King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:18 Mean?

Numbers 14:18 in the King James Version says “The LORD is longsuffering , and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilt...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 14:18 · KJV

Context

16

Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

17

And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying,

18

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.

19

Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. until: or, hitherto

20

And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Moses intercedes by quoting God's self-revelation from Exodus 34:6-7, following Israel's golden calf apostasy. This declaration emphasizes God's patience (erek apayim, literally "long of nostrils"—slow to anger), demonstrating that God's fundamental character includes restraint of wrath and extension of mercy to rebels.

"Great mercy" (rav-chesed, רַב־חֶסֶד) emphasizes the abundance of God's covenant love and faithfulness. Chesed represents loyal love, steadfast devotion, covenant faithfulness—God's committed, persistent love toward His people despite their failures. The greatness of this mercy means it abundantly exceeds what we deserve or expect.

The two terms "iniquity" (avon, עָוֹן—perversity, guilt) and "transgression" (pesha, פֶּשַׁע—rebellion, revolt) comprehensively cover both internal moral corruption and external covenant violation. God's forgiveness extends to all categories of sin, demonstrating the reach of divine mercy. However, the qualification "and by no means clearing the guilty" maintains God's justice—mercy doesn't ignore sin but deals with it through proper atonement (ultimately Christ's sacrifice).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage from Israel's Rebellion and Judgment must be understood within its ancient Near Eastern context. The wilderness period (approximately 1446-1406 BCE using early Exodus chronology, or 1290-1250 BCE using late chronology) represents a formative period in Israel's national and spiritual development. Archaeological discoveries from Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia provide important background for understanding Israel's experiences.

The wilderness wanderings occurred in the Negev, Sinai Peninsula, and Transjordan regions—harsh terrain with minimal water and vegetation. Ancient trade routes (like the King's Highway) passed through these areas, and archaeological evidence confirms settlements and fortifications in Edom, Moab, and Ammon during this period. Israel's request for passage and occasional military conflicts align with the geopolitical realities of these regions in the Late Bronze Age.

The incidents of rebellion, complaint, and judgment must be understood against the backdrop of ancient wilderness survival. Water scarcity, disease, dangerous wildlife, and hostile neighbors created genuine hardships. However, Israel's complaints revealed not just human weakness but spiritual failure—they questioned God's goodness and purposes despite abundant evidence of His power and provision. The contrast between God's faithfulness and Israel's faithlessness forms the central theme of this period.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage's emphasis on unbelief deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in His people's lives?
  2. In what specific ways can you apply the principles of rebellion to your current life circumstances and spiritual journey?
  3. How does this passage anticipate Christ's person and work, and how does seeing Christ in this text transform your understanding and application?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יְהוָ֗ה1 of 20

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֶ֤רֶךְ2 of 20

“is longsuffering”

H750

long

אַפַּ֙יִם֙3 of 20
H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְרַב4 of 20

“and of great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

חֶ֔סֶד5 of 20

“mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

נֹשֵׂ֥א6 of 20

“forgiving”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֲוֹ֤ן7 of 20

“iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וָפָ֑שַׁע8 of 20

“and transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

יְנַקֶּ֔ה9 of 20

“and by no means”

H5352

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

לֹ֣א10 of 20
H3808

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

יְנַקֶּ֔ה11 of 20

“and by no means”

H5352

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

פֹּקֵ֞ד12 of 20

“the guilty visiting”

H6485

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

עֲוֹ֤ן13 of 20

“iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אָבוֹת֙14 of 20

“of the fathers”

H1

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

עַל15 of 20
H5921

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

בָּנִ֔ים16 of 20

“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 20
H5921

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

שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים18 of 20

“unto the third”

H8029

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

וְעַל19 of 20
H5921

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

רִבֵּעִֽים׃20 of 20

“and fourth”

H7256

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 14:18 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 Numbers 14:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:6-7Psalms 145:8Exodus 20:5Jonah 4:2Nahum 1:2-3Psalms 103:8

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