Jeremiah 17:8

Jeremiah 17:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He 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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, pushing out its roots by the stream; he will have no fear when the heat comes, but his leaf will be green; in a dry year he will have no care, and will go on giving fruit.

Free Bible Version FBV

They are like trees planted by water, sending out roots toward the stream. They don't panic when it gets hot; their leaves are always green. They don't worry during a time of drought—they go on producing fruit.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For he shall be as a tree that is planted by the water, which spreadeth out her rootes by the riuer, and shall not feele when the heate commeth, but her leafe shall be greene, and shall not care for the yeere of drought, neyther shall cease from yeelding fruit.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And hath been as a tree planted by waters, And by a rivulet he sendeth forth his roots, And he doth not see when heat cometh, And his leaf hath been green, And in a year of dearth he is not sorrowful, Nor doth he cease from making fruit.

World English Bible WEB

For he will be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be concerned in the year of drought. It won’t cease from yielding fruit.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 anxious in the year of drouth, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he shall be as a tree that is planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots towards moisture: and it shall not fear when the heat cometh. And the leaf thereof shall be green, and in the time of drought it shall not be solicitous, neither shall it cease at any time to bring forth fruit.

Translation for Translators T4T

Those people are like [SIM] fruit trees that have been planted along a riverbank, trees that have roots that go down into the wet ground beside the water. They are trees whose leaves remain green when it becomes hot, trees that continue to bear fruit when there are many months in which there is no rain.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 17:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 17:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָ֞ה כְּ/עֵ֣ץ שָׁת֣וּל עַל מַ֗יִם וְ/עַל יוּבַל֙ יְשַׁלַּ֣ח שָֽׁרָשָׁ֔י/ו וְ/לֹ֤א ירא יִרְאֶה֙ כִּֽי יָבֹ֣א חֹ֔ם וְ/הָיָ֥ה עָלֵ֖/הוּ רַֽעֲנָ֑ן וּ/בִ/שְׁנַ֤ת בַּצֹּ֨רֶת֙ לֹ֣א יִדְאָ֔ג וְ/לֹ֥א יָמִ֖ישׁ מֵ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת פֶּֽרִי

וְ/הָיָ֞ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

כְּ/עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 tree Prep | N-ms

שָׁת֣וּל shâthal H8362 to transplant V-Qal-Inf-c

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

יוּבַל֙ yûwbal H3105 stream N-ms

יְשַׁלַּ֣ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

שָֽׁרָשָׁ֔י/ו sheresh H8328 root N-mp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

ירא yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

יִרְאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יָבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

חֹ֔ם chôm H2527 heat N-ms

וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

עָלֵ֖/הוּ ʻâleh H5929 leaf N-ms | Suff

רַֽעֲנָ֑ן raʻănân H7488 be fresh Adj

וּ/בִ/שְׁנַ֤ת shâneh H8141 year Conj | Prep | N-fs

בַּצֹּ֨רֶת֙ batstsôreth H1226 drought N-fs

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִדְאָ֔ג dâʼag H1672 be anxious V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָמִ֖ישׁ mûwsh H4185 to remove V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מֵ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

פֶּֽרִי pᵉrîy H6529 fruit N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 17:8

וְ/הָיָ֞ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כְּ/עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

שָׁת֣וּל shâthal H8362 "to transplant" V-Qal-Inf-c

The Hebrew word for transplanting, which involves moving a plant from one location to another. In biblical contexts, it is used to describe the act of planting or transplanting trees, vines, or other vegetation. This term appears in various agricultural and horticultural passages.

Definition: (Qal) to plant, transplant

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: plant. See also: Psalms 1:3; Ezekiel 17:22; Psalms 92:14.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

יוּבַל֙ yûwbal H3105 "stream" N-ms

Yubal means a stream, referring to a small river or flow of water, mentioned in various books of the Bible, including Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: stream

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: river. See also: Jeremiah 17:8.

יְשַׁלַּ֣ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

שָֽׁרָשָׁ֔י/ו sheresh H8328 "root" N-mp | Suff

A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.

Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

ירא yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

יִרְאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יָבֹ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

חֹ֔ם chôm H2527 "heat" N-ms

This Hebrew word means heat or being hot, used to describe warm temperatures or climates. It appears in Genesis 8:13 and is related to the idea of warmth. The concept of heat is important in biblical descriptions of the environment.

Definition: heat, hot

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heat, to be hot (warm). See also: Genesis 8:22; Nehemiah 7:3; Isaiah 18:4.

