Exodus 20:6

6 But I am loyal and gracious to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Exodus 20:6 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 20:6

And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me
And show their love by worshipping God, and him only, by serving him acceptably with reverence and godly fear, by a cheerful obedience to all his commands, by all religious exercises, both internal and external, as follows:

and keep my commandments;
not only this, but all others; for keeping these from right principles, and with right views, is an instance and evidence of love to God, see ( John 14:15 John 14:21 John 14:23 ) and to such persons he shows mercy and kindness, performs acts of grace, and bestows on them blessings of goodness; and indeed it is owing to his own grace, mercy, and kindness to them, that they do love him, and from a principle of love observe his precepts; and this is shown to thousands, to multitudes, who are blessed with such grace as to love the Lord, and keep his commandments: though rather this is to be understood of a thousand generations, and not persons, and should have been supplied, as in the preceding verse, "unto a thousand generations", God being more abundant in showing mercy, and exercising grace and goodness, than he is rigorous in inflicting punishment.

Exodus 20:6 In-Context

4 Do not make an idol for yourself—no form whatsoever—of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.

5 Do not bow down to them or worship them, because I, the LORD your God, am a passionate God. I punish children for their parents' sins even to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.

6 But I am loyal and gracious to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 Do not use the LORD your God's name as if it were of no significance; the LORD won't forgive anyone who uses his name that way.

8 Remember the Sabbath day and treat it as holy.

Footnotes

• [a] Or to thousands