Jeremiah 30:17

KJV

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will restore {H5927} health {H724} unto thee, and I will heal {H7495} thee of thy wounds {H4347}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; because they called {H7121} thee an Outcast {H5080}, saying, This is Zion {H6726}, whom no man seeketh after {H1875}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I will restore your health, I will heal you of your wounds," says ADONAI, "because they called you an outcast, Tziyon, with no one who cares about her."

Berean Standard Bible

But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD, because they call you an outcast, Zion, for whom no one cares.”

American Standard Version

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith Jehovah; because they have called thee an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:17 stands as a powerful divine declaration of Yahweh's unwavering commitment to restore and heal His covenant people, Israel, after a period of severe judgment and national humiliation. This verse, nestled within Jeremiah's "Book of Comfort," promises a comprehensive restoration of health and wholeness to Zion, who had been scorned, abandoned, and labeled an outcast by the surrounding nations. It dramatically reverses the prevailing narrative of rejection with a profound affirmation of God's redemptive love, active intervention, and His ultimate purpose to bring His people back to a state of dignity and flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:17 is a pivotal verse within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that offers a profound shift from the preceding chapters' pronouncements of judgment and impending Babylonian exile. Chapters 30-31 specifically articulate God's future plans for the restoration of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, envisioning their return from captivity, national renewal, and the establishment of a new, unbreakable covenant relationship with God. This particular verse directly follows a lament over Israel's seemingly incurable wound (as described in [Jeremiah 30:12-15](/jeremiah/30-12-15 "Jeremiah 30:12-15 - Israel's Incurable Wound")) and immediately precedes further detailed promises of their return, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of their national identity under a righteous Davidic king (found in [Jeremiah 30:18-21](/jeremiah/30-18-21 "Jeremiah 30:18-21 - Restoration of Jacob's Tents")). Thus, Jeremiah 30:17 serves as a direct, authoritative divine answer to the despair of a people suffering under judgment, offering a powerful counter-narrative to their perceived abandonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry is the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by escalating political instability that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Judah had repeatedly violated its covenant with God, leading to the severe divine judgment that Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed. By this point, many of the people were already experiencing the harsh realities of foreign domination, with significant portions of the population having been deported. Culturally, being an "outcast" or a "forsaken" nation was the ultimate disgrace in the ancient Near East, implying that a nation's god had abandoned them, thereby making them objects of scorn and derision among their neighbors. The vivid imagery of "wounds" reflects not only the physical devastation wrought by war, siege, and exile but also the deep spiritual, psychological, and social trauma inflicted upon the nation. The divine promise of "healing" and "restoration" would have resonated profoundly with a people grappling with immense loss, shame, and a crushing sense of divine abandonment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Redemptive Power**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human history and His unparalleled ability to reverse even the most dire and seemingly irreversible circumstances. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Unfailing Covenant Faithfulness**, revealing that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the consequent judgment, God remains steadfastly true to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to the Davidic covenant. This profound faithfulness is further elaborated in the promise of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that would fundamentally transform and supersede the old. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the theme of **Hope Amidst Despair**, offering a radiant beacon of future restoration and national healing even when the present reality is one of profound suffering, rejection, and perceived hopelessness. This hope is not rooted in human merit or effort but solely in God's unchanging character and His benevolent [plans for welfare and not for evil](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). Finally, it speaks powerfully to **Divine Compassion and Restoration of Dignity**, as God actively intervenes to heal the deep wounds and reverse the scornful labels placed upon His people by those who saw them as utterly forsaken.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **restore (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** H5927, a primitive root meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative; arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work." In this context, "restore" signifies more than mere repair; it implies a comprehensive elevation and recovery from a state of degradation. It speaks of God initiating an upward movement, lifting Zion out of its abasement and bringing it back to a place of prominence, wholeness, and health.