וְ/הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

עָלֵ֖/הוּ ʻâleh H5929 "leaf" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means a leaf on a tree, often referring to foliage. It appears in the Bible when describing trees and plants, like in Genesis. The KJV translates it as branch or leaf.

Definition: leaf, leafage

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: branch, leaf. See also: Genesis 3:7; Proverbs 11:28; Psalms 1:3.

רַֽעֲנָ֑ן raʻănân H7488 "be fresh" Adj

This word describes something as luxuriant or fresh, like a new and growing plant. It is used to describe a prosperous or thriving condition.

Definition: v (Palel) to be or grow luxuriant or fresh or green

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: green, flourishing. See also: Deuteronomy 12:2; Song of Solomon 1:16; Psalms 37:35.

וּ/בִ/שְׁנַ֤ת shâneh H8141 "year" Conj | Prep | N-fs

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

בַּצֹּ֨רֶת֙ batstsôreth H1226 "drought" N-fs

Drought refers to a time of little or no rain, causing a lack of food and water. In the Bible, drought is often a symbol of hardship, as seen in the stories of Elijah and the prophets.

Definition: dearth, drought, destitution

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: dearth, drought. See also: Jeremiah 14:1; Jeremiah 17:8.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִדְאָ֔ג dâʼag H1672 "be anxious" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to be anxious or afraid, like worrying about something. It is used in the Bible to describe fear or concern. The KJV translates it as be afraid or sorrow.

Definition: 1) to fear, be anxious, be concerned, be afraid, be careful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be anxious, be concerned 1a2) to fear, dread

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: be afraid (careful, sorry), sorrow, take thought. See also: 1 Samuel 9:5; Isaiah 57:11; Psalms 38:19.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָמִ֖ישׁ mûwsh H4185 "to remove" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To remove means to take something away or depart from a place. This word can be used literally or figuratively, and is often translated as cease or depart. It implies a sense of separation.

Definition: 1) to depart, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to depart 1a2) to remove 1a3) to be removed (of inanimate objects) 1b) (Hiphil) to remove, depart

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cease, depart, go back, remove, take away. See also: Exodus 13:22; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 55:12.

מֵ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

פֶּֽרִי pᵉrîy H6529 "fruit" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.

Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 17:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:8
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8
Sermons on Jeremiah 17:8

Context — The Sin and Punishment of Judah

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 mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 1:3	He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
2	Isaiah 58:11	The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
3	Ezekiel 47:12	Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”
4	Ezekiel 31:4–10	The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters. The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it; the cypresses could not compare with its branches, nor the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with its beauty. I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Since it became great in height and set its top among the clouds, and it grew proud on account of its height,
5	Psalms 92:10–15	But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed. My eyes see the downfall of my enemies; my ears hear the wailing of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”
6	Job 8:16	He is a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden.
7	Jeremiah 14:1–6	This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.”

Jeremiah 17:8 Summary

[This verse, Jeremiah 17:8, describes a person who trusts in God as being like a strong, healthy tree that is rooted by a stream of water, always staying green and fruitful, similar to the tree in Psalm 1:3. This tree doesn't worry when things get tough because it has a steady supply of water, just like how God's presence and promises give us strength and peace in hard times (as seen in Isaiah 41:10). By trusting in God and staying connected to Him through His Word, we can be like this tree, staying strong and fruitful even when life gets difficult. This concept is also reflected in Jeremiah 17:7, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tree is being described in Jeremiah 17:8?

The tree in Jeremiah 17:8 is not a specific type, but rather a symbol of a believer who trusts in the Lord, as described in Jeremiah 17:7, and is nourished by the water of God's Word, similar to the tree in Psalm 1:3.

How can a tree not fear when heat comes, as mentioned in Jeremiah 17:8?

The tree in Jeremiah 17:8 does not fear when heat comes because its roots are deeply planted by the waters, symbolizing the believer's deep trust in God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, which allows them to remain steadfast in times of trial.

What does it mean for the tree's leaves to be always green, as stated in Jeremiah 17:8?

The tree's leaves being always green in Jeremiah 17:8 signifies the believer's continuous spiritual vitality and fruitfulness, even in times of drought or hardship, much like the description of the righteous in Psalm 92:12-14.

How can I, as a believer, be like the tree in Jeremiah 17:8?

