Old Testament
Jeremiah 17:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind, to give each person according to their ways and the fruit of their actions.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 17:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His ability to see beyond outward appearances and actions. He searches the hearts and minds of individuals, understanding their true intentions and motivations. This means that God knows not just what people do, but why they do it. The phrase 'search the heart' indicates a deep examination of one's inner self, while 'examine the mind' suggests an understanding of thoughts and feelings. The verse emphasizes that God will reward each person based on their actions and the outcomes of those actions. This serves as a reminder that our true character is revealed through our choices and behaviors, and that God is just in His judgment, giving each person what they deserve based on their ways and the results of their deeds. It encourages believers to reflect on their inner motivations and strive for integrity in their actions, knowing that God sees all.
How to apply Jeremiah 17:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and motivations. We should strive to align our actions with good intentions, knowing that God sees beyond our outward behavior. Regular self-reflection can help us live more authentically and righteously.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 17:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 17:10
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 17:10 mean?
Jeremiah 17:10 means that God examines not just our actions but also our hearts and minds. He understands our true intentions and will reward us based on our behaviors and the outcomes of those behaviors.
What is the meaning of 'search the heart' in Jeremiah 17:10?
'Search the heart' in Jeremiah 17:10 refers to God's ability to look deep within us to understand our true feelings and motivations, beyond what is visible on the surface.
How does Jeremiah 17:10 relate to personal integrity?
Jeremiah 17:10 highlights the importance of personal integrity by reminding us that our true character is revealed through our intentions and actions, which God sees clearly.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 17:10?
The themes in Jeremiah 17:10 include God's omniscience, judgment, inner motivations, integrity, and divine justice, emphasizing that God knows our hearts and will judge us accordingly.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.