Exodus 34:7
New International Version
maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

New Living Translation
I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.”

English Standard Version
keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Berean Standard Bible
maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

New American Standard Bible
who keeps faithfulness for thousands, who forgives wrongdoing, violation of His Law, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, inflicting the punishment of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

NASB 1995
who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

NASB 1977
who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Legacy Standard Bible
who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Amplified Bible
keeping mercy and lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; but He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers upon the children and the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers].”

Christian Standard Bible
maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin. But He will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ wrongdoing on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.

American Standard Version
keeping lovingkindness 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, upon the third and upon the fourth generation.

Contemporary English Version
I keep my promises to my people forever, but I also punish anyone who sins. When people sin, I punish them and their children, and also their grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

English Revised Version
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, upon the third and upon the fourth generation.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He continues to show his love to thousands of generations, forgiving wrongdoing, disobedience, and sin. He never lets the guilty go unpunished, punishing children and grandchildren for their parents' sins to the third and fourth generation."

Good News Translation
I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin; but I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents."

International Standard Version
He graciously loves thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. But he does not leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the ancestors on their children, and on their children's children to the third and fourth generation."

Majority Standard Bible
maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

NET Bible
keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and children's children, to the third and fourth generation."

New Heart English Bible
keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; and that will by no means clear [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and upon the children's children, upon the third and upon the fourth [generation]."

Webster's Bible Translation
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, to the third and to the fourth generation.

World English Bible
keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children’s children, on the third and on the fourth generation.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
keeping kindness for thousands, taking away iniquity, and transgression, and sin, and not entirely acquitting, charging iniquity of fathers on sons and on sons’ sons, on a third and on a fourth [generation].”

Young's Literal Translation
keeping kindness for thousands, taking away iniquity, and transgression, and sin, and not entirely acquitting, charging iniquity of fathers on children, and on children's children, on a third generation, and on a fourth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Watching kindness for thousands, taking away iniquity, and transgression and sin, and acquitting, will not cleanse; striking the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and upon the sons' sons, upon the third and the fourth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who keepest mercy unto thousands: who takest away iniquity, and wickedness, and sin, and no man of himself is innocent before thee. Who renderest the iniquity of the fathers to the children, and to the grandchildren, unto the third and fourth generation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
who preserves mercy a thousand fold, who takes away iniquity, and wickedness, and also sin; and with you no one, in and of himself, is innocent. You render the iniquity of the fathers to the sons, and also to their descendents to the third and fourth generation.”

New American Bible
continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation!

New Revised Standard Version
keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Keeping mercy for thousands of generations, forgiving sins and transgressions, who by no means justifies the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, to the third and fourth generation.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH passed by before him and called out LORD JEHOVAH, LORD JEHOVAH God, compassionate and brooding, he that is patient in his Spirit and abundant in his grace and in his truth,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation, 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 unto the fourth generation.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and keeping justice and mercy for thousands, taking away iniquity, and unrighteousness, and sins; and he will not clear the guilty; bringing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and to the children's children, to the third and fourth generation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tablets are Replaced
6Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, 7maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” 8Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped.…

Cross References
Numbers 14:18
‘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.’

Psalm 103:8-10
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. / He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. / He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities.

Nehemiah 9:17
They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.

Joel 2:13
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Jonah 4:2
So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Psalm 86:15
But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.

Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

Jeremiah 32:18
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,

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

Luke 6:36-37
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. / Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.


