Jeremiah 17:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A person is cursed if they trust in human power instead of the Lord and turn their heart away from Him.
The Context of Jeremiah 17:5
Jeremiah contrasts trust in human strength with trust in God, introducing blessing and curse.
What Does Jeremiah 17:5 Mean?
The shift to a general principle uses 'the man' to address all listeners. To trust in man and make 'flesh his arm' is to rely on human strength as one's defense and support. This is idolatry of a different kind—not the worship of foreign gods, but the worship of human ability and power as a substitute for faith in the Lord.
When the heart departs from the Lord, the person stands under a curse—not vindictive but natural: they lose the protection and provision that come from covenant loyalty. Without God, human strength alone is insufficient, and the cursed person drifts without true security.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 17:5
What does Jeremiah 17:5 mean?
A person is cursed if they trust in human power instead of the Lord and turn their heart away from Him.
What is the context of Jeremiah 17:5?
Jeremiah contrasts trust in human strength with trust in God, introducing blessing and curse.