Old Testament
Jeremiah 3:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Won't you from now on cry out to me, 'My Father, you are the guide of my youth'?
Compare translations
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
What Jeremiah 3:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is inviting His people to turn back to Him and acknowledge Him as their Father and guide. The phrase 'My Father' signifies a personal relationship, emphasizing trust and dependence. The term 'guide of my youth' suggests that God has been a constant source of direction and support throughout their formative years. This call to cry out to God reflects a desire for intimacy and recognition of His role in their lives. It highlights the importance of seeking God in times of need and recognizing His authority and care. The verse serves as a reminder that God desires a relationship with His people, encouraging them to reach out to Him for guidance and support, especially during challenging times. It emphasizes the need for repentance and a return to a faithful relationship with God, who has always been there to lead and nurture them.
How to apply Jeremiah 3:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God as our guide, especially in our formative years. We should acknowledge Him as our Father and turn to Him for direction in our lives. Establishing a personal relationship with God can provide us with the wisdom and support we need to navigate challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 3:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 3:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 3:4 mean?
Jeremiah 3:4 expresses God's invitation for His people to return to Him, acknowledging Him as their Father and guide. It highlights the importance of recognizing God's role in their lives and the need for a personal relationship with Him.
What is the meaning of 'guide of my youth' in Jeremiah 3:4?
The phrase 'guide of my youth' in Jeremiah 3:4 signifies that God has been a source of direction and support during the formative years of His people. It emphasizes the trust and reliance on God throughout their early life experiences.
How can I apply Jeremiah 3:4 in my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 3:4 by actively seeking God as your guide, especially during challenging times. Acknowledge Him as your Father and build a personal relationship with Him for wisdom and support.
Why does God want us to call Him 'My Father' in Jeremiah 3:4?
God wants us to call Him 'My Father' in Jeremiah 3:4 to emphasize the personal relationship He desires with us. It reflects trust, dependence, and the intimate connection we can have with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.