In Jeremiah’s day (late seventh century BC), the kingdom of Judah repeatedly placed its hope in alliances with other nations rather than relying on their covenant with the one true God. Jeremiah 17:5 states, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD.’” (v.5). This pronouncement comes through the prophet Jeremiah—who lived circa 650-570 BC—and reminds God’s people that any confidence apart from the LORD leads to disaster. The phrase “makes flesh his strength” underscores the foolishness of relying solely on human power, which is frail and undependable.
By declaring, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind” (v.5), the LORD is pointing out the inevitable consequence of placing ultimate hope in human solutions or earthly alliances. This condemnation does not mean that communities or relationships are worthless. Rather, it highlights that when people turn their hearts away from the LORD—seeking security in armies, political forces, or personal abilities—they will experience the emptiness that comes from ignoring God. Jeremiah’s context reveals that Judah was guilty of such misplaced trust, leading them away from worship of the true God and into destructive paths.
The deeper issue lies within the heart: “…whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (v.5). In the Old Testament and throughout scripture, the heart represents the inner being or will. When that core of a person’s trust misaligns with God, it produces spiritual barrenness rather than fruitfulness. Jesus reinforced this principle centuries later by teaching His followers to abide in Him, illustrating that life and blessing result from relying upon God rather than self or any earthly power (John 15:4-5). In each era, God’s people are called to trust Him above all else, recognizing that true strength and security come from His presence and His word.
Set to dark mode
Jeremiah 17:5 meaning
In Jeremiah’s day (late seventh century BC), the kingdom of Judah repeatedly placed its hope in alliances with other nations rather than relying on their covenant with the one true God. Jeremiah 17:5 states, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD.’” (v.5). This pronouncement comes through the prophet Jeremiah—who lived circa 650-570 BC—and reminds God’s people that any confidence apart from the LORD leads to disaster. The phrase “makes flesh his strength” underscores the foolishness of relying solely on human power, which is frail and undependable.
By declaring, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind” (v.5), the LORD is pointing out the inevitable consequence of placing ultimate hope in human solutions or earthly alliances. This condemnation does not mean that communities or relationships are worthless. Rather, it highlights that when people turn their hearts away from the LORD—seeking security in armies, political forces, or personal abilities—they will experience the emptiness that comes from ignoring God. Jeremiah’s context reveals that Judah was guilty of such misplaced trust, leading them away from worship of the true God and into destructive paths.
The deeper issue lies within the heart: “…whose heart turns away from the LORD.” (v.5). In the Old Testament and throughout scripture, the heart represents the inner being or will. When that core of a person’s trust misaligns with God, it produces spiritual barrenness rather than fruitfulness. Jesus reinforced this principle centuries later by teaching His followers to abide in Him, illustrating that life and blessing result from relying upon God rather than self or any earthly power (John 15:4-5). In each era, God’s people are called to trust Him above all else, recognizing that true strength and security come from His presence and His word.