Exodus 20:5

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not bow down {H7812} thyself to them, nor serve {H5647} them: for I the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} am a jealous {H7067} God {H410}, visiting {H6485} the iniquity {H5771} of the fathers {H1} upon the children {H1121} unto the third {H8029} and fourth {H7256} generation of them that hate {H8130} me;

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, ADONAI your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:5, a vital component of the Decalogue, profoundly articulates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His righteous intolerance of idolatry. It reveals the Lord as a passionately jealous God who will not tolerate rivals for His people's devotion, warning of the pervasive and devastating generational consequences of persistent, systemic rebellion and rejection of Him, contrasting starkly with the blessings promised to those who love and obey Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Second Commandment, following immediately after [Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - Prohibition of Graven Images"), which explicitly forbids the making of any graven image or likeness. While verse 4 prohibits the *creation* of idols, verse 5 extends the prohibition to the *worship* and *service* of them, emphasizing that God's people are not to bow down to or serve any other gods or their representations. The command culminates in the declaration of God's unique nature as a "jealous God" and the far-reaching implications of disobedience. This command is then balanced by the promise of steadfast love for thousands of generations for those who love and obey Him, found in [Exodus 20:6](/exodus/20-6 "Exodus 20:6 - God's Mercy and Love"). Together, these verses delineate the boundaries of Israel's covenant relationship with YHWH, demanding singular allegiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently delivered from centuries of bondage in Egypt, were emerging from a polytheistic culture where gods were numerous and often represented by physical images. Egyptian religion, with its vast pantheon and animal deities, was deeply ingrained in their recent memory. Furthermore, they were about to enter Canaan, a land saturated with diverse pagan cults, fertility rites, and idol worship, often involving child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. In this environment, the command in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") against idolatry was not merely a theological statement but a radical counter-cultural declaration. It established YHWH as the one true God, distinct from all other deities, and demanded an exclusive covenant relationship from His people, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. This exclusivity was foundational to their identity and survival as God's chosen nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealous (Hebrew, קַנָּא, _qanna'_):** This term, when applied to God, does not signify human envy or insecurity. Instead, it describes a fervent, zealous, and protective passion for what rightfully belongs to Him. God's "jealousy" is a holy attribute, reflecting His absolute uniqueness, His demand for exclusive devotion from His covenant people, and His righteous intolerance of anything that would defile or usurp His glory. It is akin to a husband's righteous jealousy for his wife's exclusive affection, rooted in love, covenant fidelity, and a desire to protect the purity of the relationship.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, עָוֹן, _ʿawon_):** This word carries the sense of perversity, guilt, and the punishment due to sin. It describes a moral evil that is twisted or bent away from God's righteous standard. In the context of Exodus 20:5, it refers specifically to the grave sin of idolatry and rebellion against God's exclusive claim. The "visiting" of this iniquity implies not just the acknowledgment of guilt but the active outworking of its destructive consequences.
* **Hate me (Hebrew, שֹׂנְאָ֑י, _soneʾay_):** This phrase describes not merely a passive dislike but an active, persistent, and deliberate rejection of God's authority, commands, and covenant relationship. Those who "hate" God are those who choose to live in open rebellion against His will, consistently pursuing idolatry and disobedience. The consequences described in the verse are specifically for *them* and the patterns of sin they establish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them":** This is a direct, emphatic prohibition against acts of worship and servitude towards idols or false gods. "Bowing down" (שָׁחָה, _shachah_) signifies an act of reverence, submission, and worship, while "serving" (עָבַד, _ʿavad_) implies active devotion, obedience, and labor on behalf of a deity. Together, they encompass the totality of religious allegiance, demanding that Israel's devotion be singularly directed to YHWH.
* **"for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the prohibition. God's identity as "the LORD thy God" (YHWH Eloheykha) underscores His covenant relationship and His unique, sovereign nature. His "jealousy" is the inherent quality that necessitates exclusive worship; He cannot share His glory or His people's devotion with anything or anyone else. This is a declaration of His holiness and His unyielding claim on His people's hearts.
* **"visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;":** This profound statement describes the pervasive, long-term consequences of persistent, systemic idolatry and rebellion. It does not mean God punishes innocent children for their parents' individual sins, but rather that the destructive patterns, spiritual blindness, moral decay, and societal brokenness resulting from generations of actively "hating" God (i.e., rejecting His covenant) naturally ripple through a family line or community. Children born into such environments inherit the spiritual and moral wasteland created by their forebears' choices, making it harder for them to know and obey God. This highlights the profound impact of corporate and generational sin.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:5 employs several powerful literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the description of God as "jealous," attributing a human emotion to the divine to convey His intense, protective zeal for His unique glory and His covenant relationship with Israel. This is not a flaw in God's character but a holy attribute demonstrating His intolerance for rivals. The phrase "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation]" utilizes a form of **hyperbole** or **figurative language** to emphasize the pervasive and enduring consequences of persistent, corporate sin, particularly idolatry. It illustrates the destructive ripple effect of rebellion, creating environments where subsequent generations are more likely to perpetuate the same patterns. There is also an implicit **contrast** within the broader context of the Decalogue; this verse's warning of consequences for those who "hate me" stands in stark opposition to the promise of steadfast love for "thousands of generations" for those who love God and keep His commandments in [Exodus 20:6](/exodus/20-6 "Exodus 20:6 - God's Steadfast Love"). This juxtaposition highlights the profound difference between the outcomes of obedience and rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:5 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of God and the demands of true worship. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and holiness, revealing Him as a God who justly demands exclusive allegiance because He alone is worthy of it. His "jealousy" is not a flaw but a protective attribute, safeguarding His glory and the purity of His covenant relationship. The verse also introduces the profound theological concept of the generational impact of sin, particularly persistent, corporate rebellion. While individual accountability is paramount (Ezekiel 18), this verse speaks to the societal and spiritual consequences that can create a challenging inheritance for subsequent generations, demonstrating the gravity of idolatry and apostasy. It highlights the principle that choices have consequences, not only for the individual but for the community and future generations.

