Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,

DEUTERONOMY 5:9KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:9 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:9 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:9 warns the Israelites not to bow down to or serve other gods, because the LORD is a jealous God who will hold families accountable for turning against Him, even affecting later generations of those who hate Him. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of worshiping only the LORD and the lasting consequences of rejecting Him.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, repeating the Ten Commandments. The warning comes in the context of forbidding idol worship, highlighting God’s exclusive claim on His people and the generational impact of their choices. The verse uses strong language to show that loyalty to God is not just a personal matter but affects families and communities over time.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:9

  • "jealous" (קַנָּא, qanna): This word means that God demands exclusive devotion, much like a spouse expects faithfulness. It does not mean petty jealousy, but a protective, covenantal zeal.
  • "visiting" (פָּקַד, paqad): This verb means to pay attention to or bring consequences upon. Here, it means God will actively bring the results of a father's wrongdoing onto later generations if they continue in the same hatred.
  • "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt or moral wrongdoing, not just a mistake but a deep turning away from what is right.
  • "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means to reject or be hostile toward. The consequences described are for those who actively turn away from or oppose God, not for those who simply make mistakes.

Why Deuteronomy 5:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s jealousy is about faithfulness in relationship, not insecurity or envy, and helps correct misunderstandings about God’s character.
  • Deuteronomy 5:9 shows that choices about worship and loyalty have ripple effects, shaping not just individuals but families and communities for generations.
  • The warning is specifically tied to those who “hate” God, not to all descendants indiscriminately, which highlights personal responsibility and the seriousness of turning away from God.