* **wounds (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** H4347, from נָכָה; "a blow (in 2 Chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication,; a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence; beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed)." This word vividly emphasizes the severity of the damage inflicted upon Zion, encompassing both the physical devastation from military defeat and exile, and the profound spiritual and psychological trauma resulting from the consequences of their sin. It points to deep, painful injuries, underscoring the desperate need for divine intervention and comprehensive healing.
* **Outcast (Hebrew, _nâdach'_):** H5080, a primitive root meaning "to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.); banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw." This term powerfully portrays Zion's rejected and banished status, driven out from their land and shunned by other nations. It encapsulates the humiliation, isolation, and perceived worthlessness they experienced, making God's promise to actively seek them out and restore them all the more impactful as a reversal of their banished and forsaken state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD":** This opening clause is a profound and authoritative divine promise of comprehensive restoration. The emphatic repetition of "restore health" (Hebrew, _ʼărûwkâh_, H724, implying a complete healing, like new skin growing over wounds) and "heal thee of thy wounds" (Hebrew, _makkâh_, H4347, referring to severe blows and stripes) underscores the totality of God's intended work. It signifies a thorough and fresh recovery, not merely a superficial mending. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD" (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum_ H5002, from _Yᵉhôvâh_ H3068), serves as a divine oracle, lending irrefutable authority and certainty to this promise, ensuring it is a decree from the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, Yahweh.
* **"because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.":** This second clause provides the divine motivation for God's intervention: the profound humiliation and abandonment experienced by Zion. They were labeled an "Outcast" (Hebrew, _nâdach_, H5080), meaning "driven out" or "banished," painting a vivid picture of their rejected and desolate state. The subsequent description, "whom no man seeketh after" (Hebrew, _dârash_, H1875, meaning "to seek, inquire, care for, worship"), further emphasizes their utter isolation, perceived worthlessness, and lack of any human advocate or concern in the eyes of others. This human scorn and rejection serve as the catalyst for God's compassionate and redemptive action, powerfully demonstrating His character as the one who actively seeks out, cares for, and restores the forsaken.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:17 is rich with **Personification**, presenting Zion (representing Jerusalem and the people of Judah) as a wounded individual who has been cast out and abandoned. This literary choice allows for a deeply empathetic portrayal of the nation's suffering and highlights God's personal, intimate, and compassionate response to their plight. The language also employs powerful **Metaphor**, as the "wounds" are not merely physical but represent the profound national, spiritual, and psychological trauma endured through exile and divine judgment. Similarly, the phrase "restore health" functions as a **Metaphor** for comprehensive national recovery, spiritual renewal, and the re-establishment of their dignity. The declaration "saith the LORD" is a classic instance of a **Divine Oracle**, lending irrefutable authority, certainty, and divine backing to the promise. Furthermore, a strong **Contrast** is established between human rejection ("whom no man seeketh after") and divine intervention ("I will restore health unto thee"), powerfully highlighting God's unique, unwavering faithfulness and active love in the face of human scorn and abandonment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's restorative justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It reveals a God who does not abandon His own, even when they are at their lowest point due to their unfaithfulness and the consequences of their sin. The divine promise of healing and comprehensive restoration is a direct, compassionate response to the shame and suffering inflicted by human rejection and the just judgment for their transgressions. This passage profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God's love and faithfulness are not contingent on human merit or performance but flow from His own immutable character and His eternal covenant promises. It powerfully foreshadows a future where God actively reverses the devastating effects of sin and judgment, bringing wholeness where there was brokenness, dignity where there was disgrace, and life where there was desolation.

