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
CBTClear Bible Translation

I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind, to give each person according to their ways and the fruit of their actions.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, integrity, justice

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
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.