New International VersionHave you not just called to me: ‘My Father, my friend from my youth,
New Living TranslationYet you say to me, ‘Father, you have been my guide since my youth.
English Standard VersionHave you not just now called to me, ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth—
Berean Standard BibleHave you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.
King James BibleWilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
New King James VersionWill you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth?
New American Standard Bible“Have you not just now called to Me, ‘My Father, You are the friend of my youth?
NASB 1995“Have you not just now called to Me, ‘My Father, You are the friend of my youth?
NASB 1977“Have you not just now called to Me, ‘My Father, Thou art the friend of my youth?
Legacy Standard BibleHave you not just now called to Me, ‘My Father, You are the close companion of my youth?
Amplified Bible“Will you not just now call out to Me, ‘My Father, you were the guide and companion of my youth?
Christian Standard BibleHaven’t you recently called to me, “My Father! You were my friend in my youth.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHave you not lately called to Me, “My Father. You were my friend in my youth.
American Standard VersionWilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Contemporary English VersionYou call me your father or your long-lost friend;
English Revised VersionWilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut now you are calling to me. You say, 'Father! You have been my companion ever since I was young.
Good News Translation"And now you say to me, 'You are my father, and you have loved me ever since I was a child.
International Standard VersionHave you not just called out to me, 'My father, you are the friend of my youth—
NET BibleEven now you say to me, 'You are my father! You have been my faithful companion ever since I was young.
New Heart English BibleWill you not from this time cry to me, 'My Father, you are the guide of my youth?'
Webster's Bible TranslationWilt thou not from this time cry to me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHave you not just called to Me, ‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.
World English BibleWill you not from this time cry to me, ‘My Father, you are the guide of my youth!’? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHave you not from now on called to Me, "" My Father, You [are] the leader of my youth?
Young's Literal Translation Hast thou not henceforth called to Me, 'My father, Thou art the leader of my youth?
Smith's Literal TranslationFrom the time didst thou not call to me, My father, thou the friend of my youth? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore at least at this time call to me: Thou art my father, the guide of my virginity:
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, at least from this moment on, call out to me: ‘You are my father, the guide of my virginity.’
New American BibleEven now do you not call me, “My father, you are the bridegroom of my youth?
New Revised Standard VersionHave you not just now called to me, “My Father, you are the friend of my youth— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, now you say to me, My father, and thou art foster mother of my childhood.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBehold, therefore, call to me, "My Father!”, and “You are he who raised me from my youth!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Didst thou not just now cry unto Me: 'My father, Thou art the friend of my youth.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationHast thou not called me as it were a home, and the father and guide of thy virgin-time?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Wages of the Harlot… 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 notjustcalledto Me,‘My Father,You aremy friendfrom 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.”…
Cross References Isaiah 63:16Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.
Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
Hosea 2:16In that day,” declares the LORD, “you will call Me ‘my Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘my Master.’
Malachi 1:6“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’
Deuteronomy 32:6Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?
Psalm 89:26He will call to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock of my salvation.’
Proverbs 3:12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
Ezekiel 16:8Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.
Hosea 11:1When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
2 Samuel 7:14I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.
Matthew 6:9So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Luke 15:18-19I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. / I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
John 1:12-13But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
Romans 8:15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 4:6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Treasury of Scripture Will you not from this time cry to me, My father, you are the guide of my youth? wilt thou Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me. Jeremiah 31:9,18-20 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraimis my firstborn… Hosea 14:1-3 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity… my father Jeremiah 2:27 Saying to a stock, Thouart my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turnedtheir back unto me, and nottheir face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. the guide Jeremiah 2:2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a landthat was not sown. Psalm 48:14 For this Godis our God for ever and ever: he will be our guideeven unto death. Psalm 71:5,17 For thouart my hope, O Lord GOD:thou art my trust from my youth… Jump to Previous CryCryingEarlyFriendGuideHenceforthLeaderPrayerTimeWiltYouthJump to Next CryCryingEarlyFriendGuideHenceforthLeaderPrayerTimeWiltYouthJeremiah 3 1.God's great mercy to Judah the polluted land6.Judah is worse than Israel12.The promises of the gospel to the penitent20.Israel reproved, and called by God, makes a solemn confession of their sinsHave you not just called to MeThis phrase reflects a rhetorical question posed by God through the prophet Jeremiah, highlighting the insincerity of Israel's repentance. The context is a call to acknowledge the nation's superficial relationship with God. Historically, Israel often turned to God in times of distress but quickly reverted to idolatry once the crisis passed. This pattern is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Judges, where the Israelites repeatedly cry out to God for deliverance only to fall back into sin. ‘My Father
The use of "My Father" signifies a personal and intimate relationship, which Israel claims with God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, calling God "Father" was a profound acknowledgment of His authority and care. This term is also significant in the broader biblical narrative, as it foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God as Father through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently refers to God as His Father, inviting believers into a familial relationship with God (e.g.,Matthew 6:9). You are my friend from youth
This phrase suggests a long-standing relationship, implying that Israel has known God from its early days as a nation. The reference to "youth" can be seen as a nod to the time of the Exodus and the covenant at Sinai, where God established Israel as His people. Culturally, friendship in the ancient world involved loyalty and mutual obligation, which Israel has failed to uphold. This phrase also echoes the idea of God as a faithful companion, a theme that resonates with the portrayal of Jesus as a friend to His followers (John 15:15). Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often addressed by Jeremiah for their unfaithfulness and idolatry. 3. God (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them to repentance. 4. IsraelThe northern kingdom, often used symbolically to represent the people of God who have turned away from Him. 5. YouthA reference to the early relationship between God and Israel, symbolizing the initial devotion and love that has since waned. Teaching Points The Call to RepentanceJeremiah 3:4 highlights the need for genuine repentance. God desires His people to return to Him with sincerity, not just empty words. The Father-Child RelationshipThe verse underscores the intimate relationship God desires with His people, akin to that of a father and child. This relationship should be marked by respect, love, and obedience. The Danger of ComplacencyThe people of Judah had become complacent, relying on their historical relationship with God without maintaining it. Believers today must guard against taking their relationship with God for granted. God's Unchanging NatureDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains a constant and loving Father. This assurance should encourage believers to return to Him, knowing He is always ready to forgive. Youthful DevotionReflecting on the early days of faith can rekindle passion and commitment. Believers are encouraged to remember their first love and return to that fervor. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 3:4?
