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.

NUMBERS 14:18KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 14:18 (KJV)

What does Numbers 14:18 mean?

Numbers 14:18 describes how the LORD is patient and deeply merciful, willing to forgive wrongdoing and rebellion, but also makes clear that those who are guilty are not simply let off without consequence; the effects of wrongdoing can continue into future generations. This verse highlights both God’s readiness to forgive and His commitment to justice.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to God on behalf of the Israelites after they have rebelled in the wilderness. Moses is reminding God of His own character—His patience, mercy, and forgiveness—while also acknowledging that God does not ignore guilt. The verse comes as Moses pleads for God to spare the people, drawing on what God Himself has revealed about His nature.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 14:18

  • "longsuffering" (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, 'erek 'appayim): This phrase means "slow to anger" or "patient," showing that God does not rush to punish but gives people time to turn back.
  • "mercy" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word is often understood as steadfast love or loyal kindness, emphasizing God’s deep, faithful commitment to His people.
  • "forgiving" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): The verb here means "to lift" or "to carry," suggesting that God is willing to bear or remove the burden of sin.
  • "visiting" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This word means "to attend to" or "to bring consequences," showing that God actively deals with wrongdoing rather than ignoring it.

Why Numbers 14:18 matters

  • Numbers 14:18 clears up the idea that God is either only merciful or only strict; the verse shows both sides of God’s character—His willingness to forgive and His seriousness about justice.
  • The verse connects directly to Moses’ appeal for mercy, showing how knowing God’s character shapes prayer and intercession.
  • This verse helps explain why consequences of actions can affect later generations, not as arbitrary punishment, but as a reality of how wrongdoing can ripple through families and communities.

Where else these words appear

“fourth” Hebrew H7256 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 20:5 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 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.
  • 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 20:5 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 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.

“longsuffering” Hebrew H750 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Psalms 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
  • Jeremiah 15:15 O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

“means” Hebrew H5352 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • 1 Samuel 26:9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.