Jeremiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֛ה
I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֵ֖ב
the heart
H3820
לֵ֖ב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בֹּחֵ֣ן
I try
H974
בֹּחֵ֣ן
I try
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
5 of 11
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
כְּלָי֑וֹת
the reins
H3629
כְּלָי֑וֹת
the reins
Strong's:
H3629
Word #:
6 of 11
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
וְלָתֵ֤ת
even to give
H5414
וְלָתֵ֤ת
even to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְאִישׁ֙
every man
H376
לְאִישׁ֙
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כִּדְרָכָ֔ו
according to his ways
H1870
כִּדְרָכָ֔ו
according to his ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
9 of 11
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Romans 8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Jeremiah 11:20But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Jeremiah 20:12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Historical Context
Ancient justice systems relied on external evidence, witness testimony, and oaths—all subject to deception and manipulation. The prophets consistently emphasized that God judges differently, seeing beneath religious externalism to covenant loyalty or rebellion. This divine prerogative to judge hearts became central to biblical ethics and eschatology, anticipating the final judgment where all secrets will be revealed (Eccl 12:14, Matt 12:36, Rev 20:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God searches your heart affect your approach to private thoughts, hidden sins, and secret motivations?
- In what ways does this verse challenge the tendency to judge ourselves by intentions while others judge us by actions?
- How should the reality of divine omniscience shape both our fear of judgment and our confidence in grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After the devastating diagnosis of verse 9, God declares His omniscience and justice. "I the LORD search the heart" uses choqer (חֹקֵר), meaning to examine thoroughly, investigate deeply, or probe. God's knowledge is not superficial observation but penetrating insight into motives, thoughts, and desires. "I try the reins" (kidneys, kelayot, כְּלָיוֹת) refers to testing the deepest seat of emotions and conscience.
The purpose clause "to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings" establishes God's perfect justice. Derachim (ways) refers to one's habitual course of life, while "fruit of his doings" emphasizes that actions produce consequences. God's judgment is neither arbitrary nor based on external religious performance but on the heart's true condition as manifested in life patterns.
This verse grounds divine judgment in perfect knowledge. God alone can judge righteously because only He knows the heart completely (1 Sam 16:7, 1 Kgs 8:39). This should terrify the hypocrite and comfort the genuinely repentant. Christ will judge the secrets of men (Rom 2:16), rendering judgment based on perfect knowledge of hearts. Yet for believers, this omniscient Judge has also borne their judgment (Isa 53:5-6), transforming terror into assurance.