Jeremiah 17:14

KJV

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou [art] my praise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Heal {H7495} me, O LORD {H3068}, and I shall be healed {H7495}; save {H3467} me, and I shall be saved {H3467}: for thou art my praise {H8416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heal me, ADONAI, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are my praise.

Berean Standard Bible

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.

American Standard Version

Heal me, O Jehovah, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:14 is a profound and personal prayer from the prophet, expressing absolute dependence on the Lord for comprehensive healing and salvation, culminating in a declaration that God Himself is the very essence and source of his praise. It encapsulates a deep trust in God's power to restore and deliver, even amidst profound personal and national distress, serving as a timeless model for faith-filled supplication and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:14 is strategically placed within a chapter that sharply contrasts human reliance with divine trust. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - The Contrast of Trust"), vividly depict the curse awaiting those who trust in human strength and the blessing bestowed upon those who trust in the Lord, likening the latter to a flourishing tree. Immediately following this, [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart") exposes the deep deceitfulness of the human heart, emphasizing God's unique ability to search and know its depths. Jeremiah's prayer in verse 14 thus emerges from a place of recognizing human inadequacy and God's absolute sovereignty, serving as a personal embodiment of the trust advocated in the earlier verses. The prophet himself was enduring intense opposition, mockery, and suffering for his unwavering prophetic ministry, as lamented in passages like [Jeremiah 15:10-18](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah's Lament and Complaint"). His plea for healing and salvation is therefore deeply rooted in his lived experience of distress and his steadfast conviction in God as his ultimate rescuer and source of hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by widespread idolatry, moral decay, political instability, and the looming threat of foreign invasion. The people had repeatedly turned away from their covenant with Yahweh, embracing the worship of foreign gods and relying on political alliances rather than divine protection. In this context, "healing" (רָפָא, *rapha*) often carried connotations beyond mere physical recovery, extending to national restoration from spiritual sickness and the consequences of sin, as seen in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - Healing the Land"). Similarly, "salvation" (יָשַׁע, *yasha*) encompassed deliverance from enemies, judgment, and spiritual bondage. Jeremiah's personal suffering mirrored the spiritual sickness and impending judgment upon the nation, making his prayer a microcosm of the larger national need for divine intervention and restoration. His declaration of God as his "praise" (תְּהִלָּה, *tehillah*) reflects a covenantal understanding where God's saving acts naturally elicit worship and testimony from His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Efficacy**, highlighting God as the sole and ultimate source of true healing and salvation. Jeremiah's confident declaration, "and I shall be healed; and I shall be saved," directly links the outcome to God's action, emphasizing His absolute power. Secondly, it exemplifies **Absolute Dependence on God**, contrasting sharply with the self-reliance condemned earlier in the chapter ([Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Curse on Trusting in Man")). The prophet places his entire hope and well-being squarely in the Lord's hands, acknowledging that human efforts or external circumstances are insufficient. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **God as the Object and Source of Praise**. The concluding phrase, "for thou art my praise," elevates God beyond being merely worthy of praise; He *is* the very reason, substance, and foundation of Jeremiah's adoration and public testimony. This theme echoes the psalmist's declarations of God's deliverance leading to worship, as seen in [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2 "Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul"). Ultimately, Jeremiah 17:14 is a testament to the comprehensive nature of God's salvation, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration, all of which redound to His glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heal (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, meaning "to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure; cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole." This word encompasses not only physical restoration but also spiritual, emotional, and even national healing. Jeremiah's plea for healing is therefore holistic, seeking restoration from the deep wounds inflicted by his ministry, the spiritual brokenness of his people, and the personal distress he experienced. The passive voice "I shall be healed" emphasizes that the healing is entirely God's work.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, a primitive root meaning "to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor; [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory." This term signifies comprehensive deliverance from danger, oppression, or judgment. For Jeremiah, it implies rescue from his adversaries, protection from the consequences of his prophetic message, and ultimately, spiritual salvation. Like "heal," the passive "I shall be saved" underscores God as the sole agent of this deliverance.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** From H8416, meaning "laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn; praise." This word is central to the verse's declaration. When Jeremiah says, "thou art my praise," he is not merely saying that God is *worthy* of his praise, but that God Himself *is* the very essence, source, and object of his praise. God's character, His saving acts, and His faithfulness are the foundation upon which Jeremiah's entire life of worship and testimony is built. It implies that God's actions of healing and saving are what generate and sustain the prophet's praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed":** This opening clause is a direct, fervent prayer to Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh, the self-Existent or Eternal God). The imperative "Heal me" is followed by the confident declarative "and I shall be healed," demonstrating Jeremiah's unwavering faith in God's power and willingness to respond. It signifies a comprehensive desire for restoration—physical, emotional, and spiritual—from the burdens and afflictions of his prophetic calling and the state of his nation. The certainty of the outcome rests entirely on the character and capability of the Lord.
* **"save me, and I shall be saved":** This phrase parallels the first, reinforcing the prophet's plea for divine intervention. "Save me" is a cry for deliverance from his enemies, from the spiritual dangers surrounding him, and from the despair that often accompanied his ministry. The immediate assurance, "and I shall be saved," again highlights Jeremiah's absolute trust in God's ability to provide complete and effective salvation. This salvation is not contingent on human effort but is a guaranteed result of God's action.
* **"for thou art my praise":** This concluding declaration provides the theological grounding for Jeremiah's confident prayer. The "for" (כִּי, *ki*) indicates the reason or basis for his certainty. God is not just the one who *gives* praise, or the one *worthy* of praise, but He *is* the very substance and object of Jeremiah's praise. His identity, his character, and his saving acts are what inspire and constitute the prophet's worship and testimony. This statement transforms the prayer from a mere request into an act of worship, acknowledging God's inherent glory and the praise that naturally flows from His redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, seen in the structure "Heal me... and I shall be healed; save me... and I shall be saved." This repetition of similar ideas using different but related words emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's restorative and delivering power, reinforcing the certainty of the outcome. The use of **Direct Address** ("O LORD") creates an intimate and personal tone, highlighting the prophet's direct communion with God. Furthermore, the final clause, "for thou art my praise," utilizes a form of **Metonymy** or **Identification**. Instead of saying "You are worthy of my praise" or "You are the one I praise," Jeremiah declares that God *is* his praise. This is a powerful statement of identity, suggesting that God's very being and redemptive acts are the foundation, content, and inspiration for all of Jeremiah's adoration and public testimony. The **Repetition** of the "me... and I shall be..." structure also adds a rhythmic quality, underscoring the unwavering conviction of the prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:14 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that God alone is the ultimate source of healing and salvation, and therefore the rightful recipient of all praise. This verse encapsulates a theology of absolute divine sufficiency, where human brokenness and need are met by God's comprehensive power to restore and deliver. It underscores the covenantal relationship where God's faithfulness to His people elicits a response of worship and trust. The prophet's prayer is not a desperate plea but a confident assertion rooted in God's character, acknowledging that true well-being—spiritual, emotional, and physical—originates from Him. This foundational truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that our deliverance from sin, sickness, and despair is solely by His grace and power, leading us to ascribe all glory to His name.

