Jeremiah 4:1 Meaning and Explanation
“If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God calls Israel to return and abandon their idolatries.
The Context of Jeremiah 4:1
Opening call to repentance before judgment falls; God still offers conditional restoration.
What Does Jeremiah 4:1 Mean?
The Lord addresses Israel through Jeremiah, offering a path forward from judgment. The call to return—שׁוּב (return)—carries the sense of turning completely back to God's way after abandonment.
Putting away abominations means rejecting idolatry and false practices. If they do this, God promises stability ('thou shalt not remove'), suggesting security and establishment in the land.
Jeremiah 4:1 in the Original Language
shûb (שׁוּב), 'return'—to turn back or restore relationship; fundamental to repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 4:1
What does Jeremiah 4:1 mean?
God calls Israel to return and abandon their idolatries.
What is the context of Jeremiah 4:1?
Opening call to repentance before judgment falls; God still offers conditional restoration.