King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 5:10 Mean?
“And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.”
Context
8
Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
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,
10
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
11
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
12
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **Them that love me.**—We have an echo of this commandment in the words of our Saviour: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The promise of His presence with us through the “other Comforter” compensates for the absence of any visible image. As *love *in this verse is practical, so is *hatred *in the previous verse. To hate God is to disobey His commandments.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Deuteronomy 5:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Deuteronomy 5:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge