Jeremiah 3:20 Meaning
Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
Context Explained
18In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.
19But 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.
20Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
21A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
22Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Hosea 2:5
Both verses use the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's relationship with God.
James 4:4
This verse warns against spiritual adultery, similar to the treachery described here.
Matthew 25:1-13
The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God.
Source: Jeremiah 3:20