Jeremiah 3 19

Jeremiah 3:19 kjv

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

Jeremiah 3:19 nkjv

"But I said: 'How can I put you among the children And give you a pleasant land, A beautiful heritage of the hosts of nations?' "And I said: 'You shall call Me, "My Father," And not turn away from Me.'

Jeremiah 3:19 niv

"I myself said, "?'How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.

Jeremiah 3:19 esv

"'I said, How I would set you among my sons, and give you a pleasant land, a heritage most beautiful of all nations. And I thought you would call me, My Father, and would not turn from following me.

Jeremiah 3:19 nlt

"I thought to myself,
'I would love to treat you as my own children!'
I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land ?
the finest possession in the world.
I looked forward to your calling me 'Father,'
and I wanted you never to turn from me.

Jeremiah 3 verses

Jeremiah 3 19 Meaning

Jeremiah 3:19 reveals the compassionate heart of God, expressing His deep desire for Israel (and by extension, His people) to return to Him as a loving Father. It illustrates God's plan to set His children apart, granting them a most desirable spiritual and physical inheritance, far superior to anything earthly nations possess. This profound relationship and blessing are contingent upon their true repentance and steadfast devotion, acknowledging Him as "My Father" and never turning away from Him. It is a divine yearning for filial intimacy and loyal obedience, envisioning a restoration of their covenant relationship.

Jeremiah 3 19 Context

Jeremiah chapter 3 opens with God lamenting Israel’s (and Judah’s) profound spiritual apostasy, likening their idolatry to harlotry. Despite their faithlessness, God continually calls them to "return" (Hebrew: shuv) to Him. Verses 6-18 contrast Judah’s greater rebellion with Northern Israel’s (Ephraim/Samaria) past backsliding, emphasizing that Judah learned nothing from Samaria’s judgment and exile. Within this dire situation, God extends an invitation for repentance and outlines the glorious restoration He desires for them. Jeremiah 3:19 comes as a divine "soliloquy," where God expresses His longing heart and perfect intentions for His people, outlining the beautiful destiny He intended for them – to be His children in a glorious land, a destiny sadly unfulfilled due to their persistent sin but still desired by God, revealing His enduring patience and grace amidst their stubbornness. It highlights the deeply personal and relational nature of God’s covenant with His chosen people.

Jeremiah 3 19 Word analysis

• "But I said," (וָאֹמַר - va'omar): This phrase indicates a divine interjection, marking a shift from speaking about Israel's sin to God's own profound internal deliberation and desire. It reveals God's tender heart and purpose, emphasizing the divine initiative and persistent grace.
• "‘How I would set you’" (אֵיךְ אֲשִׁיתֵךְ - eich ashiteich): "How" here functions as an expression of strong yearning, longing, or rhetorical lament, rather than an inquiry about method. It reflects God’s heartfelt wish and vision for Israel. "Set you" implies establishing, placing securely, or ordaining a specific status and dwelling.
• "among My children" (בַּבָּנִים - babanim): Signifies adoption and familial intimacy. This reveals God’s desired father-child relationship with His people, calling them to an elevated status of intimacy and belonging. It contrasts their current rebellion with their intended identity as sons and daughters of God.
• "and give you" (וְאֶתֵּן לָךְ - ve'etten lach): Underscores divine provision and generosity. God is the giver of all good things, including a blessed inheritance.
• "a pleasant land," (אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה - eretz chemdah): Literally, "land of desire/delight." This refers to the promised land of Canaan, known for its fertility and abundance. It signifies a place of spiritual and physical flourishing, chosen and prepared by God for His people.
• "a most beautiful inheritance" (נַחֲלַת צְבִי - nachalat tzevi): "Inheritance of glory" or "heritage of splendor." This emphasizes the superior quality and honor of the land God provides, suggesting it's not merely productive but glorious.
• "of the hosts of nations!" (צְבָאֹות גּוֹיִם - tzeva'ot goyim): This phrase is interpretively nuanced. It typically implies "a glorious inheritance above or beyond what the multitudes/hosts of nations possess," indicating its uniqueness and superiority. It sets Israel's inheritance apart, marking it as supreme and incomparable among all earthly territories, signifying divine favor and distinction. It is not an inheritance from nations, but a glorious one compared to or among nations.
• "And I said," (וָאֹמַר - va'omar): Repetition to emphasize the conditional aspect of the promise. It underscores the reciprocal nature of the relationship God desires, moving from divine initiative to human response.
• "‘You shall call Me, My Father,’" (תִּקְרְאִי לִי אָבִי - tikre'i li avi): This is a profound call for personal, intimate, and obedient recognition of God’s paternal authority and love. "Call me" implies a deep, relational knowing and commitment. It represents the very essence of genuine repentance and faith – abandoning false gods and fully embracing the true God as Father.
• "and not turn away from following Me." (וּמֵאַחֲרַי לֹא תְּשׁוּבִי - u'me'acharay lo teshuvai): "Turn away" (שוב - shuv) here is the negative counterpart to the widespread call to "return" throughout Jeremiah 3. It demands faithful perseverance, a complete and lasting adherence to God's ways, implying consistent loyalty and not reverting to idolatry or disobedience. This is the crucial condition for receiving and maintaining the promised blessings.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But I said, ‘How I would set you among My children’": This grouping emphasizes God’s paternal longing and ideal for His people. He views them not just as subjects but as beloved offspring, desiring a deep, personal connection marked by His presence among them.
• "‘and give you a pleasant land, a most beautiful inheritance of the hosts of nations!’": This portrays the lavish extent of God’s intended blessing. It is a dual promise: a specific geographical land (Canaan, idealised) and a transcendent inheritance that is superior to all earthly possessions, reflecting divine splendor and distinction bestowed uniquely on Israel.
• "‘And I said, ‘You shall call Me, My Father, and not turn away from following Me.’": This segment highlights the required human response for the realization of God’s desire. The profound blessings are not unconditional but are contingent upon a filial relationship defined by intimate acknowledgement of God as Father and steadfast, unwavering obedience. It summarizes the core demand of the covenant – exclusive devotion.

Jeremiah 3 19 Bonus section

The language "How I would set you..." (eich ashiteich) reveals a prophetic perfect tense, often conveying a sense of certain, accomplished desire or future, even if presently hindered. This means God's desire for Israel's restoration to this ideal state is absolute and eternal, despite their failures. This verse is key to understanding the New Covenant promise (Jer 31:31-34) where the "not turning away" becomes internalised by God writing the law on hearts, making such fidelity possible through divine enabling. The "pleasant land" and "beautiful inheritance" are not just geographical but anticipate the ultimate spiritual dwelling in the Kingdom of God, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God's children truly dwell in His presence with a glorious, eternal inheritance.

Jeremiah 3 19 Commentary

Jeremiah 3:19 lays bare the depth of God's love and desire for His errant people. Amidst their spiritual adultery, God’s internal deliberation reveals His original intent: to treat Israel as cherished children, granting them a glorious inheritance—a land of unparalleled beauty among all nations. This desire, however, is tethered to a clear condition: they must genuinely call Him "My Father," signifying a personal, intimate relationship rooted in repentance and utter loyalty, never again turning away to other gods or paths of disobedience. It is a powerful statement of divine yearning, emphasizing that God's covenant blessings flow from a vibrant, obedient, father-child relationship.