Treasury of Scripture

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 on the children, and on the children's children, to the third and to the fourth generation.

keeping

Exodus 20:6
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:10
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Nehemiah 1:5
And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

forgiving

Psalm 103:3
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Psalm 130:4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

Exodus 23:7,21
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked…

Numbers 14:18-23
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

Deuteronomy 32:35
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

visiting

Exodus 20:5,6
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; …

Jump to Previous
Children Children's Clear Disobedience Fathers Forgives Forgiving Fourth Generation Guilty Iniquity Keeping Keeps Kindness Love Loving Means Mercy Sin Steadfast Third Thousands Thousandth Transgression Unpunished Visiting
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Children Children's Clear Disobedience Fathers Forgives Forgiving Fourth Generation Guilty Iniquity Keeping Keeps Kindness Love Loving Means Mercy Sin Steadfast Third Thousands Thousandth Transgression Unpunished Visiting
Exodus 34
1. The tablets are replaced
5. The name of the Lord proclaimed
8. Moses entreats God to go with them
10. God makes a covenant with them, repeating certain duties
28. Moses after forty days on the mount, comes down with the tablets
29. His face is radiant, and he covers it with a veil














maintaining loving devotion
The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "chesed," which encompasses steadfast love, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness. This term is central to understanding God's character in the Old Testament. It signifies a love that is loyal and enduring, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people. The phrase "maintaining loving devotion" suggests an active, ongoing process, emphasizing that God's love is not passive but continually upheld and renewed across generations.

to a thousand generations
This phrase underscores the vastness and perpetuity of God's covenantal love. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a "generation" typically spanned about 40 years, so "a thousand generations" symbolizes an immeasurable duration. It highlights the eternal nature of God's promises, suggesting that His faithfulness extends far beyond human comprehension or temporal limitations.

forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin
The Hebrew words for "iniquity" (avon), "transgression" (pesha), and "sin" (chatta'ah) cover a spectrum of moral failings. "Iniquity" refers to a twisted or perverse action, "transgression" implies a rebellion against authority, and "sin" denotes missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. The inclusion of all three terms indicates the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness, addressing every form of human failing. This reflects the depth of God's grace and His willingness to restore those who turn to Him in repentance.

Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished
This phrase affirms God's justice. While He is merciful and forgiving, He is also righteous and just. The Hebrew word for "guilty" (naqah) implies being held accountable for one's actions. God's justice ensures that wrongdoing is addressed, maintaining moral order in the universe. This balance between mercy and justice is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating that God's character is both loving and holy.

He visits the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren
The concept of "visiting iniquity" reflects the communal and generational impact of sin. In the ancient world, family and community were tightly knit, and the actions of one member could affect the entire group. This phrase does not imply that children are punished for their parents' sins, but rather that the consequences of sin can ripple through generations. It serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching effects of disobedience and the importance of living righteously.

to the third and fourth generation
Contrasted with the "thousand generations" of loving devotion, this phrase highlights the limited scope of God's judgment compared to His mercy. While the consequences of sin may affect several generations, God's steadfast love and faithfulness extend far beyond. This contrast emphasizes the overwhelming predominance of God's grace over His judgment, encouraging believers to trust in His enduring mercy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
maintaining
נֹצֵ֥ר (nō·ṣêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep

loving devotion
חֶ֙סֶד֙ (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to a thousand [generations],
לָאֲלָפִ֔ים (lā·’ă·lā·p̄îm)
Preposition-l, Article | Number - masculine plural
Strong's 505: A thousand

forgiving
נֹשֵׂ֥א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

iniquity,
עָוֺ֛ן (‘ā·wōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

transgression,
וָפֶ֖שַׁע (wā·p̄e·ša‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588: Transgression

and sin.
וְחַטָּאָ֑ה (wə·ḥaṭ·ṭā·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

Yet He will by no
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

means
וְנַקֵּה֙ (wə·naq·qêh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5352: To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated

excuse [the guilty];
יְנַקֶּ֔ה (yə·naq·qeh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352: To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated

He will visit
פֹּקֵ֣ד ׀ (pō·qêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

the iniquity
עֲוֺ֣ן (‘ă·wōn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

of the fathers
אָב֗וֹת (’ā·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their children
בָּנִים֙ (bā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

and grandchildren
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the third
שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים (šil·lê·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8029: Pertaining to the third

and fourth generations.”
רִבֵּעִֽים׃ (rib·bê·‘îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7256: Pertaining to the fourth


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OT Law: Exodus 34:7 Keeping loving kindness for thousands forgiving iniquity (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 34:6
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