delight and blessedness. This repetition across different prophetic and wisdom books underscores its deep theological significance. It stands in direct contrast to the fleeting prosperity of the wicked, whose "root" often withers (Job 8:16-19; Prov 12:3). The concept implies that spiritual growth is not haphazard; it requires being deliberately positioned by the source of life, much like a good gardener positions a tree for optimal growth. Furthermore, the "fruit" mentioned here is holistic – it can encompass character (fruit of the Spirit), righteous deeds, or even the spiritual influence one has on others. It is not limited to material gain, though divine blessing often includes sufficiency. The permanence of this fruitfulness – "neither shall cease from yielding fruit" – offers immense encouragement, signifying an enduring legacy and impact that transcends temporal difficulties.

Jeremiah 17 8 Commentary

Jeremiah 17:8 masterfully paints a picture of unwavering spiritual health and productivity derived from profound trust in the Lord. The metaphor of a deeply rooted tree sustained by constant water perfectly illustrates the life of one who has anchored their hope in God rather than in human strength or fleeting circumstances. This person is not merely surviving but thriving, insulated from the adverse effects of external pressures. The deliberate "planting" underscores divine intention and security; our spiritual well-being is not accidental. Deep roots by the river signify a consistent, rich source of spiritual nourishment that builds resilience. Even when faced with "heat" (common trials) or "drought" (severe, prolonged adversity), the individual's spiritual vitality, characterized by a "green leaf" and continuous "fruit," remains unbroken. This fruitfulness is a natural outflow of the life-giving connection to God, reflecting His character and bringing glory to Him, regardless of how challenging the "season" may be. It speaks to a life lived in spiritual peace, purpose, and enduring effectiveness.

• Example: A person facing job loss or severe illness (year of drought) remains hopeful and continues to serve their community or pray for others (yielding fruit), drawing strength from their faith in God rather than succumbing to despair (not careful).
• Example: A believer enduring harsh criticism or social pressure for their faith (when heat cometh) continues to display love and steadfastness (leaf shall be green) because their foundation is in Christ, not human approval.