Jeremiah 17:6

KJV

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he shall be like the heath {H6199} in the desert {H6160}, and shall not see {H7200} when good {H2896} cometh {H935}; but shall inhabit {H7931} the parched places {H2788} in the wilderness {H4057}, in a salt {H4420} land {H776} and not inhabited {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will be like a tamarisk in the 'Aravah - when relief comes, it is unaffected; for it lives in the sun-baked desert, in salty, uninhabited land.

Berean Standard Bible

He 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.

American Standard Version

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:6 vividly portrays the desolate and unfruitful existence of those who place their trust in human strength and resources rather than in the Lord. Through striking desert imagery, the verse illustrates a life devoid of true spiritual sustenance, unable to perceive or receive divine blessings, and ultimately leading to a barren, uninhabitable spiritual landscape, standing in stark contrast to the flourishing life of those who trust in God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:6 is an integral part of a powerful antithetical oracle found in [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - The Curse and Blessing of Trust"). This passage presents a direct contrast between the cursed state of those who trust in "flesh" (humanity) and the blessed state of those who trust in the Lord. Verse 5 introduces the curse, stating that such a person "makes flesh his arm" and turns his heart from the Lord. Verse 6 then elaborates on the desolate consequences of this misplaced trust, using vivid imagery of barrenness. It sets the stage for the flourishing, well-watered tree imagery of [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord"), which describes the blessed individual. This literary structure powerfully underscores the spiritual and practical outcomes of one's foundational trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, marked by political instability, impending Babylonian exile, and a pervasive tendency among the people to rely on alliances with powerful nations like Egypt or Assyria rather than on God's covenant faithfulness. The prophet consistently warned against this spiritual idolatry. The imagery of the "desert," "parched places," and "salt land" would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience familiar with the harsh realities of arid environments. The contrast between fertile, well-watered land (symbolizing blessing and life) and barren, desolate land (symbolizing curse and death) was a common motif in ancient Israelite thought and prophetic literature, reflecting their agricultural society and dependence on rain. The Jordan Valley, particularly the Arabah, was known for its sterile, salt-laden areas, making the imagery particularly poignant.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - The Deceitful Heart and the Source of Life") is the **source of trust** and its **consequences**. Verse 6 specifically highlights the theme of **barrenness and futility** that results from misplaced trust. The "heath in the desert" and "salt land" symbolize a life that cannot produce spiritual fruit or genuine flourishing, echoing warnings found elsewhere about the dangers of spiritual dryness (e.g., [Hosea 13:15](/hosea/13-15 "Hosea 13:15 - The Desolation of Ephraim")). Another key theme is **spiritual blindness**, implied by the phrase "shall not see when good cometh." This suggests an inability to discern or receive God's blessings and provision, even when they are present, because the heart is turned away from the true source of life, a concept also explored in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Blindness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heath (Hebrew, _ʻarʻâr'_):** From the root meaning "naked" or "destitute," this word refers to a stunted, desolate shrub or tree, often found in arid, barren regions. It symbolizes a meager, impoverished, and unfulfilled existence, lacking vitality and unable to produce anything of value. Its "nakedness" implies vulnerability and exposure to harsh conditions, without the protective covering of foliage or the sustenance of water.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word encompasses a wide range of positive meanings, including physical well-being, prosperity, welfare, pleasantness, and moral goodness. In this context, "good cometh" refers to the blessings, provision, and flourishing that God intends for His people. The inability to "see" this good implies a spiritual insensitivity or blindness to divine favor and opportunity.
* **Parched places (Hebrew, _chârêr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be arid," this term describes dry, scorched, or desolate areas. It evokes a sense of extreme heat and lack of moisture, where life struggles to survive. This imagery reinforces the idea of a harsh, unsustainable environment, directly contrasting with the well-watered imagery of the blessed man in [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Blessed Man like a Tree by Water").
* **Salt land (Hebrew, _mᵉlêchâh'_):** This refers to land that is saline and therefore barren, infertile, and often uninhabitable. Such land is incapable of sustaining vegetation or human settlement. It powerfully symbolizes utter desolation, spiritual sterility, and a complete lack of fruitfulness, emphasizing the devastating long-term consequences of trusting in oneself rather than God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he shall be like the heath in the desert":** This clause introduces a powerful simile, comparing the person who trusts in humanity to a stunted, scraggly shrub (the "heath" or "juniper") that grows in the most desolate, arid parts of the wilderness. This imagery immediately conveys a sense of barrenness, lack of vitality, and an inability to flourish or produce fruit. It speaks to a life that is meager, exposed, and struggling for survival in a hostile environment.
* **"and shall not see when good cometh":** This phrase describes a profound spiritual blindness or insensitivity. Even when God's blessings, provision, or opportunities for flourishing ("good") are present or approaching, the one who trusts in human strength is unable to perceive, recognize, or benefit from them. Their focus is so fixed on their own limited resources or the fleeting promises of the world that they miss the true source of sustenance and prosperity.
* **"but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness":** This clause further intensifies the imagery of desolation. The individual is not merely *like* a plant in a harsh place but *dwells* in such an environment. "Parched places" (often associated with shimmering mirages) emphasize extreme dryness and the absence of life-giving water. This signifies a life characterized by spiritual drought, constant struggle, and a lack of refreshment or growth, a stark contrast to the "watered garden" imagery often associated with God's blessing.
* **"in a salt land and not inhabited":** The final clause culminates the picture of utter desolation. A "salt land" is infertile, poisoned, and incapable of sustaining life or community. It is a place of complete barrenness, where nothing can grow, and no one can dwell. This signifies a life that is spiritually unproductive, isolated, and ultimately without genuine purpose or lasting legacy, a direct consequence of turning away from the living God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stating that the one who trusts in man "shall be like the heath in the desert." This comparison immediately establishes a vivid mental image of desolation. The verse is rich in **Imagery**, consistently using terms associated with barrenness and drought: "heath," "desert," "parched places," "wilderness," and "salt land." This cumulative imagery creates a powerful, sensory experience for the reader, emphasizing the futility and lack of life that characterize a misplaced trust. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** within the broader passage (Jeremiah 17:5-8), where the cursed, barren state of verse 6 is set against the blessed, flourishing state of the tree planted by water in verse 8. This antithesis highlights the stark choices and consequences presented by the prophet. Finally, the phrase "shall not see when good cometh" uses **Metaphor** for spiritual blindness, implying an inability to perceive divine blessings due to a hardened or misdirected heart, rather than a literal physical impairment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the theological principle that the object of our trust determines the outcome of our lives. When humanity places its ultimate confidence in anything other than God—be it human strength, political alliances, wealth, or self-sufficiency—the inevitable result is spiritual barrenness and a life devoid of true flourishing. This is not merely a physical state but a spiritual reality where one becomes unable to perceive or receive the "good" that God provides, remaining in a state of perpetual spiritual drought. The passage underscores God's sovereignty as the sole source of life, blessing, and genuine prosperity, warning against the futility of seeking these outside of Him.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - God's Guidance and Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:6 serves as a sobering mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the true foundation of our security and hope. In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, the pursuit of material gain, or dependence on human systems for stability, this verse powerfully reminds us that such foundations are inherently unstable and ultimately lead to spiritual desolation. It challenges us to consider if our trust is truly in the Lord, or if we, like the "heath in the desert," are struggling to survive in a spiritual wilderness, unable to recognize the "good" that God continually offers. Cultivating a deep, abiding dependence on God means actively seeking His wisdom, resting in His provision, and finding our identity and purpose in Him alone. This leads to a life of genuine fruitfulness, refreshment, and the ability to discern and receive His blessings, even amidst challenging circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust for security, provision, and well-being in my life? Is it truly in God, or in my own abilities, resources, or other people?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual "barrenness" or a lack of "good," and could this be a result of misplaced trust?**
* **How can I practically cultivate a deeper, more consistent dependence on the Lord in my daily life, moving away from self-reliance or worldly trust?**

