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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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."

Commentary

This verse describes the blessed state of the person who trusts in the Lord, contrasting sharply with the cursed state of those who trust in man and whose hearts turn away from God, described in verses 5-6. The imagery is drawn from the agricultural landscape of the ancient Near East, where water sources were crucial for survival, especially during periods of intense heat and drought, which were common in the region.

The core theme is the security and resilience of the person whose trust is firmly rooted in God. Like a tree planted by abundant water, this person draws constant nourishment and stability from their relationship with the Lord. The phrase "planted by the waters" and "spreadeth out her roots by the river" emphasizes the strategic and secure placement of the tree, ensuring access to life-giving moisture regardless of external conditions.

The results of this deep connection are described vividly: the tree "shall not see when heat cometh" (meaning it won't be negatively affected or withered by the heat), its "leaf shall be green," it "shall not be careful in the year of drought," and it "shall not cease from yielding fruit." This speaks to spiritual vitality, peace, endurance through trials, and continued spiritual fruitfulness, all stemming from a foundational trust in God.

This passage shares a similar powerful metaphor with Psalm 1:3, which also describes the blessed person (who delights in God's law) as a tree planted by the rivers of water, yielding fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Both passages highlight that true stability, vitality, and fruitfulness come from being deeply connected to God, who is the ultimate source of life and strength.

For practical application, this verse encourages believers to root their lives deeply in God through faith, prayer, and engaging with His word. When our trust is placed in Him, we can face the "heat" and "droughts" of life – trials, challenges, and uncertainties – with confidence, knowing that our source of strength and sustenance is secure, enabling us to remain steadfast and fruitful.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 1:3 (48 votes)

    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 (38 votes)

    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 (34 votes)

    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 (28 votes)

    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 (28 votes)

    ¶ 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 (23 votes)

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

  • Psalms 92:15 (23 votes)

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