What does Exodus 20:6 mean?
ESV: but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
NIV: but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
NASB: but showing favor to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
CSB: but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.
NLT: But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
KJV: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
NKJV: but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Verse Commentary:
When a person sins, they are accountable to God for their own actions (Jeremiah 14:20). No one can point to their parents, traditions, or culture as an excuse (Exodus 20:5). This includes idolatry: worshipping objects or deities other than the God of Israel (Exodus 20:2–4). God's second commandment (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1) makes it clear that worshipping other gods is a heinous sin.
Even if someone was raised in a wicked culture, they are still responsible for their choices (Romans 1:18–21). When future generations repeat the sins of their ancestors, they can expect the same judgment (Exodus 20:5). In much the same way, God promises His loyal love to the generations who honor Him. Every outcome is based on that generation's choice (1 Kings 9:4–9): to obey (1 Kings 15:11–13; 2 Kings 22:1–2) or disobey God (1 Kings 15:1–3; 22:51–53; 2 Chronicles 28:1–4).
Verse Context:
Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.
Chapter Summary:
At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)
Chapter Context:
Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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