To be like the tree in Jeremiah 17:8, a believer must trust in the Lord, as stated in Jeremiah 17:7, and send their roots deep into God's Word, as encouraged in Colossians 2:6-7, allowing them to stand firm in faith and produce spiritual fruit.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can 'send my roots' deeper into God's Word, like the tree in Jeremiah 17:8, to trust in Him more fully?
How do I respond to 'heat' or trials in my life, and what can I learn from the tree's example in Jeremiah 17:8?
In what ways can I remain 'green' and spiritually vibrant, even in times of spiritual drought, as described in Jeremiah 17:8?
What spiritual fruits am I producing in my life, and how can I nurture them to glorify God, as implied in Jeremiah 17:8?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters,.... Not as a "heath or shrub", but as a "tree", a green olive tree, a palm tree, a cedar in Lebanon, a fruitful flourishing tree; and he is one that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:8

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8

The sum is, he shall be prosperous and successful in his counsels and undertakings; like a tree planted by the side of a river, which is not affected with drought, but in a time when the leaves of trees standing in dry mountainous places parch and wither, its leaves hold their greenness, and its colour is not altered by drought, neither doth it cease from yielding fruit, but bringeth forth much fruit when other trees are wholly unfruitful.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8

Jeremiah 17:8 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.Ver. 8. For he shall be as a tree planted.] It is plain that he here alludeth to Psalms 1:3; see the notes there. The laurel, saith Pliny, is never thunderstruck. Sure it is that he who trusteth in God taketh no hurt; his heart is fixed and unmovable to endure things almost incredible. True trust will certainly triumph at length, as that which leaneth on the Lord and the power of his might, the surest support. By the river.] The Hebrew here is jubal; and the jubilee, saith one, had its name from this word, which signifieth a stream or watercourse, as carrying us to Christ, who is the truth of this type. But his leaf shall be green.] Neither falling nor fading. And shall not be careful in the year of drought.] A metaphor, setting forth the full assurance of faith that is in some good men, such as was that holy martyr, who said, I will henceforth be careless, according to my name. “ Si fractus illabatur orbis, Impavidum ferient ruinae. ” Neither shall cease from yielding fruit.] As they say the lemon tree doth not, but ever and anon sendeth forth new lemons as soon as the former are fallen down with ripeness. John Careless, Acts and Mon., fol. 1743. Theoph., Plin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8

(8) Shall not see when heat cometh.—Another reading, followed by the LXX. and Vulgate, gives shall not fear; there is, however, more force in the repetition of the same word as in Jeremiah 17:6. The man who trusts is like the strong tree, clothed with foliage, that “does not see,” i.e., does not regard or feel, the presence of the heat. Technically the meaning is the same in both cases, but in the latter case with the emphasised contrast of a parallelism. Fed by the stream that never fails, it “shall not be careful” or anxious about the scorching heat of summer. As the blasted heath sees no good, so the tree, in this case, sees no evil.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8

Verse 8. As a tree planted by the waters] Which is sufficiently supplied with moisture, though the heat be intense, and there be no rain; for the roots being spread out by the river, they absorb from it all the moisture requisite for the flourishing vegetation of the tree. Shall not see when heat cometh] Shall not feel any damage by drought, for the reason already assigned. It shall be strong and vigorous, its leaf always green; and shall produce plenty of fruit in its season.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:8

8. fear] to be preferred, as is shewn by the parallelism, “shall not be careful,” to the mg. see, which is the reading proposed in MT. mg. The latter was doubtless suggested to the Mass. by “see” in Jeremiah 17:6. shall not be careful in the year of drought] because, as planted by the waterside, it is independent of rain.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:8

7, 8. Blessed… trusteth — The blessedness of trusting in God heightens by contrast the curse of trusting in man. Mark the particulars of this contrast. One is a solitary, worthless shrub; the other a tree.

Sermons on Jeremiah 17:8

	Sermon	Description
	Rooted and Grounded (Col. Ii. 6, 7) by Seth Rees	Seth Rees preaches on the importance of being rooted in Christ, emphasizing the connection between the hidden, secret life of a Christian and their outward, visible life. He highli
	On a Rock in a Hard Place by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford reflects on the survival of a young redwood tree in the midst of a powerful creek, drawing parallels to our own lives and the dry seasons we face. He emphasizes the im
	Strengthened With All Might . . . Unto All Patience by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossians to be empowered with divine strength, enabling them to endure trials with patience and joy. He contrasts mere e
	The Trees of Righteousness Blossoming and Bringing Forth Fruit by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of Christians endeavoring after fruitfulness, emphasizing the need to bring forth the fruits of righteousness to glorify God. He explain
	Power of the Ministry Pt 1 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Jacob in the Bible, who encountered God in a dream and saw a ladder connecting heaven and earth. The preacher then p
	Christian Growth - Part 6 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had lived his life independently of God, making mistakes and facing the consequences. Eventually, Go
	Resources for Christian Living by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep and ongoing relationship with God. He warns against becoming complacent or shallow in one's faith and u