* [Psalm 103:2-4](/psalms/103-2-4 "Psalm 103:2-4 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul, Who Heals All Your Diseases")
* [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions")
* [Hosea 6:1](/hosea/6-1 "Hosea 6:1 - Come, Let Us Return to the Lord, For He Has Torn Us, That He May Heal Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:17 offers profound spiritual nourishment and a beacon of hope for anyone who feels wounded, rejected, or abandoned in their personal journey. In a world where people are often quick to label, dismiss, or forget those who are struggling or have fallen, this verse reminds us that God's perspective is radically different and infinitely more compassionate. He sees our deepest wounds—whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational—and promises to bring comprehensive healing and restoration. When we feel like outcasts, scorned by circumstances, societal labels, or even by our own past failures, God declares His active intention to seek us out, restore our dignity, and make us whole. This is a powerful invitation to bring our brokenness, our shame, and our deepest hurts to Him, trusting that His restorative power is infinitely greater than any wound or rejection we may face. It encourages us to lean into His unfailing love and sovereign grace, knowing that even in our darkest moments, He is actively working for our recovery, renewal, and transformation, turning our shame into a powerful testimony of His redemptive grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel wounded, marginalized, or like an "outcast" in need of divine restoration?**
* **How does the promise of God actively seeking and healing you challenge or comfort your perception of your current struggles and perceived abandonment?**
* **What practical steps can you take to intentionally lean into God's restorative power for your specific "wounds" and areas of brokenness?**
* **Considering God's compassion for the outcast, how might this verse inspire or challenge you to extend grace, care, and compassion to others in your community who feel rejected or abandoned?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promise physical healing for all believers today?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 30:17 uses the vivid language of physical healing ("restore health," "heal thee of thy wounds"), its primary context is the national restoration of Israel from the "wounds" of exile, judgment, and the scorn of other nations. The "health" promised is comprehensive, encompassing national, spiritual, and physical well-being. For believers today, this verse assures us of God's power and desire for holistic healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. While God can and does perform physical miracles and we are encouraged to pray for them, the ultimate fulfillment of His healing promise is often spiritual restoration, reconciliation with Him, and the future hope of a perfected body in eternity (as seen in [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Humble Body Will Be Transformed")). Therefore, it certainly encourages us to pray for physical healing, trusting in His sovereign will and compassion, but it doesn't guarantee immediate physical healing for every ailment in this life.

**How does God "seek after" those whom no man seeks after?**

Answer: God "seeks after" the outcast in multiple profound and compassionate ways. Historically, He actively intervened to bring Israel back from Babylonian exile, gathering them from the nations where they were scattered and restoring them to their land (as promised in [Jeremiah 29:14](/jeremiah/29-14 "Jeremiah 29:14 - God Will Restore You")). Spiritually, He consistently seeks out those who are lost, broken, marginalized, and alienated by sin, drawing them into a saving relationship with Himself through His Holy Spirit and His Word. This divine pursuit is most beautifully and powerfully exemplified in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who consistently sought out the sick, the sinners, the socially rejected, and the spiritually lost (as declared in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). For individuals today, when we feel abandoned, overlooked, or devalued by the world, God's active pursuit is demonstrated through His providential care, the comforting presence of His Spirit, the guiding wisdom of His Word, and the loving community of His church, reminding us that we are never truly forsaken by Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "wounds" of Zion, representing the brokenness, sin, and alienation of humanity, are comprehensively addressed and healed through the Messiah. Just as God promised to "restore health" and "heal" His people, Jesus, the Great Physician, came not only to heal physical ailments but, more significantly, the spiritual sickness of sin that truly makes us outcasts from God (as He Himself declared in [Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus Came for the Sick")). In a profound act of substitutionary love, Jesus became the ultimate "Outcast" for our sake, enduring rejection and scorn. He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), so that we, who were once far off and alienated, might be sought after and brought near to God. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore our wounds and stripes, Jesus secured a comprehensive and eternal healing that transcends national restoration, offering reconciliation, forgiveness, and new life to all who believe (as affirmed in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Are Healed")). He is the true Zion, the one whom God eternally seeks and establishes, and through Him, all who were once outcasts are now brought near, no longer alienated but beloved children of God and fellow citizens with the saints (as powerfully declared in [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ") and [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers and Aliens")).

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 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Psalms 23:3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.