Old Testament
Jeremiah 3:4
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 is inviting His people to turn back to Him and acknowledge Him as their Father and guide.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Won't you from now on cry out to me, 'My Father, you are the guide of my youth'?
Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
Verse Analysis
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.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
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