* [Deuteronomy 5:9](/deuteronomy/5-9 "Deuteronomy 5:9 - Parallel Commandment in Deuteronomy")
* [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - God's Mercy and Judgment")
* [Lamentations 5:7](/lamentations/5-7 "Lamentations 5:7 - Consequences of Ancestral Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to examine the true objects of our worship and devotion. While literal idol worship may be less prevalent in many contemporary contexts, the human heart's propensity to elevate created things above the Creator persists. Modern "idols" can take many forms: money, career, possessions, relationships, comfort, social status, personal ambition, or even self-image. This verse calls us to radical self-examination, asking where our ultimate loyalty, trust, and affection truly lie. God's "jealousy" reminds us that He desires and deserves our wholehearted, undivided devotion. Furthermore, the warning about generational consequences compels us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building. Our choices, whether of obedience or rebellion, have far-reaching effects, shaping the spiritual environment for our children and grandchildren. This should motivate us to live lives of faithful devotion, breaking cycles of sin and establishing patterns of righteousness that can bless future generations, knowing that God's mercy extends to thousands for those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life that compete for God's rightful place and exclusive devotion?**
* **How does understanding God's "jealousy" as a holy, protective love deepen my appreciation for His character?**
* **In what ways might the spiritual choices of previous generations, both positive and negative, be impacting my life or community today?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I actively building for future generations through my devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does Exodus 20:5 mean God punishes innocent children for their parents' sins?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach that God punishes innocent children for the individual sins of their parents. The Bible clearly states that each person is accountable for their own sin ([Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Each Person Accountable for Their Own Sin")). Instead, "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children" refers to the natural, societal, and spiritual consequences that ripple through generations when a family or community persistently and corporately rejects God and embraces idolatry. Children born into such environments often inherit destructive patterns, spiritual blindness, and the negative social and moral effects of their forebears' choices, making it harder for them to know and obey God. It highlights the pervasive nature of systemic sin and its impact on the spiritual landscape of future generations, rather than individual guilt for another's actions.

**What does it mean that God is a "jealous God"?**

Answer: God's jealousy, as described in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy"), is not a human emotion of envy or insecurity. Instead, it is a holy, righteous, and protective zeal for His own glory and for the exclusive devotion of His covenant people. Because God is uniquely sovereign, holy, and the sole source of life and salvation, He rightly demands undivided worship. His jealousy is a passionate love that seeks to protect the purity of His relationship with His people and His rightful place as the one true God, intolerant of anything that would draw their worship away from Him. It is a divine attribute that underscores His absolute uniqueness and His unyielding claim on our hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The demand for exclusive devotion to the "jealous God" is perfectly met in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's glory and the sole object of our worship. In the New Covenant, the focus shifts from a law that reveals sin's generational impact to a grace that breaks its power. Christ, by becoming a curse for us on the cross, has redeemed us from the curse of the law and the generational patterns of sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through faith in Him, we are no longer bound by the iniquity of our fathers but are made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), adopted into God's family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of singular devotion. Jesus Himself declared, "[No one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")," thereby establishing Himself as the exclusive path to God, perfectly satisfying the jealous demands of a holy God. His sacrifice frees us from the bondage of all idols, whether ancient or modern, enabling us to offer Him the undivided worship and service that is His due, for "[He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ's Supremacy")."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

Exodus 34:14

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:

Joshua 24:19

And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Psalms 109:14

Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

Joshua 23:7

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: