Jeremiah 17:9

KJV

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

KJV (with Strong's)

The heart {H3820} is deceitful {H6121} above all things, and desperately wicked {H605}: who can know {H3045} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

"The heart is more deceitful than anything else and mortally sick. Who can fathom it?

Berean Standard Bible

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

American Standard Version

The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:9 profoundly declares the inherent corruption of the human heart, describing it as deceitful above all else and incurably wicked. This verse asserts that the inner core of human being—encompassing intellect, will, and emotion—is fundamentally untrustworthy and prone to self-deception, operating in ways that are beyond human comprehension or self-diagnosis. It highlights a pervasive spiritual malady that necessitates divine intervention, establishing a foundational truth about humanity's fallen nature and the deep-seated problem of sin that only God can fully discern and ultimately remedy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:9 stands as a pivotal statement within a broader discourse contrasting reliance on human strength with trust in the Lord. Preceding verses [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - The Curse of Trusting in Man") pronounce a curse upon those who trust in man and make flesh their strength, likening them to a shrub in the desert. Conversely, [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - The Blessing of Trusting in God") bless those who trust in the Lord, comparing them to a tree planted by water, whose leaves remain green even in drought. Verse 9 then serves as the theological explanation for why humanity is so prone to the cursed path: the very heart, the wellspring of human choice and motivation, is inherently flawed. It explains the deep-seated spiritual problem underlying Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God, providing the rationale for the impending judgment and the subsequent need for a radical, divine transformation, which Jeremiah later elaborates upon in the promise of the New Covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). The people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals. Despite Jeremiah's urgent warnings and calls to repentance, the nation remained stubbornly unrepentant. Culturally, the "heart" (Hebrew: *lev*) in ancient Israelite thought was not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's entire being—intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. Thus, a "deceitful" and "wicked" heart implied a fundamental corruption of one's entire personhood, explaining the nation's spiritual blindness and their inability to perceive their own sin or the impending divine judgment. This context underscores the dire spiritual state that Jeremiah was confronting.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **pervasive nature of sin**, asserting that human corruption is not merely external behavior but originates from the deepest core of one's being. This theme resonates with the biblical emphasis on humanity's fallen state, a condition that affects every aspect of life. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **human inability and divine omniscience**. The rhetorical question "who can know it?" implies that human beings cannot fully comprehend their own depravity or the true motives of their hearts, underscoring the need for God's perfect knowledge and judgment. This sets the stage for the later revelation that only God truly searches and knows the heart, as stated in [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart"). Finally, it implicitly points to the **necessity of divine intervention and transformation**. If the heart is incurably wicked, then human effort alone is insufficient for true change, foreshadowing the New Covenant promise of a new heart and spirit, which Jeremiah himself prophesies in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) This term refers to the innermost core of a person—not just emotions, but the intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. It is the seat of thought, decision, and intention. In this context, it signifies the entire inner being of humanity, from which all actions and motivations flow. The declaration that the "heart" is deceitful and wicked means that the fundamental wellspring of human life is corrupted.
* **Deceitful (Hebrew, _ʻâqôb'_):** (H6121) Derived from a root meaning "to supplant" or "to trip up," this word conveys the idea of being crooked, treacherous, insidious, or fraudulent. It implies a cunning ability to mislead, not only others but also oneself. The heart is inherently deceptive, capable of rationalizing sin, hiding true motives, and convincing itself of righteousness even when deeply flawed. This term is notably related to the name Jacob, whose early life was characterized by deception.
* **Desperately wicked (Hebrew, _ʼânash'_):** (H605) This word signifies being frail, feeble, sick, or incurable. It describes a condition that is beyond human remedy, a terminal illness. When applied to the heart, it paints a picture of profound, pervasive corruption that is not merely a tendency to sin but a fundamental, deep-seated spiritual malady. The heart is not just prone to wickedness; it is diseased to its very core, making self-reformation impossible.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root means "to know" in a comprehensive sense—to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, to be aware of, to discern, even to acknowledge. The rhetorical question "who can know it?" implies that no human being, not even the individual themselves, can fully grasp the depth of the heart's deceit and wickedness. This highlights the hidden, intricate nature of human sin and the necessity of divine insight, as only God possesses such complete knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The heart [is] deceitful above all [things],"**: This clause asserts the supreme cunning and treachery of the human heart. It is not merely deceptive but more so than anything else, suggesting its unparalleled capacity for self-deception and hidden motives. This deceitfulness operates on a level that surpasses all other forms of trickery or guile, making it exceedingly difficult to detect or overcome by human effort.
* **"and desperately wicked:"**: This phrase intensifies the description, portraying the heart's condition as not just morally flawed but incurably diseased. The wickedness is deep-seated and pervasive, indicating a fundamental spiritual sickness that renders the heart beyond human repair or self-healing. It speaks to the radical nature of human depravity, affecting the very core of one's being.
* **"who can know it?"**: This rhetorical question underscores the profound mystery and elusiveness of the heart's true condition. It implies that no human being, through self-reflection, psychological analysis, or external observation, can fully comprehend the depth of its deceit and wickedness. This question sets the stage for the following verse, [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart"), which provides the divine answer: only the Lord can truly know and search the heart.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the heart is described as "deceitful above all things," emphasizing the extreme and unparalleled nature of its corruption. This exaggeration serves to shock the audience into recognizing the depth of human depravity. The verse also uses **Personification**, attributing qualities of cunning and wickedness to the "heart" itself, treating it as an active agent capable of deception and moral failure. This highlights the internal source of sin. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, "who can know it?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer from the audience but to underscore the unknowable depth of the heart's corruption from a human perspective, thereby implicitly pointing to the divine omniscience as the only true source of knowledge regarding the heart's condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:9 stands as a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of human depravity. It asserts that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a fundamental corruption of the inner being, affecting the very core of human nature—our thoughts, desires, and intentions. This deep-seated spiritual sickness explains humanity's persistent rebellion against God and our inherent inability to perfectly obey His commands or even fully understand our own motives. The verse highlights the radical nature of sin, demonstrating that it permeates every aspect of human existence and is beyond self-remedy. This theological truth serves as the necessary backdrop for understanding the profound need for divine grace, redemption, and spiritual regeneration, as only God can truly search, expose, and transform the human heart.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:9 serves as a sobering and essential reminder of our inherent human frailty and the pervasive nature of sin, even within our deepest selves. For believers, this verse calls for profound humility, urging us to recognize that our hearts are not inherently trustworthy guides. It underscores the constant need for honest self-examination, not relying on our own perceived goodness or rationalizations, but continually bringing our inner lives before God. This truth should cultivate a deep reliance on God's grace and His transforming power, acknowledging that genuine change and spiritual insight come only through His Spirit, not through self-effort. It challenges us to be wary of self-deception and to consistently seek God's cleansing, guidance, and renewal, allowing Him to reveal and reshape the hidden corners of our hearts so that we may live in greater alignment with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own heart be deceiving me, even in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does recognizing the "desperately wicked" nature of the heart deepen my appreciation for God's grace and forgiveness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow God to search and reveal the true condition of my heart, rather than relying on my own understanding?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about human goodness or my ability to overcome sin on my own?**