2.How does Jeremiah 3:4 illustrate God's desire for a father-child relationship?
3.What does calling God "Father" in Jeremiah 3:4 imply about our obedience?
4.How can we apply the plea "Will You always be angry?" in prayer?
5.Connect Jeremiah 3:4 with Ephesians 6:4 on God's fatherly guidance.
6.How can we ensure our hearts align with God's call in Jeremiah 3:4?
7.How does Jeremiah 3:4 reflect God's relationship with Israel as a father and guide?
8.What historical context influenced the message in Jeremiah 3:4?
9.How does Jeremiah 3:4 challenge the concept of repentance and forgiveness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 3?
11.Why should anyone despise your youth?
12.What does the Bible say about social anxiety?
13.What did Jesus mean by 'Ask, Seek, Knock'?
14.What does the Bible say about God versus Satan?What Does Jeremiah 3:4 Mean Have you not just called to MeJeremiah hears the Lord challenging Judah’s sudden burst of piety. • The word “just” (BSB: “Have you not just called to Me”) exposes a recent, momentary cry rather than a sustained relationship (compareHosea 6:4). • God welcomes genuine prayer (Jeremiah 29:12;Psalm 50:15) but discerns the heart behind it (Isaiah 29:13). • The confrontation recalls earlier warnings that empty words cannot replace repentance (Isaiah 1:15–17;Matthew 7:21).
My FatherJudah addresses God with the most intimate covenant title, yet lives as though He is a distant stranger. • Scripture affirms God’s fatherhood over His people (Isaiah 63:16;Malachi 1:6). • Jesus later teaches believers to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), showing that the title carries relational obligations of trust, honor, and obedience (Romans 8:15). • By invoking “Father,” Judah professes belonging while denying it in practice, echoing the disconnect seen inLuke 6:46—“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?”
You are my friend from youthJudah claims a long-standing friendship, recalling the nation’s earliest days. • “From youth” points back to God’s shepherding of Israel out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1;Jeremiah 2:2). • God indeed had been Israel’s faithful companion (Deuteronomy 32:10–12;Psalm 71:5–6), yet their current drift shows how memory without loyalty rings hollow (Revelation 2:4). • The verse exposes relational presumption: claiming closeness while breaking covenant vows (Jeremiah 3:6–10).
summaryJeremiah 3:4 uncovers a people quick to use tender titles—“My Father,” “friend from youth”—while remaining slow to surrender their wayward hearts. God exposes superficial professions, insisting that authentic intimacy must be matched by repentance and obedience. Knowing Him as Father and lifelong Friend is not mere vocabulary; it is a call to live in steadfast covenant loyalty, the only response worthy of the One who has loved us from the beginning. (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 inProverbs 2:17; the "chief friend," as applied to the husband. Verse 4.Wilt thou not, etc.? rather, Truly from this time thou callest unto me (literally, Dost thou not, etc.? a common way of giving an energetic assurance). The prophet admits the apparent revival of faith in Jehovah which attended the compulsory reformation under Josiah, but denies that it was more than apparent (comp, ver. 10). The guide of my youth; rather, the companion (the familiar associate); so in Proverbs 2:17. Comp. Jeremiah 2:2, and especially Isaiah 54:6, "and a wife of youth" ( i. e. married in youth), "that she should be rejected [how incredible a thing!]"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Have you notהֲל֣וֹא(hă·lō·w)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nojustמֵעַ֔תָּה(mê·‘at·tāh)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timecalled to Me,קָרָ֥את(qā·rāṯ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, read‘My Father,אָבִ֑י(’ā·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1:FatherYou [are]אָֽתָּה׃(’āt·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youmy friendאַלּ֥וּף(’al·lūp̄)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 441:Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftainfrom youth.נְעֻרַ֖י(nə·‘u·ray)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5271:Youth, the state, the persons
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 3:4 Will you not from this time cry (Jer.) |
