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Exodus 20:5 - Divine jealousy spans generations?

Exodus 20:5 - שמות 20:5

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחְוֶה לָהֶם וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם כִּי אָנֹכִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵל קַנָּא פֹּקֵד עֲוֺן אָבֹת עַל־בָּנִים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִים לְשֹׂנְאָי׃

English Translation

thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, punishing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of those that hate me;

Transliteration

Lo-tishtachaveh lahem ve-lo ta'avdem ki anochi Adonai Eloheicha El kana pokeid avon avot al-banim al-shileshim ve-al-ribe'im le-son'ai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥֣ה לָהֶ֖ם֮ וְלֹ֣א תׇעׇבְדֵ֑ם֒ כִּ֣י אָֽנֹכִ֞י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵ֠ד עֲוֺ֨ן אָבֹ֧ת עַל־בָּנִ֛ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים לְשֹׂנְאָֽ֑י׃
לