King James Version

What Does Exodus 20:5 Mean?

Exodus 20:5 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Exodus 20:5 · KJV

Context

3

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4

Thou shalt not make unto 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 water under the earth:

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;

6

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

7

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.

Read Exodus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

Two prohibited actions: 'bow down' (לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה, lo-tishtachaveh) and 'serve' (לֹא תָעָבְדֵם, lo ta'ovdem)—worship in posture and practice. God's jealousy (קַנָּא, qanna) isn't petty but protective—like a husband's righteous jealousy for his wife. Idolatry is spiritual adultery; God's jealousy guards covenant love. 'Visiting iniquity' (פֹּקֵד עֲוֹן, poqed avon) means consequences of sin ripple through generations—children suffer parents' idolatry's effects (not guilt). Sin has generational impact. But note: four generations of judgment versus thousands of generations of mercy (v. 6)—grace outweighs wrath 250:1. 'Them that hate me' defines idolaters—rejecting God for idols is hatred, however sincere the religiosity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient covenants invoked curses on violators. God's 'jealousy' uses marriage language—Israel is His bride, idolatry is adultery. The generational consequences reflect observable reality: parents' sins affect children.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is God's jealousy different from human jealousy—why is it righteous rather than petty?
  2. In what ways do parents' sins (especially idolatry) affect subsequent generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
לֹֽא1 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתַּחְוֶ֥֣ה2 of 21

“Thou shalt not bow down”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶ֖ם֮3 of 21
H0
וְלֹ֣א4 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָעָבְדֵ֑ם֒5 of 21

“thyself to them nor serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

כִּ֣י6 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָֽנֹכִ֞י7 of 21
H595

i

יְהוָ֤ה8 of 21

“them for I the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 21

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֵ֣ל10 of 21

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

קַנָּ֔א11 of 21

“am a jealous”

H7067

jealous

פֹּ֠קֵד12 of 21

“visiting”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲוֺ֨ן13 of 21

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אָבֹ֧ת14 of 21

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַל15 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּנִ֛ים16 of 21

“upon the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַל17 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים18 of 21

“unto the third”

H8029

a descendant of the third degree, i.e., great grandchild

וְעַל19 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רִבֵּעִ֖ים20 of 21

“and fourth”

H7256

a descendant of the fourth generation, i.e., great great grandchild

לְשֹׂנְאָֽ֑י׃21 of 21

“generation of them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 20:5 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 Exodus 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 5:9Numbers 14:18Deuteronomy 4:24Exodus 34:14Joshua 24:19Psalms 109:14

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 20 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes