Thou shalt not bow down thyself to 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;

EXODUS 20:5KJV
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Exodus 20:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 20:5 mean?

Exodus 20:5 warns the Israelites not to bow down to or serve idols, explaining that the LORD is a jealous God who will hold future generations accountable for the sins of those who hate Him. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of idol worship and the lasting consequences of turning away from God.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel as He gives them the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The commandment specifically addresses the worship of other gods and the making of idols, making it clear that God expects exclusive devotion. The mention of consequences for "the children unto the third and fourth generation" highlights the far-reaching impact of rejecting God, especially in a society where family and community ties are strong.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 20:5

  • "jealous" (קַנָּא, qanna): This word describes God’s intense desire for exclusive loyalty, not envy. It shows that God cares deeply about His relationship with His people and does not tolerate divided allegiance.
  • "visiting" (פָּקַד, paqad): This verb means to pay attention to or to hold accountable. Here, it means God will actively respond to the actions of those who reject Him, not just passively allow consequences.
  • "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt or wrongdoing, especially in a moral or spiritual sense. It highlights that the problem is not just outward actions but deep-seated rebellion against God.
  • "hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means to reject or be hostile toward God, not just to feel dislike. The warning is directed at those who actively turn away from Him.

Why Exodus 20:5 matters

  • Exodus 20:5 clarifies that God’s jealousy is about loyalty and relationship, not petty envy, which helps avoid misunderstandings about God’s character.
  • The verse shows that choices about worship and loyalty can affect not just individuals but entire families and communities for generations.
  • Exodus 20:5 fits into the wider passage by showing why idol worship is forbidden and how seriously God takes faithfulness, setting the stage for the rest of the commandments.

Where else these words appear

“fourth” Hebrew H7256 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Numbers 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
  • Deuteronomy 5:9 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,

“jealous” Hebrew H7067 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
  • Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
  • Deuteronomy 5:9 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,

“third” Hebrew H8029 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 50:23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Numbers 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: