Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 3 - Verse 12

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.

Meaning

Jeremiah 3:12 is a verse of hope and redemption from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by the Lord to proclaim a message to the people of Israel who have turned away from God. The message is one of forgiveness and reconciliation, as God extends an invitation for the backsliding Israel to return to Him. Despite their disobedience and unfaithfulness, God promises not to let His anger consume them forever, emphasizing His mercy and willingness to forgive. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's constant love and grace towards His people, even in the face of their sins. It conveys the message that no matter how far we may have strayed, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms, offering us a chance to repent and start anew.

Theological Overview

Jeremiah 3:12 is a passage that highlights the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord towards His people, despite their unfaithfulness. In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed to proclaim God's message of calling the backsliding Israel to return to Him. The call to the north is symbolic of the direction from which judgment was thought to come. The word "Return" signifies a turning back to God in repentance and acknowledging their waywardness. The Lord assures Israel that if they heed this call, His anger will not be poured out upon them, emphasizing His mercy and willingness to forgive. The verse emphasizes the fact that God's anger is not eternal, but rather, His mercy endures forever. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and compassion towards His people, even when they have strayed from Him.

American Standard Version

Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep [anger] for ever.
Previous VerseNext Verse