Old Testament
Jeremiah 17:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares His ability to see beyond outward appearances and actions.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind, to give each person according to their ways and the fruit of their actions.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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