Numbers 14:18

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is longsuffering {H750}{H639}, and of great {H7227} mercy {H2617}, forgiving {H5375} iniquity {H5771} and transgression {H6588}, and by no means {H5352} clearing {H5352} the guilty, visiting {H6485} the iniquity {H5771} of the fathers {H1} upon the children {H1121} unto the third {H8029} and fourth {H7256} generation.

Complete Jewish Bible

'ADONAI is slow to anger, rich in grace, forgiving offenses and crimes; yet not exonerating the guilty, but causing the negative effects of the parents' offenses to be experienced by their children and even by the third and fourth generations.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’

American Standard Version

Jehovah is slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:18 encapsulates a profound revelation of God's character, delivered by Moses during his intercession for rebellious Israel. It portrays the LORD as supremely patient and abundantly merciful, eager to forgive the full spectrum of human sin. Yet, this divine grace is held in perfect tension with His unwavering justice, declaring that the guilty will by no means be acquitted. The verse concludes with the challenging truth that the consequences of unrepented sin can ripple through generations, impacting children unto the third and fourth, underscoring the serious and far-reaching nature of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:18 is a direct quotation from Moses' impassioned prayer of intercession for Israel, found in [Numbers 14:11-19](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11-19 - Moses' Intercession"). This prayer immediately follows the climactic moment of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, where, swayed by the fearful report of ten spies, they refused to enter the Promised Land and even contemplated appointing a new leader to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-10](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-10 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")). God's righteous anger flared, and He threatened to disinherit Israel and make a greater nation from Moses ([Numbers 14:12](/numbers/14-12 "Numbers 14:12 - God's Threat to Israel")). In response, Moses appeals to God's reputation among the nations and, more powerfully, to God's own self-revelation of His character, specifically referencing the attributes declared at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses"). This verse, therefore, is the theological bedrock of Moses' plea, strategically reminding God of His own nature as both merciful and just.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period following the Exodus and preceding the entry into Canaan. Israel, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage and having received the Law at Sinai, was poised to inherit the land promised to their ancestors. However, their repeated murmuring, lack of faith, and outright rebellion marked this era. The concept of corporate identity and the impact of a leader's or community's sin on the collective were deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite thought. While individual accountability was also taught (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Individual Accountability")), the idea that the consequences of sin could affect future generations was a recognized reality, not necessarily implying direct guilt but rather the enduring societal, spiritual, and even physical repercussions of foundational choices. The wilderness generation's failure to trust God led to a forty-year delay and their ultimate demise outside the Promised Land, serving as a stark historical example of the principles articulated in this verse.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 14:18 is rich with several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it profoundly reveals **God's Character**, emphasizing His intrinsic attributes of patience and steadfast love. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of a God who is slow to anger and abounding in grace, even towards a stiff-necked people, as seen throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "The Books of Moses"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Forgiveness and Justice**. God's willingness to "forgive iniquity and transgression" underscores His redemptive nature, yet the immediate counterpoint, "by no means clearing the guilty," firmly establishes His unyielding commitment to justice and holiness. This tension is central to understanding divine governance. Thirdly, the verse introduces the complex theme of **Generational Consequences of Sin**. While not implying inherited guilt, it speaks to the reality that patterns of sin, rebellion, and their resulting brokenness can indeed cast a long shadow, affecting the spiritual and social landscape for successive generations. This theme is balanced elsewhere by the emphasis on individual responsibility, such as in [Ezekiel 18](/zekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility for Sin"). Finally, the verse implicitly supports the theme of **Intercessory Prayer**, as Moses leverages God's revealed character as the basis for his plea for mercy, demonstrating the power of appealing to God's own nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Longsuffering (Hebrew, _'erekh appayim'_):** This phrase literally translates to "long of nose" or "slow to anger." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, anger was often associated with the flaring of nostrils. Thus, "long of nose" vividly conveys the idea of immense patience, a divine slowness to wrath, and a capacity to endure provocation without immediate retribution. It speaks to God's incredible forbearance and His willingness to delay judgment, offering ample opportunity for repentance.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chesed'_):** This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's unwavering, faithful, and compassionate love, especially within the context of His covenant relationship with Israel. It's a love that is active, loyal, and enduring, even when His people are disloyal. It is the attribute that compels God to forgive and restore.
* **Clearing the guilty (Hebrew, _naqah lo' yənaqqeh'_):** The Hebrew uses a double negative construction, _lo' yənaqqeh_ (literally "not he will clear"), which emphatically means "He will by no means clear" or "He will certainly not acquit." This phrase underscores God's absolute commitment to justice. While He is merciful and forgives, He does not condone sin or leave the guilty unpunished. There are always consequences for unrepented sin, and God's holiness demands that justice be served, whether through direct judgment or through a substitute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy":** This opening clause establishes God's primary disposition towards His creation, particularly His covenant people. It highlights His infinite patience and abundant, steadfast love (chesed). This is not merely a passive quality but an active, enduring attribute that allows for repeated acts of rebellion without immediate, annihilating judgment. It is the foundation of hope for a sinful people.
* **"forgiving iniquity and transgression":** This clause specifies the active manifestation of God's mercy and patience: His willingness and power to pardon sin. "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, _'avon'_) often refers to the crookedness or perversity of sin, the moral distortion. "Transgression" (פֶּשַׁע, _pesha'_) implies rebellion, a deliberate breaking of covenant. Together, these terms encompass the full scope of human sin, from inherent moral corruption to overt acts of defiance, all of which God is capable and willing to forgive.
* **"and by no means clearing [the guilty]":** This crucial phrase introduces the tension between God's mercy and His justice. Despite His willingness to forgive, God's holiness and righteousness demand accountability. He will not simply overlook sin or acquit those who remain unrepentant and guilty. This ensures that His character is not seen as weak or indifferent to evil, but as perfectly balanced. Consequences for sin are inevitable, whether borne by the sinner or by a divinely appointed substitute.
* **"visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].":** This is perhaps the most challenging clause. It does not mean that children are held personally guilty for their parents' sins, as other scriptures clarify individual accountability (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Son Shall Not Bear the Iniquity of the Father")). Rather, it speaks to the profound, often devastating, ripple effects of foundational, unrepented sin. Patterns of idolatry, injustice, and rebellion can create a spiritual and social environment that negatively impacts successive generations, leading to continued suffering, brokenness, and a perpetuation of sinful behaviors. This highlights the seriousness of sin and its long-term societal and familial consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Juxtaposition** is central, immediately placing God's "longsuffering, and of great mercy" in direct contrast with His refusal to "clear the guilty." This creates a powerful tension, demonstrating that divine grace does not negate divine justice; rather, both are integral to God's perfect character. The phrase "iniquity and transgression" functions as a **merism**, encompassing the totality of human sin, from its inherent bent to its rebellious acts. The concept of "longsuffering" itself, derived from "long of nose," is a subtle form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human physical characteristic to God to describe His emotional state of patience. Furthermore, the verse is a direct **quotation/echo** of God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Character Revealed"), functioning as an appeal to God's own established covenant character. This echo lends immense weight and authority to Moses' intercession, reminding God of His own declared nature. The structure of the verse, moving from grace to justice to the far-reaching consequences of sin, also demonstrates a deliberate **rhetorical progression**, building from comfort to solemn warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:18 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the intricate balance of God's attributes: His boundless mercy and His unwavering justice. It reveals a God who is not only willing to forgive but who actively seeks to extend grace, yet never at the expense of His perfect righteousness. This tension is not a contradiction but a reflection of His holy character, ensuring that sin is never trivialized. The declaration that God will "by no means clear the guilty" underscores the necessity of atonement and highlights the profound seriousness of rebellion against a holy God. The generational impact of sin, while not implying inherited guilt, serves as a solemn warning about the pervasive and enduring consequences of unrepented iniquity, emphasizing the need for breaking cycles of sin through divine intervention.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Proclamation of His Name")
* [Psalm 103:8-12](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-12 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Deuteronomy 5:9-10](/deuteronomy/5-9 "Deuteronomy 5:9-10 - Consequences of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:18 offers a profound mirror for self-examination and a powerful invitation to worship. To truly grasp that the LORD is "longsuffering and of great mercy" should humble us, knowing that our own transgressions have not exhausted His patience. This truth should cultivate deep gratitude and encourage us to approach Him boldly for forgiveness, confident in His readiness to pardon. Yet, the verse equally demands a sober recognition of the seriousness of sin. God's declaration that He will "by no means clear the guilty" reminds us that sin carries real consequences, both for individuals and, potentially, for generations. This should motivate us to genuine repentance, a turning away from sin, and a diligent pursuit of righteousness. Furthermore, understanding the concept of generational consequences can empower us to identify and actively seek to break cycles of sin, brokenness, or ungodly patterns that may have been passed down in our families, trusting in God's transformative power to bring healing and new beginnings. Finally, Moses' intercession, rooted in this very character of God, inspires us to pray for others, appealing to the same divine attributes of mercy and justice on their behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between God's longsuffering mercy and His refusal to clear the guilty shape your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might the "iniquity of the fathers" manifest in contemporary society or even in your own family patterns, and how can you seek God's intervention to break such cycles?**
* **What does Numbers 14:18 teach you about the seriousness of your own sin, and what is your appropriate response to both God's forgiveness and His justice?**

### FAQ

**Does "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children" mean children are punished for their parents' sins?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean that children are held personally guilty or punished for their parents' sins. Other scriptures, such as [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Accountability"), clearly state that "the son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity." Instead, Numbers 14:18 speaks to the profound, often devastating, **consequences** and **patterns** of unrepented sin that can affect successive generations. For example, a father's idolatry might lead to a family culture of spiritual apathy or rebellion, impacting his children and grandchildren. A parent's addiction could lead to cycles of poverty, abuse, or dysfunction that ripple through the family line. These are the societal, spiritual, and sometimes physical repercussions of sin, not a transfer of guilt. God's justice ensures that each individual is accountable for their own choices, but the effects of sin are far-reaching and can create a challenging environment for those who follow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very attributes of God—His longsuffering, great mercy, and willingness to forgive—are perfectly embodied and supremely demonstrated in the person and work of Christ. On the cross, God's infinite patience and steadfast love met His unwavering justice. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the one upon whom the "iniquity and transgression" of humanity were laid ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). In His atoning sacrifice, God "by no means cleared the guilty" in a general sense, but rather, the guilt was fully absorbed and satisfied in Christ, allowing God to be both [just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is Just and Justifier"). Through Christ, the generational cycles of sin and its devastating consequences can be broken, as believers are made [new creations in Him](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), no longer bound by the patterns of the past but empowered to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). The divine tension between mercy and justice, so clearly articulated in Numbers 14:18, is gloriously resolved and revealed in the cross, where God's holiness is upheld and His boundless love is poured out for the redemption of humanity.

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

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,

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].

Psalms 145:8

The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Jonah 4:2

And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

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;

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Nahum 1:3

The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.