Jeremiah 3:14

KJV

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H7725}, O backsliding {H7726} children {H1121}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; for I am married {H1166} unto you: and I will take {H3947} you one {H259} of a city {H5892}, and two {H8147} of a family {H4940}, and I will bring {H935} you to Zion {H6726}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Return, backsliding children," says ADONAI; "for I am your master. I will take you, one from a city, two from a family, and bring you to Tziyon.

Berean Standard Bible

“Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.

American Standard Version

Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:14 presents a tender yet firm divine appeal from the LORD to His unfaithful people, Israel, whom He affectionately calls "backsliding children." Despite their persistent spiritual apostasy, God reaffirms His enduring covenant relationship with them, likening it to a marriage bond. He extends a gracious invitation to repentance, promising to gather a remnant—even a small number from scattered cities and families—and restore them to Zion, signifying a future hope of spiritual and national renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3:14 is situated within a passionate lament and prophetic indictment against Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly in chapters 2 and 3. Jeremiah consistently employs the powerful metaphor of marriage to describe the covenant relationship between the LORD and Israel. Preceding verses vividly portray Israel's idolatry as spiritual harlotry, comparing them to a promiscuous wife who has abandoned her husband for many lovers. Despite this profound betrayal, the LORD's call to "Turn" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) in [Jeremiah 3:12](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12 - Return, O Backsliding Israel") and [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Call to Repentance and Restoration") underscores His persistent love and desire for reconciliation, even offering forgiveness for their apostasy. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, shifting from accusation to a compassionate invitation for restoration, demonstrating God's enduring patience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), marked by political instability, the decline of the Assyrian Empire, the rise of Babylon, and pervasive idolatry within Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria due to their unfaithfulness, and Judah was on a similar trajectory. The concept of a covenant as a binding agreement, often sealed with solemn vows and obligations, was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the relationship between a king and his vassals, or a husband and wife. God's declaration "I am married unto you" would have resonated powerfully, highlighting the depth of Israel's covenantal obligation and the severity of their spiritual adultery, which violated the very foundation of their national identity and relationship with their divine King.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. The primary theme is **God's Enduring Covenant Faithfulness** despite His people's persistent unfaithfulness, powerfully conveyed through the **Marriage Metaphor**. God's declaration "I am married unto you" underscores the unbreakable bond He initiated, contrasting sharply with Israel's "backsliding" or spiritual adultery. Another crucial theme is the **Call to Repentance**, signified by the command "Turn," which is a foundational prophetic plea for Israel to abandon their idolatry and return to the LORD. This is not merely a change of behavior but a fundamental reorientation of heart and allegiance, as seen in [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "God's Call to Repentance"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Remnant and Restoration**. Despite widespread apostasy, God promises to gather a small, faithful portion ("one of a city, and two of a family") and bring them back to Zion, signifying His ultimate plan for a future regathering and spiritual renewal, a hope echoed in [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "A Remnant Shall Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies a complete change of direction, whether literal or figurative. In this context, it is a fervent call to repentance, urging Israel to abandon their sinful ways and return to their covenant God. It implies not just a physical turning, but a spiritual reorientation of heart and life, away from idolatry and back to the LORD. This word is central to the prophetic message, emphasizing God's desire for His people's restoration rather than their destruction.

* **backsliding (Hebrew, _shôwbâb'_):** Derived from the same root as "turn," this term describes an apostate, one who habitually turns away or strays. It characterizes Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, depicting them as rebellious children who have repeatedly departed from God's path. The term highlights the deep-seated and repeated nature of their spiritual rebellion, which necessitated God's repeated calls to repentance and underscored the gravity of their covenant violation.

* **married (Hebrew, _bâʻal'_):** This root means "to be master" or "to marry," emphasizing a deep, possessive, and covenantal bond. When the LORD states "I am married unto you," it underscores His rightful claim over Israel as their divine Husband and Lord, established through the Sinai covenant. Their "backsliding" is thus framed as spiritual adultery, a profound betrayal of this sacred marital relationship, making their sin not just mere disobedience but a violation of intimate vows and a rejection of divine ownership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase is a direct, compassionate, yet authoritative command from God. The term "backsliding children" vividly portrays Israel's spiritual condition—they are God's offspring, yet they have habitually turned away from Him. The call to "Turn" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) is an urgent invitation to repentance, a plea for them to reorient their lives and allegiance back to the LORD, who speaks with divine authority and unwavering love.

* **"for I am married unto you:":** This clause provides the profound theological basis for God's call and His continued pursuit of Israel. The LORD declares His enduring covenant fidelity, likening His relationship with Israel to a sacred marriage bond. This metaphor highlights the intimacy, exclusivity, and permanence of the covenant established at Sinai, emphasizing that despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains their faithful Husband, deeply invested in their relationship and yearning for their return.

* **"and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family,":** This phrase introduces the concept of the remnant. Despite the widespread apostasy and the scattering of Israel due to judgment, God promises to actively gather a small, select number of individuals. The numbers "one" and "two" emphasize the smallness of this group, suggesting that only a fraction will respond to His call or be preserved through judgment, yet God's sovereign hand will ensure their preservation and gathering, demonstrating His meticulous care even amidst desolation.

* **"and I will bring you to Zion:":** This final clause articulates the ultimate goal of God's redemptive purpose for the remnant. "Zion" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, the place of God's dwelling. Bringing them to Zion signifies not only a physical regathering but also a spiritual restoration—a return to fellowship with God, renewed worship, and participation in His kingdom purposes. It points to a future hope of national and spiritual renewal, where the covenant relationship will be fully restored and celebrated.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:14 is rich with **Metaphor**, primarily the central image of God being **married** to Israel. This powerful metaphor transforms the abstract concept of a covenant into a deeply personal and emotionally charged relationship, making Israel's idolatry not just disobedience but a profound act of spiritual adultery and betrayal. The phrase "backsliding children" employs **Personification** and **Pathetic Fallacy**, attributing human characteristics of rebellion and immaturity to the nation of Israel, evoking both divine disappointment and parental love. The numbers "one of a city, and two of a family" utilize **Synecdoche** and **Merism** to emphasize the smallness of the remnant God will gather, highlighting His selective grace amidst widespread unfaithfulness. The entire verse is a form of **Direct Address**, as the LORD speaks directly to His people, creating an intimate and urgent tone that underscores the personal nature of His appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:14 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and persistent grace in the face of human rebellion. It underscores the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, established not on their merit but on His sovereign choice and steadfast love. The call to "turn" is a timeless theological principle, emphasizing that true repentance involves a radical reorientation of life back to God, a turning away from sin and toward righteousness. The promise of gathering a remnant highlights God's commitment to His ultimate redemptive plan, ensuring that His purposes will not be thwarted by human sin. This verse beautifully portrays a God who, though justly offended by sin, remains eager to forgive, restore, and renew those who humble themselves and return to Him, demonstrating His character as both righteous judge and compassionate Redeemer who never abandons His covenant promises.

* [Hosea 2:19](/hosea/2-19 "God's Betrothal to Israel")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "The Lord's Invitation to Repentance")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "The Remnant Chosen by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:14 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the enduring nature of God's love and His persistent call to intimacy. Just as ancient Israel was prone to "backsliding" through idolatry and spiritual apathy, so too can modern believers drift from their first love, allowing worldly pursuits or subtle compromises to erode their devotion to Christ. This verse serves as a powerful invitation to self-examination: are there areas in our lives where we have "turned away" from God, neglecting our spiritual disciplines, pursuing idols, or compromising our convictions? God's declaration, "I am married unto you," resonates deeply, affirming His unwavering commitment to us in Christ. His call to "Turn" is not a condemnation but an open door to renewed fellowship, forgiveness, and restoration. We are reminded that even in our deepest failures, God's grace is sufficient, and He delights in bringing His children back to Himself, promising a place in His presence (Zion) for those who respond to His call, ensuring that His redemptive purposes for us will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "backsliding" or subtly drifting away from God's will and presence?**
* **How does understanding God's covenant relationship with me as a "marriage" impact my view of sin and my motivation for repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "turn" back to the LORD in areas where I have strayed, embracing His offer of restoration?**
* **How does the concept of God gathering a "remnant" encourage me about His faithfulness, even when the broader culture seems to be moving away from Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "backsliding children" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Backsliding children" (Hebrew: _shôwbâb bên_) refers to the nation of Israel, whom God considers His children, but who have habitually and persistently turned away from Him. This term signifies their spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and unfaithfulness to the covenant they made with the LORD. It implies a pattern of rebellion and a departure from the path of righteousness, despite God's repeated warnings and gracious invitations to return. It highlights the deeply personal nature of their sin as a betrayal of a familial and marital relationship with God, underscoring the pain their unfaithfulness caused the divine Husband.

**How does God being "married" to Israel relate to the New Covenant?**

Answer: God's declaration "I am married unto you" establishes the Old Covenant relationship with Israel as a profound, intimate, and exclusive marital bond. This metaphor underscores God's faithfulness and Israel's spiritual adultery. In the New Covenant, this imagery is not abandoned but fulfilled and transformed in Christ. Jesus is presented as the ultimate Bridegroom, and the Church (comprising both Jew and Gentile believers) is His Bride. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, provides the means for true spiritual union and faithfulness, where believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live in obedience and devotion to God. This new marriage is eternal and unbreakable, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb (see [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), symbolizing the complete and joyous union of Christ with His redeemed people.

**What is the significance of taking "one of a city, and two of a family"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the concept of a "remnant." It signifies that despite the widespread apostasy and the impending judgment that would scatter Israel, God would sovereignly preserve and gather a small, faithful portion of His people. The numbers "one" and "two" highlight the stark reality that only a minority would respond to God's call or survive the judgment, yet God's promise of restoration would be fulfilled through this small, chosen group. It demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant promises, even when the majority fails, ensuring that His redemptive plan continues through those who remain faithful or are called back to Him. This remnant would be the seed for future renewal and the continuation of His covenant people, illustrating God's meticulous and sovereign selection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:14, with its poignant call to a "backsliding" Israel and the tender declaration, "I am married unto you," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant marriage between Yahweh and Israel, though marred by Israel's unfaithfulness, foreshadowed the perfect, unbreakable union established through the New Covenant in Christ. Jesus is the faithful Bridegroom who comes not to condemn the backsliding, but to seek and save the lost (see [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for humanity's spiritual adultery and rebellion, making possible a true and lasting reconciliation with God. Through His blood, a new covenant is inaugurated, where believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are united to Him as His pure and spotless Bride (see [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). The promise to "take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion" is fulfilled in the gathering of the Church—the true spiritual remnant—from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This remnant is not merely a physical return to earthly Zion, but a spiritual pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, where believers dwell eternally in His presence (see [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's persistent call to turn, the faithful Husband who redeems His unfaithful people, and the One who gathers His chosen remnant into His eternal kingdom, securing an everlasting covenant of grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 2:19

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

Hosea 2:20

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Jeremiah 2:19

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 31:32

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Isaiah 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.