* [Psalm 30:2](/psalms/30-2 "Psalm 30:2 - Prayer for Healing and Praise")
* [Psalm 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God Alone")
* [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God is My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:14 offers a timeless and profoundly practical model for our own walk of faith, especially in times of distress or uncertainty. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, recognizing that true healing and lasting salvation come only from Him, not from our own efforts, human wisdom, or worldly solutions. In a world that often encourages self-reliance or reliance on fleeting external comforts, Jeremiah reminds us to turn directly to the Lord with our deepest needs—whether for physical restoration, emotional peace, or spiritual deliverance from sin and its effects. His prayer is marked by a confident expectation, born not of presumption, but of a deep understanding of God's character as the faithful Healer and Deliverer. When we experience God's intervention, this verse challenges us to respond with genuine praise, allowing His saving acts to become the very substance of our worship and testimony. It encourages us to live a life where God is not just *a* reason for praise, but the singular, all-encompassing *reason* for our praise, transforming our trials into opportunities for deeper trust and more fervent adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently need God's healing or salvation?**
* **How does Jeremiah's confident declaration, "and I shall be healed; and I shall be saved," influence your own prayer life?**
* **What does it mean for God to be "your praise" in your daily life and testimony?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of absolute dependence on God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "healing" is Jeremiah praying for in this verse?**

Answer: The "healing" Jeremiah prays for (Hebrew: *rapha*) is comprehensive, encompassing more than just physical recovery. Given Jeremiah's context of intense personal suffering, opposition, and the spiritual decay of his nation, his plea likely includes emotional restoration from despair, spiritual healing from the burden of his prophetic message, and even a longing for the national restoration of Judah from its spiritual sickness and impending judgment. It's a prayer for holistic well-being and wholeness that only God can provide.

**Why does Jeremiah declare, "for thou art my praise," after asking for healing and salvation?**

Answer: This declaration is not an afterthought but the theological foundation and ultimate goal of his prayer. The "for" (כִּי) indicates that God being his praise is the *reason* his healing and salvation are certain. It means that God's very nature and His acts of deliverance are what inspire and constitute Jeremiah's worship and testimony. God isn't just *worthy* of praise; He *is* the very essence and source of it. Jeremiah recognizes that when God heals and saves, He reveals His glory, and that revelation naturally elicits profound praise from the one who experiences His power. This reflects a deep covenantal understanding that God's redemptive acts lead to His people's worship, as seen in [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2 "Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's comprehensive healing and salvation. Jeremiah's cry for healing anticipates the arrival of the Great Physician, who came to mend not only broken bodies but also broken hearts and spirits, offering forgiveness for sins and reconciliation with God ([Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus Came to Call Sinners")). The prophet's plea for salvation finds its complete answer in Christ, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivering humanity from the ultimate bondage of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8-10 - God Demonstrates His Love")). In Jesus, we are not merely healed *by* God, but we encounter God *as* our healing and salvation. Furthermore, Jeremiah's declaration, "for thou art my praise," is perfectly realized in Christ. He is the one through whom all praise and glory are due to the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Our salvation and healing in Christ become the very wellspring of our worship, fulfilling the prophet's vision of God as the ultimate object and source of all praise, now made accessible and tangible in the person and work of our [Lord Jesus Christ](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Supremacy of Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 6:2

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Psalms 106:47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Deuteronomy 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Psalms 6:4

Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

Psalms 109:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;