Devine Scripture

Exodus 20:6

What does Exodus 20:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 20:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Exodus 20:6 means

In contrast to the judgment on those who hate Him, God declares His abundant mercy and steadfast love (hesed) towards those who love Him and obey His commandments. This lovingkindness extends to thousands of generations, emphasizing the overwhelming generosity and enduring nature of His grace. It reveals God's character as one who delights in showing mercy far more than judgment, offering hope and encouragement to live in faithful obedience. This promise underscores the relational aspect of the covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will have mercy through a thousand generations on those who have love for me and keep my laws.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and doing kindness to thousands, of those loving Me and keeping My commands.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse provides a powerful counterpoint to the previous verse, which spoke of generational judgment. Here, God highlights His character of abundant mercy for those who honor Him. This contrast is crucial for understanding the full scope of God's character, balancing His righteousness with His lovingkindness. It places the commandments within a framework of grace and relationship, showing that obedience leads to blessing, not merely avoiding punishment.

v.5thou 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,

v.6This passage

v.7Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 John 1:6

    And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.

  • Romans 11:28

    As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love, because he first loved us.

  • Deuteronomy 7:9

    Know therefore that Jehovah thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations,

  • Deuteronomy 4:37

    And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out with his presence, with his great power, out of Egypt;

  • John 14:21

    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 unto him.

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