### FAQ
**What does "the heart" mean in this context?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, particularly in the Old Testament, "the heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*) is far more than just the seat of emotions. It refers to the entire inner being of a person—the intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. It is the core of one's personality, the source of thoughts, decisions, intentions, and motivations. So, when Jeremiah says the heart is "deceitful" and "desperately wicked," he is referring to a fundamental corruption of one's entire inner self, from which all actions and choices originate. This concept is foundational to understanding human nature in Scripture, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart").

**Why is the heart described as "deceitful above all things"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "deceitful" (*ʻâqôb*) carries connotations of being crooked, treacherous, or insidious. The phrase "above all things" emphasizes that the human heart possesses an unparalleled capacity for deception, even deceiving itself. It implies a cunning ability to rationalize sin, to hide true motives, and to convince oneself of righteousness even when deeply flawed. This self-deception is so profound that it surpasses any external form of trickery, making it incredibly difficult for individuals to truly know their own spiritual state or motives without divine insight. It highlights the subtle and pervasive nature of sin's influence within us.

**What does "desperately wicked" imply about the human condition?**

Answer: The Hebrew term translated "desperately wicked" (*ʼânash*) means to be frail, sick, or incurable. When applied to the heart, it paints a vivid picture of a condition that is beyond human remedy. It signifies a profound, pervasive corruption that is not merely a tendency to sin, but a fundamental spiritual malady or terminal illness. This implies that humanity's problem with sin is not superficial or easily fixed by self-improvement or moral effort. Instead, it is a deep-seated, radical depravity affecting the very core of our being, rendering us incapable of self-healing or true spiritual transformation without divine intervention. This truth underscores the absolute necessity of God's grace and power for redemption, as articulated in [Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - While We Were Still Weak").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:9 powerfully articulates humanity's profound spiritual predicament, a heart so deceitful and desperately wicked that no one can truly know its depths. This verse sets the stage for the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant revealed the law's inability to transform the inner person, exposing the heart's incurable sickness, Christ came to offer a radical, divine remedy. He is the one who perfectly "knows" the heart, for He is God incarnate, and as [John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man") states, "he himself knew what was in man." More profoundly, Christ fulfills the promise of a new covenant, where God would no longer merely give a law to a rebellious people but would write His law directly upon their hearts and put His Spirit within them, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the cleansing for sin that the desperately wicked heart requires, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He initiates a supernatural regeneration, giving believers a new heart and a new spirit ([John 3:3-7](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-7 - Born Again")). Thus, what humanity cannot know or cure in itself, Christ fully knows and perfectly redeems, transforming the deceitful and wicked heart into one that desires to obey and glorify God ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in 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

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Proverbs 28:26

¶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Genesis 6:5

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.