### FAQ

**What is the "heath in the desert" and why is it used as an analogy?**

Answer: The "heath" (Hebrew: *ʻarʻâr*) refers to a stunted, scraggly, and often leafless shrub or juniper bush that typically grows in arid, desolate desert regions. It is a plant that struggles to survive in harsh conditions, offering little shade, fruit, or beauty. It is used as an analogy in [Jeremiah 17:6](/jeremiah/17-6 "Jeremiah 17:6 - The Curse of Trusting in Man") to symbolize the person who trusts in human strength or worldly resources rather than in God. Just as the heath is barren and exposed in a desolate land, so too is the life of one who relies on themselves or others, experiencing spiritual unfruitfulness, vulnerability, and a lack of true vitality or blessing.

**What does it mean to "not see when good cometh"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound spiritual insensitivity or blindness. It does not necessarily mean that God's blessings or opportunities for flourishing ("good") are absent, but rather that the individual is unable to perceive, recognize, or benefit from them. Because their trust is misplaced – focused on human capabilities or worldly systems – their spiritual vision is obscured. They might be so consumed by their own efforts or so hardened by their self-reliance that they fail to see God's hand at work, His provision, or the divine opportunities He presents for their well-being and growth. This inability to "see" prevents them from receiving the very "good" that God desires to bring into their lives, leading to a perpetual state of spiritual deprivation, as contrasted with the one who trusts in the Lord and "shall not cease from yielding fruit" ([Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Blessed Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:6, with its stark imagery of barrenness resulting from misplaced trust, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the Old Testament curse highlights the futility of trusting in "flesh," the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the embodiment of divine trust and the sole source of true life and fruitfulness. He declared, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - The Vine and the Branches")). The barrenness of the "heath in the desert" stands in stark contrast to the overflowing life found in Christ, who offers "living water" that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Those who place their trust in Him are no longer like the parched shrub, but become like trees "planted by streams of water" ([Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man")), yielding fruit in its season. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the curse of sin and self-reliance, offering a new covenant where trusting in Him leads not to desolation but to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd")). In Christ, we "see when good cometh" because He is the "good shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) and the source of all spiritual blessings, allowing us to inhabit not a "salt land" but the fertile ground of His grace and truth.

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

Job 20:17

He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.

Psalms 1:4

¶ The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Jeremiah 48:6

Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.

Job 15:30

He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.

Job 15:34

For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

Job 39:6

Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.