Jeremiah 17:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} is the man {H1397} that trusteth {H982} in the LORD {H3068}, and whose hope {H4009} the LORD {H3068} is.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed is the man who trusts in ADONAI; ADONAI will be his security.

Berean Standard Bible

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

American Standard Version

Blessed is the man that trusteth in Jehovah, and whose trust Jehovah is.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:7 stands as a beacon of hope and a profound counterpoint to the preceding warnings of divine judgment on those who forsake the Lord. It declares a state of profound blessedness for the individual who places their complete trust and unwavering hope in Yahweh alone, establishing Him as the singular object and source of their security and expectation, thereby experiencing divine favor and flourishing in contrast to the cursed state of human-centered reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:7 is a pivotal verse, forming a stark **contrast** with the preceding verses (Jeremiah 17:5-6). While verses 5-6 pronounce a curse upon those who trust in human strength and turn their hearts from the Lord, likening them to a "shrub in the desert" that sees no good, verse 7 introduces a **blessing** upon those who trust in the Lord, comparing them to a tree planted by the waters (Jeremiah 17:8). This immediate literary juxtaposition highlights the two paths of life—one leading to desolation, the other to flourishing—based on the object of one's trust. The broader context of Jeremiah 17 continues to explore themes of the heart's deceitfulness (Jeremiah 17:9), God's justice, and the call to repentance and true worship.
* **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 (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was facing immense political pressure from powerful empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. In such times of geopolitical instability, Judah often sought alliances with human powers (e.g., Egypt, as seen in [Jeremiah 2:36](/jeremiah/2-36 "Jeremiah 2:36 - Trusting in Egypt")) rather than relying on God. Jeremiah's message frequently challenged this misplaced trust, urging the people to return to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The imagery of a "shrub in the desert" versus a "tree by the waters" would have resonated powerfully in an agrarian society dependent on rainfall and fertile land, underscoring the life-giving nature of divine trust in a land prone to drought.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Trust**, emphasizing that true security and well-being are found only in God, not in human strength or worldly resources. It also highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as trusting in the Lord is a fundamental aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, contrasting sharply with the nation's consistent unfaithfulness and idolatry described in [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Spiritual Prosperity**, depicting the blessed life as one of flourishing and resilience, directly linked to the depth and object of one's hope, a concept echoed in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to kneel," and by implication, to bless God (as an act of adoration) or man (as a benefit). In this passive form ("blessed is the man"), it denotes a state of being divinely favored, endowed with well-being, happiness, and prosperity. It's not merely a feeling but an objective reality of being in God's good graces, leading to flourishing.
* **trusteth (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This root means "to hide for refuge," "to be confident," or "to be sure." It implies a secure reliance, a leaning upon, or a confident dependence. It's an active posture of the heart and mind that finds safety and assurance in an external object, in this case, the Lord. It signifies a deep, unwavering conviction that God is utterly dependable.
* **hope (Hebrew, _mibṭâch'_):** Derived from the same root as "trusteth," this noun refers to "a refuge," "security," or "assurance." It can denote both the subjective feeling of confidence and the objective ground or object of that confidence. Here, it explicitly states that the Lord Himself is the very substance and foundation of this hope, not merely the one in whom hope is placed, but the hope itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD,"**: This initial clause establishes the subject of the blessing: the "man" (Hebrew: _geber_, often implying a strong or valiant individual, but here generally "a person") who actively and confidently places their reliance and security in Yahweh. The blessing is a direct consequence of this posture of faith and dependence, indicating divine favor and spiritual well-being.
* **"and whose hope the LORD is."**: This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the first. It clarifies that the Lord is not just the *object* of trust, but He *is* the very *essence* and *source* of the individual's hope. This implies an all-encompassing reliance where God is the ultimate refuge, the ground of all expectation, and the sole foundation for future security and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and whose hope the LORD is") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD"). This repetition emphasizes the singular focus on Yahweh as both the object and the substance of trust and hope. The verse also functions as a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast** when read in conjunction with the preceding verses (Jeremiah 17:5-6), which describe the cursed state of those who trust in human strength. This sharp contrast highlights the two divergent paths of life and their respective outcomes. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Chiasm** in the structure of the thought, where the "man" (A) trusts (B) in the LORD (C), and the LORD (C') is the hope (B') of the man (A'), subtly reinforcing the centrality of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:7 is a foundational statement on the nature of true faith and the source of genuine blessedness. It articulates a core biblical truth that God alone is worthy of absolute trust and that placing one's hope entirely in Him leads to a life of divine favor and spiritual vitality. This verse stands in stark opposition to idolatry and self-reliance, which are recurring themes of condemnation in the prophetic books. It teaches that security is not found in human wisdom, military might, or material possessions, but in a living, active relationship with the transcendent and immanent God. This principle transcends the specific historical context of ancient Judah, serving as an eternal truth about the human condition and God's character.

* [Psalm 118:8](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8 - Trusting in the Lord over Man")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 26:3-4](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3-4 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:7 offers a profound invitation to examine the true foundation of our lives. In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, material accumulation, and trust in human institutions, this verse calls us back to the singular source of all blessing: the Lord Himself. To "trust in the LORD" is not merely intellectual assent but an active, moment-by-moment leaning into His character, His promises, and His sovereign control over all circumstances. It means consciously choosing to anchor our souls in His faithfulness, even when circumstances are turbulent or uncertain. When our hope is truly the Lord, our peace is not contingent on external factors, and our spiritual well-being is rooted in an unshakeable foundation. This trust frees us from anxiety and empowers us to live with resilience, knowing that our ultimate security rests in the One who is eternal and unchanging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I instinctively place my trust and hope when faced with challenges or uncertainties? Is it in my own abilities, financial security, relationships, or God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more active trust in the Lord in my daily life?**
* **How does the concept of the Lord *being* my hope, rather than just the *object* of my hope, change my understanding of blessedness?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "trust" and "hope" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often used interchangeably in English, the Hebrew words for "trust" (_bâṭach_) and "hope" (_mibṭâch_) in Jeremiah 17:7 offer a nuanced distinction that strengthens the verse's message. "Trust" (_bâṭach_) primarily refers to a confident reliance, a secure leaning upon something or someone. It speaks to the active posture of the heart that finds safety and assurance. "Hope" (_mibṭâch_), derived from the same root, can refer to both the subjective feeling of expectation and, more profoundly, the objective ground or source of that expectation. In this verse, the structure "whose hope the LORD is" emphasizes that the Lord Himself is the very substance, foundation, and ultimate reality of that hope. So, while trust is the *act* of relying, hope here signifies the *object and essence* of that reliance, making the Lord the complete and all-encompassing security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The blessedness promised to the one who trusts in the Lord is perfectly embodied and made accessible through Him. Jesus is the very [incarnation of God's faithfulness](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is not merely an object of trust but the very [source and substance of our hope](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory"). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has become our [refuge and strength](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"), our [living hope](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope through Resurrection"), and the foundation upon which we can build our lives securely ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). To trust in the Lord today is to trust in Jesus, for [no one comes to the Father except through Him](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's unwavering trustworthiness and the guarantee of eternal blessedness for all who place their faith in Him.

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

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Psalms 34:8

O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

Psalms 40:4

Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalms 125:1

¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.

Isaiah 30:18

¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

Proverbs 16:20

¶ He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.