Jeremiah 3:22

KJV

Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Return {H7725}, ye backsliding {H7726} children {H1121}, and I will heal {H7495} your backslidings {H4878}. Behold, we come {H857} unto thee; for thou art the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Return, backsliding children, and I will heal your backsliding." "Here we are, we are coming to you, for you are ADONAI our God.

Berean Standard Bible

“Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God.

American Standard Version

Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:22 encapsulates a profound divine invitation to Judah, God's wayward people, urging them to abandon their spiritual apostasy and return to Him. It is a tender yet urgent call to repentance, accompanied by God's gracious promise of complete spiritual healing and restoration. The verse then presents the people's ideal, humble response, acknowledging their sin and reaffirming their allegiance to Yahweh as their one true God, highlighting the reciprocal nature of repentance and divine grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3:22 is situated within a significant prophetic section (Jeremiah 2-6) where the prophet Jeremiah delivers God's indictment against Judah for their persistent spiritual unfaithfulness. Chapters 2 and 3 particularly employ the powerful metaphor of marriage, portraying Judah as an unfaithful wife who has abandoned her covenant husband, Yahweh, for idolatrous lovers. Despite Judah's egregious "backsliding" – a term frequently used to describe their apostasy – God repeatedly extends an invitation to repentance, contrasting their stubborn rebellion with His enduring patience and desire for reconciliation. Verse 22 serves as a pivotal moment within this divine plea, offering a direct, compassionate call to return before the full weight of impending judgment, foreshadowed by the exile, falls upon them. This call for return echoes throughout the book, emphasizing God's character as one who desires restoration over retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily under the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE). Despite Josiah's religious reforms, deep-seated idolatry, including Baal worship and child sacrifice, permeated Judahite society, reflecting a profound spiritual syncretism. The nation faced increasing geopolitical pressure from rising empires like Babylon, which would eventually lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Culturally, the covenant between God and Israel was understood in terms of a suzerain-vassal treaty, where loyalty to the suzerain (God) was paramount. Judah's "backsliding" was not merely a religious deviation but a breach of this sacred covenant, akin to treason or marital infidelity. The call to "return" (Hebrew: *shuv*) was a culturally resonant term, signifying a turning away from a wrong path and a re-establishment of loyalty to the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 3:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Steadfast Love**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their persistent rebellion, as seen in His repeated calls for repentance throughout [Jeremiah's prophecy](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"). Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive problem of **Spiritual Apostasy and Idolatry**, identifying "backsliding" as a deep-seated spiritual sickness that alienates humanity from God. This theme is central to Jeremiah's message, as he continually exposes the futility and danger of worshipping false gods, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Necessity and Promise of Repentance and Restoration**. God's invitation to "heal your backslidings" reveals His desire not just for forgiveness but for holistic spiritual renewal, a promise reiterated in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Finally, the people's response, "Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God," articulates the theme of **Confession and Returning Allegiance**, signifying the essential human component in the covenant relationship: acknowledging God's rightful place as supreme Lord and returning to Him in humble submission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In Jeremiah 3:22, it is an imperative, a direct command from God for His people to reverse their course, to turn away from their path of apostasy and come back to Him. It encapsulates the core biblical concept of repentance, implying a change of direction, mind, and heart.
* **backsliding (Hebrew, _mᵉshûwbâh'_):** Derived from the root *shûwb*, this noun means "apostasy" or "turning away." It describes a consistent pattern of spiritual deviation, a persistent straying from God's covenant path. The term highlights the deliberate and repeated nature of Judah's unfaithfulness, portraying it not as a momentary lapse but as a deep-seated condition of spiritual rebellion and idolatry.
* **heal (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure." While often used for physical healing, here it is applied to spiritual restoration. God's promise to "heal your backslidings" indicates that spiritual apostasy is a sickness or wound that only divine intervention can remedy. It signifies not just forgiveness of sin but a comprehensive restoration of spiritual health, vitality, and the broken relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Return, ye backsliding children":** This opening clause is a direct, compassionate, yet urgent imperative from God. The term "backsliding children" (using H7726 *shôwbâb* for "backsliding" and H1121 *bên* for "children") highlights both Judah's spiritual condition—a persistent turning away from God—and their intimate relationship with Him as His offspring within the covenant. God appeals to their identity as His beloved, albeit wayward, children, urging them to reverse their course of spiritual rebellion and return to their rightful Father.
* **"and I will heal your backslidings.":** This is God's gracious promise, contingent upon their return. The "healing" (H7495 *râphâʼ*) is not merely a superficial fix but a profound spiritual restoration. It signifies God's power to mend the broken relationship, to cure the spiritual sickness of apostasy, and to restore the people to a state of wholeness and communion with Him. This promise underscores God's mercy and His desire for His people's flourishing, offering grace rather than immediate judgment.
* **"Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.":** This final clause represents the ideal, desired response of the people, a hopeful echo of genuine repentance. "Behold, we come" (using H857 *ʼâthâh* for "come") expresses a humble and immediate turning back to God. The declaration "for thou art the LORD (H3068 *Yᵉhôvâh*) our God (H430 *ʼĕlôhîym*)" is a profound confession of allegiance. It acknowledges Yahweh's unique sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His exclusive claim as their deity, rejecting all idols and reaffirming their foundational relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is evident in God's address to Judah as "backsliding children," casting Him in the role of a grieving yet hopeful parent appealing to His wayward offspring. This evokes a sense of intimacy and relational brokenness, emphasizing the personal nature of Judah's sin against God. The entire passage functions as a **Call and Response** structure, with God's imperative call to "Return" met by the people's (idealized) declaration, "Behold, we come unto thee." This dramatic exchange highlights the dynamic of repentance and divine grace. Furthermore, **Metaphor** is central to the broader context and implicitly present here; "backsliding" itself is a metaphor for spiritual wandering and apostasy, while God's promise to "heal" it employs the metaphor of spiritual sickness and recovery, likening sin to a disease that requires divine cure. The use of **Direct Address** ("ye backsliding children," "we come unto thee") creates a sense of immediacy and personal engagement, drawing the audience into the dialogue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:22 profoundly illustrates the core theological truth of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His boundless mercy, even in the face of human rebellion. It reveals that God's primary desire is for reconciliation, not condemnation, actively pursuing His wayward people with an invitation to return. This verse establishes a fundamental pattern of repentance: God initiates the call, promises healing, and humanity is expected to respond with humble confession and renewed allegiance. It underscores that true spiritual healing is a divine work, mending the profound damage caused by sin and restoring the broken relationship between Creator and creature. The declaration "thou art the LORD our God" is a powerful affirmation of monotheism and exclusive devotion, a cornerstone of Israelite theology that contrasts sharply with the pervasive idolatry of the time.

