Jeremiah 4:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou wilt return {H7725}, O Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, return {H7725} unto me: and if thou wilt put away {H5493} thine abominations {H8251} out of my sight {H6440}, then shalt thou not remove {H5110}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Isra'el, if you will return," says ADONAI, "yes, return to me; and if you will banish your abominations from my presence without wandering astray again;

Berean Standard Bible

“If you will return, O Israel, return to Me,” declares the LORD. “If you will remove your detestable idols from My sight and no longer waver,

American Standard Version

If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith Jehovah, if thou wilt return unto me, and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight; then shalt thou not be removed;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:1 presents a conditional offer of restoration from the Lord to the people of Israel (specifically Judah), urging them to return to Him. It articulates a clear path to avoiding impending judgment: if they genuinely repent, turning away from their idolatrous practices and detestable behaviors, they will not be uprooted or exiled. This verse underscores God's persistent grace and His desire for His covenant people to re-establish a right relationship with Him through sincere repentance and the removal of all that offends His holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 4:1 serves as a pivotal transition, opening a new section of Jeremiah's prophecies (chapters 4-6) that focuses on the imminent threat of invasion and the call to repentance. It immediately follows the Lord's lament over Israel's spiritual prostitution and His repeated pleas for them to return (as seen in [Jeremiah 3:12-22](/jeremiah/3-12 "Jeremiah 3:12-22 - Call to Return")). The preceding chapters have meticulously detailed Judah's deep spiritual apostasy, their breaking of the covenant, and the Lord's sorrowful yet just pronouncements of judgment. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated statement but a renewed, gracious invitation embedded within a broader narrative of divine patience and impending consequence, setting the stage for the graphic descriptions of judgment that follow if the invitation is rejected.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah, the southern kingdom, had largely abandoned the covenant of Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, often adopting the detestable practices of surrounding nations (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). Kings like Manasseh and Amon had actively promoted Baal worship and other pagan cults, polluting the temple and the land. Even during the reforms of Josiah, much of the repentance was superficial. The "abominations" mentioned in this verse refer directly to these idolatrous cults, child sacrifice, and other morally repugnant acts that were an affront to God's holiness and a direct violation of the Mosaic Law. The threat of being "removed" was a very real historical danger, as the Assyrians had already exiled the northern kingdom of Israel centuries earlier, and the Babylonians were now rising as the dominant regional power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Call to Repentance**, emphasizing God's initiative and His longing for His people to abandon their sinful ways and re-establish a right relationship with Him. This is a gracious invitation, even in the face of widespread rebellion and the Lord's prior declarations of judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:15-16](/jeremiah/1-15 "Jeremiah 1:15-16 - Coming Judgment")). Secondly, it underscores the **Conditionality of Blessing and Judgment**, where the promise "then shalt thou not remove" (meaning, you will not be uprooted, exiled, or destroyed) is directly contingent upon their obedience. God's protection and stability are tied to faithfulness to the covenant, while disobedience leads to instability and judgment. Thirdly, the theme of **Putting Away Abominations** is crucial; true repentance requires a decisive and complete separation from detestable idolatrous practices and immoral acts, not merely outward religious observance. This radical break from offensive practices is essential for genuine spiritual restoration. Finally, God's enduring **Patience and Mercy** shine through; despite persistent backsliding, He still offers a pathway to avoid calamity, demonstrating His willingness to forgive if there is genuine change of heart and action, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Mercy for the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is central to the concept of repentance throughout the Old Testament. It signifies a turning back, a change of direction, or a conversion. It implies not just regret for past actions, but a decisive movement away from sin and back towards God. The repetition of "return... return unto me" in the verse emphasizes the earnestness of God's plea and the need for a complete, internal and external turning. It encompasses both a physical turning back and a spiritual turning of the heart.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be disgusting" (H8251), this term refers to something detestable, filthy, or abhorrent to God. In the context of Jeremiah, it specifically denotes idolatrous practices, pagan rituals, and morally repugnant acts (such as child sacrifice) that were deeply offensive to God's holy character and a direct violation of His covenant. The command to "put away thine abominations" signifies a call for radical purification and a complete cessation of all forms of idolatry and ungodliness.
* **remove (Hebrew, _nûwd'_):** This primitive root (H5110) means "to nod," "waver," or figuratively, "to wander, flee, disappear." In this context, "then shalt thou not remove" implies that if Israel repents, they will not be forced to wander, flee, or be exiled from their land. It promises stability, security, and continued habitation in the promised land, contrasting sharply with the impending judgment of forced displacement and destruction that awaited them if they refused to repent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me:"** This opening clause presents a direct, conditional invitation from God Himself. The repetition of "return" (shûwb) underscores the urgency and sincerity of God's call for His covenant people, "Israel" (referring to Judah as the remnant of the covenant nation), to turn away from their apostasy and re-establish their relationship with Him. It highlights God's initiative in seeking reconciliation.
* **"and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight,"** This second conditional clause specifies the concrete action required for genuine repentance. "Putting away" (çûwr) implies a decisive removal and cessation of the "abominations" (shiqqûwts) – the idolatrous practices and morally detestable acts that were an affront to God's holiness. The phrase "out of my sight" (pânîym) emphasizes that these practices were directly offensive to God's presence and character, and true repentance demands their complete eradication from the nation's life and worship.
* **"then shalt thou not remove."** This final clause states the promised consequence of obedience. If Israel genuinely returns to the Lord and removes their abominations, they "shall not remove" (nûwd), meaning they will not be uprooted, exiled, or forced to wander from their land. This is a promise of security, stability, and continued habitation in the land of promise, a direct reversal of the judgment of exile that was otherwise impending.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the verb "return" (shûwb). The double injunction, "If thou wilt return... return unto me," serves to emphasize the earnestness of God's plea and the absolute necessity of a complete and sincere turning back to Him. This repetition creates a sense of divine longing and underscores the central theme of repentance. The verse is also structured as a clear **Conditional Statement** ("If... then..."). This logical structure highlights the direct link between Israel's actions (repentance and purification) and God's response (stability and protection). It presents a stark choice with clear consequences, emphasizing human responsibility within the divine covenant. Furthermore, the phrase "out of my sight" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (sight) to God. This device helps the audience grasp the personal offense that Israel's abominations caused to a holy God, making the call to purification more immediate and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:1 profoundly articulates the core biblical theme of repentance as a prerequisite for divine favor and restoration. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful, always extending an invitation for them to return before judgment is fully executed. This verse highlights that true repentance is not merely regret but involves a decisive turning away from sin and a turning back to God, accompanied by concrete actions of purification. It underscores the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate "abominations" in His presence, and His justice, which necessitates consequences for unrepentant sin, yet always tempered by His mercy that offers a path to avoid destruction. The conditional promise of "not removing" reveals God's desire for His people's well-being and stability, which is intrinsically linked to their obedience and fidelity to Him.

* [Ezekiel 18:30-32](/ezekiel/18-30 "Ezekiel 18:30-32 - God's Desire for Repentance")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:1 carries a timeless and profoundly relevant message for individuals and communities today. It reminds us that God's heart continually yearns for His creation to turn from paths of self-destruction and return to Him, the source of life and true stability. The call to "return unto me" is not a burdensome command but a gracious invitation to find peace and security in His presence. For us, this means engaging in genuine repentance, which goes beyond mere regret for wrongdoing. It demands actively identifying and "putting away" the "abominations" in our lives—anything that offends God's holiness, whether it be idolatry of possessions, power, or self, or sinful habits and attitudes that separate us from Him. Just as ancient Israel faced the threat of "removal" from their land, we too can experience spiritual instability, broken relationships, and a loss of divine blessing when we persist in disobedience. Conversely, sincere turning to God brings spiritual stability, restoration, and the assurance of His presence. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and lives, asking if there are "abominations" we need to decisively remove, and whether our "return" to God is truly wholehearted and action-oriented.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" (idols, sinful habits, attitudes) might I need to "put away" from God's sight in my own life today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "return" more fully to the Lord, shifting my focus and allegiance back to Him?**
* **How does the promise "then shalt thou not remove" speak to my desire for stability, security, or peace in a volatile world?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate a more complete and active repentance in response to God's call?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Israel to "return" to the Lord?**

Answer: To "return" (Hebrew: *shûwb*) signifies a complete spiritual turnaround. It means abandoning their idolatrous practices and rebellious ways, which were a direct violation of their covenant with God, and re-establishing a relationship of faithful obedience to Him. It's not just a change of mind, but a change of direction and action, moving away from sin and back towards God's commands and presence. This concept of *shûwb* is foundational to biblical repentance, encompassing both a change of heart and outward actions that demonstrate that change. It is a call to remember and recommit to the covenant made at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai").

**What are the "abominations" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "abominations" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) primarily refer to the detestable idolatrous practices and pagan rituals that the people of Judah had adopted from surrounding nations. This included the worship of foreign gods like Baal and Molech, often involving practices such as child sacrifice (cf. [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Valley of Hinnom and Child Sacrifice")) and ritual prostitution. Beyond idolatry, the term could also encompass other morally repugnant acts and social injustices that were an affront to God's holy character and the ethical demands of His law. These were practices that God explicitly forbade and found utterly disgusting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 4:1, with its urgent call to "return" and "put away abominations," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel was called to return through adherence to the Law and cessation of idolatry, humanity's deepest need for repentance is addressed by the Lamb of God. Jesus's inaugural message was a call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). He perfectly embodies the "return" to God that Israel failed to achieve, living a life of perfect obedience and demonstrating what it means to be truly in God's "sight" without "abomination." The "abominations" that separate humanity from God are ultimately sin itself, and Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, provided the means for us to truly "put away" our sins. His death on the cross serves as the ultimate purification, cleansing us from all detestable things that stand in God's sight, allowing us to be reconciled. The promise "then shalt thou not remove" foreshadows the eternal security and spiritual stability found in Christ; those who truly repent and believe in Him are no longer "vagabonds" or "wanderers" in a spiritual sense, but are firmly established in God's eternal kingdom, receiving an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope")). Thus, the prophetic call of Jeremiah becomes a gospel invitation to turn from sin to Christ, who alone enables a true and lasting return to God.

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

Joel 2:12

¶ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Jeremiah 3:22

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

Genesis 35:2

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Ezekiel 43:9

Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.

Jeremiah 3:12

¶ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.

Jeremiah 25:5

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

Jeremiah 3:1

¶ They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.