Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

And shewing {H6213} mercy {H2617} unto thousands {H505} of them that love {H157} me, and keep {H8104} my commandments {H4687}.

but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot. d

but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

and showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Commentary

Exodus 20:6 is a profound statement of God's character, revealing His steadfast love and faithfulness. It stands as a glorious counterpoint to the preceding verse, which warns of judgment for those who hate Him through idolatry, emphasizing His desire for relationship rooted in love and obedience.

Context

This verse is part of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, specifically elaborating on the second commandment concerning idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5). While verse 5 declares God's jealousy and the consequences for those who rebel, verse 6 highlights His immense grace and mercy. It shows that God's primary inclination is not toward wrath, but toward extending mercy to those who genuinely respond to Him in love and obedience.

Key Themes

  • God's Abundant Mercy: The phrase "shewing mercy unto thousands" powerfully contrasts with "unto the third and fourth generation" mentioned in the previous verse. This emphasizes God's readiness to bless and forgive far more extensively than He judges. His mercy is not limited but is poured out generously.
  • Covenant Loyalty and Love: This verse underscores God's deep commitment to His covenant. The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is often chesed, which signifies not just pity, but a loyal, steadfast love that is an essential part of God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. It's a love that endures and is faithful to promises.
  • The Link Between Love and Obedience: The verse clearly connects "them that love me" with "and keep my commandments." True love for God is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through obedience to His will. This principle is foundational throughout Scripture, highlighting that obedience flows from a heart devoted to God, rather than being a means to earn His favor. Jesus later affirmed this connection.
  • Generational Blessing: Unlike the generational consequences for rebellion, God promises blessing "unto thousands" of those who love Him. This speaks to the enduring nature of God's blessing and His desire to extend His favor through generations of faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "mercy" in this context is chesed (Χ—ΦΆΧ‘ΦΆΧ“). As mentioned, it's a rich term encompassing covenant loyalty, steadfast love, faithfulness, and kindness. It describes God's unwavering commitment to His people, a love that is active and demonstrated through His gracious actions. This is not a passive emotion but an active, enduring attribute of God's character.

Practical Application

Exodus 20:6 offers immense encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today:

  • God's Character is Hopeful: This verse reminds us that God's nature is overwhelmingly merciful and loving. While He is just and holy, His desire is to bless those who walk with Him in love. This provides profound hope and security for believers.
  • Love Drives Obedience: Our obedience to God's commandments should not be a burdensome duty but a joyful response to His incredible love for us. When we truly love God, keeping His commands becomes a natural expression of that affection and devotion, as 1 John 5:3 teaches.
  • Generational Impact: Our faithfulness to God has far-reaching implications, not just for ourselves but potentially for future generations. Living a life of love and obedience can lay a foundation for God's blessings to extend to our families and communities.
  • Invitation to Relationship: Ultimately, this verse is an invitation to a loving relationship with God. He desires not just adherence to rules, but a heart that loves Him and expresses that love through a life of obedience and trust in His steadfast goodness, as seen throughout the Old Testament's emphasis on God's covenant faithfulness.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 7:9 (22 votes)

    Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

  • John 14:21 (12 votes)

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  • 1 John 5:3 (12 votes)

    For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

  • Jeremiah 32:39 (11 votes)

    And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

  • Jeremiah 32:40 (11 votes)

    And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

  • Acts 2:39 (10 votes)

    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  • Deuteronomy 5:29 (10 votes)

    O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!