* [Hosea 14:1-4](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1-4 - A Call to Repentance and Promise of Healing")
* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet")
* [Luke 15:11-24](/luke/15-11 "Luke 15:11-24 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:22 offers a timeless message of hope and a profound call to introspection for every believer. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is often marked by seasons of closeness and seasons of "backsliding," whether through active disobedience, spiritual apathy, or subtle drifts from God's truth. Regardless of how far we may have wandered, this verse assures us that God's arms remain open, His invitation to return is constant, and His power to heal is absolute. It challenges us to honestly assess our own hearts: Where have we strayed? What idols have we allowed to subtly displace God's rightful place in our lives? The promise of healing is not merely forgiveness, but a restoration of spiritual vitality, a mending of the very fabric of our relationship with God. It calls for a humble and immediate response, a genuine turning back to the One who alone is "the LORD our God," trusting in His capacity to make us whole again.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "backsliding" or subtly drifting away from God's will?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to "return" to the Lord, and what practical steps can I take today?**
* **How does the promise "I will heal your backslidings" encourage me when I feel overwhelmed by past failures or spiritual weakness?**
* **How can I more consistently affirm and live out the truth that God alone is "the LORD our God" in my daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "backsliding" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In a biblical context, particularly in the Old Testament, "backsliding" (Hebrew: *mᵉshûwbâh* or *shôwbâb*) refers to a state of spiritual apostasy or persistent turning away from God. It describes a pattern of unfaithfulness, disobedience, and often, idolatry, where an individual or a nation deviates from the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It's not just an occasional sin but a sustained drift or rebellion against God's commands and His rightful place in one's life. Jeremiah frequently uses this term to describe Judah's spiritual condition, highlighting their repeated failure to remain loyal to God despite His unwavering faithfulness, as seen in [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Your Own Wickedness Will Correct You").

**Is God's promise to "heal your backslidings" conditional?**

Answer: Yes, God's promise to "heal your backslidings" is conditional upon the people's "return." The verse states, "Return, ye backsliding children, *and* I will heal your backslidings." This structure indicates a cause-and-effect relationship: the healing is offered *if* they respond to the call to repentance. This aligns with a consistent biblical principle that while God's grace is abundant, His full restorative power is experienced by those who humble themselves, confess their sin, and turn back to Him. This reciprocity is a hallmark of the covenant relationship, where human responsibility to respond in faith and obedience is met by divine grace and faithfulness, as also seen in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People Who Are Called By My Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:22, with its poignant call to "Return" and promise of divine "healing" from "backslidings," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The spiritual sickness of humanity, our inherent "backsliding" from God's perfect standard and our tendency towards idolatry, is comprehensively addressed in Christ. He is the perfect Lamb of God whose sacrifice on the cross fully atones for our apostasy, enabling genuine reconciliation with the Father, as proclaimed in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). The "healing" promised by God in Jeremiah is actualized in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, where not only are sins forgiven, but the Holy Spirit is given to transform hearts, empowering believers to truly "return" and walk in newness of life ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit") finds its ultimate fulfillment here). Jesus Himself is the ultimate embodiment of God's persistent call, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, the declaration "thou art the LORD our God" takes on new depth, as believers acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God, through whom alone we have access to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the ancient plea for Israel's return becomes a universal invitation to humanity to turn to Christ for complete spiritual restoration and eternal life.

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 14:1

¶ O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

Hosea 14:4

¶ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

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.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.