Jeremiah 32:18

KJV

Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shewest {H6213} lovingkindness {H2617} unto thousands {H505}, and recompensest {H7999} the iniquity {H5771} of the fathers {H1} into the bosom {H2436} of their children {H1121} after {H310} them: the Great {H1419}, the Mighty {H1368} God {H410}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, is his name {H8034},

Complete Jewish Bible

You display your grace to thousands but also repay the guilt of the fathers into the lap of their children who follow them. Great, powerful God, whose name is ADONAI-Tzva'ot,

Berean Standard Bible

You show loving devotion to thousands but lay the iniquity of the fathers into the laps of their children after them, O great and mighty God whose name is the LORD of Hosts,

American Standard Version

who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:18 is a profound declaration within Jeremiah's prayer during the siege of Jerusalem, encapsulating the dual nature of God's character: His boundless lovingkindness extended to thousands of generations, and His perfect justice in recompensing the iniquity of fathers upon their children. This verse simultaneously extols God's magnificent attributes, identifying Him as "the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts," affirming His supreme power and sovereignty even amidst the paradox of impending judgment and promised restoration for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32:18 is embedded within Jeremiah's prayer (verses 17-25), offered after he has obediently purchased a field in Anathoth at God's command (verses 6-15). This act, seemingly illogical given the imminent Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem, serves as a powerful prophetic sign of future restoration—that land will once again be bought and sold in Judah. Jeremiah's prayer is a response to this command, expressing both awe at God's omnipotence and a wrestling with the apparent contradiction of God bringing judgment while simultaneously promising a return from exile. Verse 18 specifically articulates God's consistent character, recalling His established covenant principles of both mercy and justice, which forms the theological bedrock for understanding His actions toward Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is dire: Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, and its fall is a certainty. Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 32:2) for prophesying the city's destruction and the people's exile. The concept of generational sin and its consequences was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern thought, often seen as a direct punitive inheritance. However, within the biblical framework, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Responsibility") and [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability"), it evolved to emphasize individual accountability while still acknowledging the societal and spiritual ripple effects of corporate sin. The titles for God, such as "LORD of hosts," were common in Israel, emphasizing His role as the divine warrior and supreme commander, particularly relevant in times of national crisis and warfare.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. It highlights God's **sovereignty and omnipotence**, particularly through the titles "Great, Mighty God, LORD of hosts," asserting His absolute control over all circumstances, including the current judgment. It underscores the theme of **divine justice**, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their persistent rebellion and iniquity, a theme prevalent throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon")). Simultaneously, it champions **divine lovingkindness (hesed)**, God's steadfast, covenantal loyalty and mercy that endures for "thousands," offering a glimmer of hope for restoration even amid judgment, a promise that God reiterates in [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love"). The tension between judgment and restoration, justice and mercy, is a central paradox explored in the book, finding its resolution in God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lovingkindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This word (H2617) is a cornerstone theological term in the Old Testament, signifying God's loyal, compassionate, and steadfast love, particularly within the framework of His covenant relationship with Israel. It denotes an enduring faithfulness and active benevolence that goes beyond mere affection, often leading to acts of deliverance and preservation. Here, it is shown to extend "unto thousands," emphasizing its vast, generational reach.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) refers to perversity or moral evil, encompassing both the act of sin and its guilt or punishment. It highlights the crookedness or deviation from God's righteous path. The phrase "recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children" indicates the profound, often devastating, socio-spiritual consequences of sin that can ripple through generations, establishing patterns of rebellion that subsequent generations may perpetuate.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective (H1419) describes God's immense nature, signifying His vastness, power, and superiority in every sense. When applied to God, it speaks to His unparalleled majesty and infinite capacity, reinforcing His divine authority and omnipotence. It sets the stage for understanding the scale of His lovingkindness and the profundity of His justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands":** This clause immediately establishes God's benevolent and faithful character. The "thousands" (H505) refers not just to a large number of individuals, but implicitly to thousands of generations, underscoring the enduring and expansive nature of God's covenantal love (H2617, _chêçêd_). It highlights His steadfast mercy and commitment to His people, even when they are unfaithful.
* **"and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them":** This phrase articulates God's justice. "Recompensest" (H7999, _shâlam_) implies making full payment or rendering what is due. "Iniquity" (H5771, _ʻâvôn_) refers to moral evil and its consequences. The "bosom of their children" (H2436, _chêyq_ and H1121, _bên_) signifies a deep, intimate, and often inherited impact. This is not about punishing innocent children for their parents' sins, but about the natural and spiritual consequences of corporate sin and the perpetuation of sinful patterns that affect subsequent generations, leading them to commit similar sins and thus incur God's just judgment.
* **"the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name":** This climactic declaration serves as an affirmation of God's identity and attributes. "Great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) and "Mighty" (H1368, _gibbôwr_) emphasize His supreme power and authority. "God" (H410, _ʼêl_) is a general term for deity, but here refers to the one true God. "The LORD of hosts" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_ and H6635, _tsâbâʼ_) is a powerful title, portraying God as the commander of heavenly armies and all forces in the universe, underscoring His absolute sovereignty and ability to execute His will, whether in judgment or salvation. "Is his name" (H8034, _shêm_) signifies that these attributes are intrinsic to His very being and character.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, presenting God's lovingkindness and His recompensing of iniquity side-by-side, creating a tension that highlights the multifaceted nature of divine justice and mercy. This paradox is further emphasized by the **hyperbole** of "unto thousands," which underscores the immeasurable extent of God's grace. The use of **divine titles** such as "the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts" serves as an **apostrophe** and **appellation**, elevating the tone to one of profound reverence and awe, reinforcing God's supreme authority and power. The phrase "into the bosom of their children" is a form of **metonymy**, where "bosom" represents the intimate and deep-seated impact or inheritance of the consequences of sin, signifying not just physical proximity but profound generational influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:18 presents a profound theological statement about the character of God, revealing Him as simultaneously just and merciful. This tension is not a contradiction but a demonstration of His perfect righteousness. His lovingkindness (hesed) is not diminished by His justice, nor is His justice softened to condone sin. Instead, both attributes operate in perfect harmony, reflecting His holy nature. The generational impact of sin, while acknowledging individual accountability, highlights the corporate dimension of covenant relationship and the pervasive nature of evil's consequences. Yet, the emphasis on God's lovingkindness extending "unto thousands" provides a powerful counter-narrative of hope, assuring that His grace is always greater than human sin, offering a path to restoration through repentance and faith.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Declaration of Mercy and Justice")
* [Deuteronomy 5:9-10](/deuteronomy/5-9 "Deuteronomy 5:9-10 - Consequences of Idolatry")
* [Romans 11:32](/romans/11-32 "Romans 11:32 - God's Mercy on All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:18 invites us into a deeper awe of God's character. It challenges us to hold in tension His boundless mercy and His unwavering justice, recognizing that both are essential aspects of His perfect nature. In a world that often seeks to compartmentalize or diminish one for the sake of the other, this verse calls us to embrace the fullness of who God is. It reminds us that while our sins have real and often far-reaching consequences, God's lovingkindness is eternally available, extending through generations to those who seek Him. This should inspire both a holy fear that leads to repentance and a profound hope that fuels our faith. It also compels us to consider the legacy we are building, understanding that our choices can profoundly impact not only ourselves but also future generations, whether for good or ill. We are called to live in such a way that we contribute to a legacy of faith and righteousness, trusting in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's simultaneous lovingkindness and justice impact your view of His character and your relationship with Him?**
* **In what ways might the "iniquity of the fathers" manifest in contemporary society or even in your own family line, and how can you seek God's grace to break those cycles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live a life that leaves a legacy of faith and obedience for future generations, rather than perpetuating patterns of sin?**
* **How does the title "LORD of hosts" bring comfort or challenge to you in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Does Jeremiah 32:18 mean God punishes innocent children for their parents' sins?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean God punishes innocent children for the sins of their parents in a direct, individual sense. The Bible, particularly in [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Accountability") and [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Each Soul is Accountable"), clearly teaches individual accountability for sin. Instead, "recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children" refers to the profound, often devastating, socio-spiritual consequences and patterns of sin that can ripple through generations. A parent's idolatry, for example, might establish a spiritual environment or cultural norm that leads subsequent generations to commit similar sins, thus incurring God's just judgment for their own actions. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin's effects and the corporate dimension of covenant relationship, where the choices of one generation can create a spiritual climate that influences those who follow.

**What is the significance of God being called "the LORD of hosts"?**

Answer: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is one of the most powerful divine titles in the Old Testament. "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies God's covenant name, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His people. "Hosts" (Sabaoth) refers to armies or multitudes, encompassing both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. This title portrays God as the supreme commander, the divine warrior who controls all creation and all forces, both spiritual and physical. In the context of Jeremiah 32:18, amidst the siege of Jerusalem, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, affirming His ability to execute His will, whether in judgment or in salvation, and His ultimate control over all historical events. It is a declaration of His unparalleled power and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:18, with its profound declaration of God's simultaneous lovingkindness and justice, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "lovingkindness unto thousands" is supremely manifested in God's sending His only Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), to redeem humanity. Through Christ, God's steadfast love is poured out not just to a select few, but to all who believe, offering an eternal covenant of grace that transcends all generational curses (see [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Furthermore, the "recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children" is perfectly addressed at the cross. While the consequences of sin still ripple through humanity, Christ bore the full recompense for all iniquity, breaking the power of inherited sin and its condemnation for those who are in Him (as declared in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). He is the "Great, the Mighty God" (compare [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), the very LORD of hosts, who perfectly embodies both divine justice, by satisfying the righteous demands of the law, and divine lovingkindness, by offering forgiveness and new life to all who turn to Him. In Christ, the tension between God's judgment and His mercy is resolved, demonstrating that God can be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (see [Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Displayed")).

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

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

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,

Deuteronomy 5:10

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

Deuteronomy 7:9

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;

Deuteronomy 7:10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

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;