Jeremiah 3:4
Jeremiah 3:4 in Multiple Translations
Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Will you not, from this time, make your prayer to me, crying, My father, you are the friend of my early years?
Didn't you just tell me, “My father, you've been such a close friend to me since I was little.
Diddest thou not stil crie vnto me, Thou art my father, and the guide of my youth?
Hast thou not henceforth called to Me, 'My father, Thou [art] the leader of my youth?
Will you not from this time cry to me, ‘My Father, you are the guide of my youth!’?
Wilt thou not from this time cry to me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Therefore at least at this time call to me: Thou art my father, the guide of my virginity:
Now each of you says to me, ‘You are my father! You have loved me ever since I was young!
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 3:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
קראתי
קָרָ֥את
לִ֖/י
אָבִ֑/י
אַלּ֥וּף
נְעֻרַ֖/י
אָֽתָּה
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Prep | Adv
קראתי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
קָרָ֥את
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אַלּ֥וּף
ʼallûwph
H441
tame
N-ms
נְעֻרַ֖/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
N-cp | Suff
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 3:4
הֲ/ל֣וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מֵ/עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Prep | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
קראתי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
קָרָ֥את
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
אָבִ֑/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אַלּ֥וּף
ʼallûwph
H441
"tame"
N-ms
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
נְעֻרַ֖/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.
Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:4
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
- Sermons on Jeremiah 3:4
Context — The Wages of the Harlot
2“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.
3Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed.
4Have you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.
5Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.” 6Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:2 | “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 3:19 | Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all the nations!’ I thought you would call Me ‘Father’ and never turn away from following Me. |
| 3 | Psalms 71:17 | O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds. |
| 4 | Hosea 2:15 | There I will give back her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:17 | who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 31:9 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” |
| 7 | Hosea 14:1–3 | Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” |
| 8 | Psalms 119:9 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. |
| 9 | Proverbs 1:4 | To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, |
| 10 | Psalms 48:14 | For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death. |
Jeremiah 3:4 Summary
[In Jeremiah 3:4, Israel is reminding God of their special relationship with Him, calling Him 'My Father' and acknowledging His care for them from their youth. This is a beautiful picture of God's love and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 36:7, and it highlights the intimate and personal nature of our relationship with Him. Despite Israel's sin and rebellion, God remains faithful and true to His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, and He desires a deep and meaningful connection with each of us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call God 'My Father' in Jeremiah 3:4?
Calling God 'My Father' is a declaration of intimacy and trust, as seen in Jeremiah 3:4, and is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching to address God as 'Father' in the Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Luke 11:2 and Matthew 6:9.
How can Israel claim God as a friend from youth when they have been unfaithful?
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and true to His covenant promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 1 Corinthians 1:9, and their claim of God as a friend from youth is likely a reference to their historical and covenantal relationship with Him, established from the time of their youth as a nation.
Is Jeremiah 3:4 a statement of genuine repentance or just a superficial cry for help?
The context of Jeremiah 3:4 suggests that Israel's cry to God is not necessarily a sign of genuine repentance, but rather a self-serving attempt to appease God and avoid judgment, as seen in the following verses, Jeremiah 3:5, where they continue in their wicked ways.
How does Jeremiah 3:4 relate to the concept of God's fatherly love?
Jeremiah 3:4 highlights God's fatherly love and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 103:13, which says 'As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.', and demonstrates His desire for a personal and intimate relationship with them, despite their sin and rebellion.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have called out to God as 'Father' in my own life, and how have I responded to His love and care?
- In what ways can I, like Israel, be guilty of taking God's love and mercy for granted, and how can I cultivate a more heartfelt and sincere relationship with Him?
- How does the concept of God as a 'friend from youth' shape my understanding of His character and my relationship with Him, and what implications does this have for my daily life and decisions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge and repent of my own 'prostitution' and 'wickedness', as described in Jeremiah 3:2, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 3:4
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me,.... These words are either a confirmation and proof of that impudence with which these people are charged; for had they not been impudent, or had not a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 3:4
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
Wilt thou not from this time, viz. that I have withholden showers? Some refer this, 1. To the time to come; Wilt thou not yet be wise, and for the future seek to me, having found all thy other ways successless? . 2. To the time present; How canst thou challenge me for my present severity, and continuing it towards thee, when thou still retainest thy filthiness, thy whore’ s forehead, . Thou still continuest worshipping idols, and yet fanciest thyself faithful to me. 3. To the time past, i.e. Hast thou not all along pretended kindness to me, and as if thou hadst walked close with me? ,33 Eze 23:39. Cry unto me, My father; wilt thou not as a child call upon, me, whom thou hast thus greatly provoked, and own me as a father? ; for such have I been to thee, 3:17. The guide of my youth; either on whom I have depended, as being brought up by thee; or the submissive expression of a wife seeking to be reconciled to her husband, that God would be to her as he had been in the days of her youth; such a case as is expressed ; words of flattery usual with hypocrites: or rather, being married to thee in thy youth; a periphrasis for husband, ; which argues great tenderness towards her, . Thus the tenderness of this relation is expressed , and so God is said to espouse them to himself .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
Jeremiah 3:4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou [art] the guide of my youth?Ver. 4. Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me?] And is not this extreme impudence? Hast thou a face thus to collogue? Hypocritis nihil impudentius; hypocrites are impudent flatterers; they would, if they could, cheat God of his heaven. Thou art the guide of my youth,] i.e., My dear husband. Fair words are light cheap, and may make fools fain; but God is not to be so courted and complimented.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
(4) Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me . . .?—Better, Hast thou not from this time cried unto me . . .? The prophet paints with a stern irony the parade of the surface repentance of Josiah’s reign. There had been a pathetic appeal to God as the forgiving husband of the faithless wife, but not the less had the wife returned to her wickedness. Guide.—The same word as in Proverbs 2:17; the “chief friend,” as applied to the husband.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
Verse 4. Wilt thou not - cry unto me, My father] Wilt thou not allow me to be thy Creator and Preserver, and cease thus to acknowledge idols? See on Jeremiah 2:27.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 3:4
4. Wilt thou not from this time cry] Hast thou not but now cried. Judah, at the very time that she is deserting Jehovah, is using to Him the language of wheedling affection. guide] mg. companion. The same word is used of a husband in Proverbs 2:17.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 3:4
Or, Hast thou Not from this time called “me, My Father, thou art the” husband “of my youth?” i. e., from the time of Josiah’s reforms in his eighteenth year, in opposition to “of old time” Jeremiah 2:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 3:4
4. Wilt thou not, etc. — Rather, Hast thou not from this time called me, etc.? From this time, stands in contrast with “of old time,” in Jeremiah 2:20. Guide of my youth — That is, husband. See Hosea 2:7; Hosea 2:13.
Sermons on Jeremiah 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your First Love by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 2, focusing on the message to the church of Ephesus about their loss of first love for Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, |
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The Good Way by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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Come Up Higher, Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to take their commitment to the Lord seriously. They emphasize the importance of not only avoiding sin and wickedness but also actively |
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With or Without God by Matthew Little | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the devotion and departure of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a genuine and passionate relationship with God, rather tha |
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God's Love by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the loving kindness of God towards humanity. He highlights the intricate design of the human body and the various blessings it provides, suc |
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Leaving Your First Love by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the message from the book of Revelation where Jesus commends and condemns the church in Ephesus for leaving their first love. Despite their commendable q |