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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he shall be as a tree {H6086} planted {H8362} by the waters {H4325}, and that spreadeth out {H7971} her roots {H8328} by the river {H3105}, and shall not see {H7200} when heat {H2527} cometh {H935}, but her leaf {H5929} shall be green {H7488}; and shall not be careful {H1672} in the year {H8141} of drought {H1226}, neither shall cease {H4185} from yielding {H6213} fruit {H6529}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will be like a tree planted near water; it spreads out its roots by the river; it does not notice when heat comes; and its foliage is luxuriant; it is not anxious in a year of drought but keeps on yielding fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:8 vividly portrays the blessedness and enduring stability of the individual whose trust is firmly anchored in the Lord. Through the potent metaphor of a deeply rooted tree strategically positioned by abundant water sources, the verse illustrates the spiritual vitality, resilience, and unwavering fruitfulness that characterize a life dependent on divine provision. This imagery stands in stark contrast to the preceding verses, which describe the withered state of those who rely on human strength and whose hearts have strayed from God, thereby emphasizing the profound security found in a covenantal relationship with the Almighty, even amidst life's most challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:8 is part of a broader discourse (Jeremiah 17:5-11) that presents a stark contrast between two types of individuals: those who trust in humanity and those who trust in the Lord. Verses 5-6 describe the cursed state of the former, likening them to a "shrub in the desert" that "shall not see when good comes." Immediately following this, verse 7 introduces the blessedness of trusting in the Lord, which verse 8 then elaborates upon with the rich metaphor of the well-watered tree. This literary juxtaposition serves to highlight the profound difference in outcome between reliance on self or others versus reliance on God, setting up Jeremiah 17:8 as a powerful illustration of divine blessing and sustained vitality. The passage functions as a wisdom teaching, akin to a proverb, embedded within Jeremiah's prophetic oracles concerning Judah's spiritual condition and impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a tree by water sources held profound significance in the ancient Near East, particularly in regions like Judah, which experienced hot, arid summers and unpredictable rainfall. Water was synonymous with life, prosperity, and divine blessing. Droughts were a constant threat, capable of devastating crops and livelihoods. Therefore, a tree "planted by the waters" and with roots reaching a "river" represented an ideal state of security and abundance, a stark contrast to the parched, desolate landscape that often characterized the region. The "heat" and "drought" mentioned are not merely abstract concepts but tangible, life-threatening realities that the people of Judah understood intimately. This agricultural metaphor would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, making the spiritual truth of sustained provision vivid and relatable.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in Jeremiah 17:8 is **trust in God** as the ultimate source of life and stability. This verse contributes to the broader themes of **covenant faithfulness** and **divine blessing** found throughout Jeremiah. It underscores the idea that true security and flourishing are not found in human strength or worldly resources, but in a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord. The imagery of the tree also speaks to **spiritual resilience** and **endurance through trials**, suggesting that those rooted in God can withstand the "heat" and "droughts" of life. Furthermore, the promise of "yielding fruit" points to the theme of **fruitfulness** as a natural outflow of a nourished spiritual life, echoing similar promises of blessing and productivity found in passages like [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Blessed Man"). The contrast with the cursed man in [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - The Cursed Man") reinforces the critical choice between two paths: one leading to desolation, the other to enduring vitality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Planted (Hebrew, _shâthal'_):** (H8362) This word signifies "to transplant." It suggests an intentional, deliberate act of placement by an external agent, rather than natural growth from a seed. For the tree, this means it is not haphazardly growing but has been carefully positioned in an optimal location by the "waters," ensuring its survival and flourishing. Spiritually, it implies that the believer's secure position is not accidental but divinely ordained and sustained by God.
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** (H4325) This term refers to water, often in a plural sense, emphasizing abundance. In the context of an arid land, water is life-sustaining, representing refreshment, provision, and vitality. The tree's proximity to "waters" and a "river" signifies an inexhaustible source of nourishment, symbolizing the overflowing grace, truth, and presence of God from which the trusting individual draws strength.
* **Drought (Hebrew, _batstsôreth'_):** (H1226) Derived from a root meaning "restraint," this word specifically denotes a "restraint of rain," i.e., a drought or dearth. It represents a period of severe scarcity, hardship, and trial. The promise that the tree "shall not be careful in the year of drought" highlights its supernatural resilience and the unfailing provision of God, which transcends adverse external circumstances. The trusting individual does not experience anxiety or cessation of life even when others wither.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters":** This introduces the central metaphor, likening the person who trusts in the Lord (from Jeremiah 17:7) to a tree. The emphasis on being "planted" suggests intentionality and stability, while "by the waters" immediately conveys a sense of abundant, life-giving provision, crucial in an arid climate.
* **"and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river":** This clause deepens the imagery of secure nourishment. The roots, the hidden but vital part of the tree, extend deeply to access a continuous, reliable water source—the "river." This signifies a profound, internal connection to God, from whom the believer draws sustenance, even when external conditions are challenging.
* **"and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green":** This describes the tree's resilience in the face of adversity. "Shall not see when heat cometh" implies that the tree is unaffected or unbothered by intense heat, a symbol of trials, afflictions, or difficult circumstances. Instead of withering, its "leaf shall be green," signifying enduring vitality, freshness, and spiritual flourishing regardless of external pressures.
* **"and shall not be careful in the year of drought":** This further emphasizes the tree's immunity to hardship. "Careful" (KJV) translates a Hebrew word meaning "anxious" or "worried." Even in a "year of drought," a time of severe scarcity and widespread distress, the tree remains unfazed, demonstrating a profound sense of security and peace derived from its deep roots.
* **"neither shall cease from yielding fruit":** This is the ultimate outcome of the tree's well-nourished state. Despite heat or drought, the tree continues its purpose of producing fruit. Spiritually, this signifies continuous spiritual productivity, character development, and outward impact, demonstrating the enduring fruitfulness of a life sustained by unwavering trust in God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:8 is rich in literary devices that enhance its message. The primary device is an extended **Simile** and **Metaphor**, where the righteous person is directly compared to a "tree planted by the waters." This comparison is not fleeting but is developed throughout the verse, with various aspects of the tree's life (roots, leaves, fruit, resilience to heat and drought) serving as metaphorical representations of the believer's spiritual state. The imagery of "waters" and "river" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the life-giving, sustaining presence and provision of God. Conversely, "heat" and "drought" are powerful **Symbols** for trials, adversities, and periods of spiritual or physical scarcity. The verse also employs **Contrast**, implicitly comparing the flourishing tree with the withered shrub of the desert described in the preceding verses (Jeremiah 17:6), thereby highlighting the divergent outcomes of trust in man versus trust in God. The vivid sensory details of green leaves and abundant fruit engage the reader's imagination, making the spiritual truth tangible and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:8 stands as a profound statement on divine providence and the security of those who anchor their lives in God. It articulates a core biblical truth: true flourishing and resilience in the face of life's inevitable challenges stem not from self-reliance or worldly resources, but from a deep, abiding, and trusting relationship with the Almighty. This theological principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of life, wisdom, and sustenance. The imagery of the well-watered tree is a powerful testament to the unfailing nature of God's provision for His faithful, ensuring spiritual vitality and fruitfulness even in the most adverse circumstances. This passage serves as a theological counterpoint to the human tendency to seek security in fleeting things, redirecting focus to the eternal and reliable source of all good.

* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man's Stability")
* [Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - God's Guidance and Provision")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:8 offers a timeless blueprint for a life of enduring peace and productivity, regardless of external circumstances. It calls us to examine where our deepest trust lies. Are we rooted in the shifting sands of human capability, economic stability, or personal strength, which are prone to "heat" and "drought"? Or are our roots plunging deep into the inexhaustible wellspring of God's character, His promises, and His unfailing presence? To be "planted by the waters" means intentionally cultivating a life of dependence on Christ through consistent prayer, diligent engagement with His Word, and active participation in the community of faith. When trials come, and the "heat" of life presses in, our spiritual leaves will remain green, our hearts will not be "careful" with anxiety, and we will continue to "yield fruit"—the fruit of the Spirit, righteous living, and effective witness. This verse encourages us to prioritize our spiritual nourishment above all else, recognizing that our inner vitality determines our outer resilience and impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my security and nourishment in life? Is it in God or in external circumstances/human efforts?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "plant my roots deeper by the waters" of God's presence and Word?**
* **How does my response to "heat" (trials) and "drought" (scarcity) reveal the depth of my trust in the Lord?**
* **In what ways am I currently "yielding fruit," and how can I cultivate greater spiritual fruitfulness, even amidst challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary message of Jeremiah 17:8?**

Answer: The primary message of [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Blessed Tree") is that a person who trusts wholeheartedly in the Lord will experience enduring stability, spiritual vitality, and continuous fruitfulness, even when facing severe adversity like "heat" or "drought." It contrasts this blessed state with the withered condition of those who rely on human strength or turn away from God, as described in [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - The Cursed Man"). The verse uses the powerful metaphor of a well-watered tree to illustrate the security and resilience that come from a deep, abiding connection with God, who is the ultimate source of life and provision.

**How does "not see when heat cometh" relate to spiritual life?**

Answer: The phrase "shall not see when heat cometh" (KJV) means that the tree will not be negatively affected or withered by intense heat. In a spiritual sense, "heat" symbolizes trials, afflictions, temptations, or difficult periods in life. For the person whose trust is firmly rooted in God, these challenges, while real, do not cause spiritual decline or despair. Instead, just as the tree's leaf remains "green," the believer maintains spiritual vitality, peace, and hope. This resilience comes from drawing deeply from God's strength and presence, which transcends the external pressures of the world. It speaks to an inner fortitude and an unshakeable faith that allows one to navigate hardship without being consumed by it, much like the promise in [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors").

**Is this verse connected to Psalm 1?**

Answer: Yes, [Jeremiah 17:8](/jeremiah/17-8 "Jeremiah 17:8 - The Blessed Tree") shares a very strong thematic and metaphorical connection with [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man's Stability"). Both passages use the imagery of a tree "planted by streams of water" (or "by the waters" and "by the river" in Jeremiah) to describe the blessedness of the righteous person. In Psalm 1, this person delights in the law of the Lord, while in Jeremiah 17, it is the one who trusts in the Lord. Both verses promise that such a person will be fruitful, prosperous (in a spiritual sense), and resilient, not withering in adverse conditions. This shared imagery highlights a consistent biblical truth across different books: true flourishing and stability are found in a deep, abiding connection with God and His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "tree planted by the waters," perfectly embodying unwavering trust in God the Father and serving as the inexhaustible source of life for all who believe. Christ Himself 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 - Abiding in Christ")." Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus absorbed the "heat" of God's wrath against sin, enduring the ultimate "drought" of separation from the Father on the cross, yet His spiritual "leaf" remained eternally "green" in resurrection life. As believers, we are "in Christ," and our spiritual roots are now grafted into Him, the true "river of the water of life" ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "The River of Life")). Our ability to "not see when heat cometh" and to "not be careful in the year of drought" is not based on our own strength or trust, but on the unshakeable foundation of His finished work and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who "[pours out God's love into our hearts](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")" and "[gives us power to live](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")" a fruitful life. Thus, the promise of Jeremiah 17:8 is not merely a moral exhortation but a glorious reality made possible through our union with the Living Water, Jesus Christ, who ensures our eternal vitality and fruitfulness.

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 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Isaiah 58:11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Ezekiel 47:12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Ezekiel 31:4

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

Ezekiel 31:10

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

Psalms 92:10

But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Psalms 92:15

To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.