King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:1 in the King James Version says “If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my si... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 4:1 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

3

For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:1 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:1, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 4:1 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:1 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אִם1 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תָּשׁ֑וּב2 of 13

If thou wilt return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל׀3 of 13

O Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נְאֻם4 of 13

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֛ה5 of 13

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֖י6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תָּשׁ֑וּב7 of 13

If thou wilt return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְאִם8 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תָּסִ֧יר9 of 13

unto me and if thou wilt put away

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

שִׁקּוּצֶ֛יךָ10 of 13

thine abominations

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

מִפָּנַ֖י11 of 13

out of my sight

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְלֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָנֽוּד׃13 of 13

then shalt thou not remove

H5110

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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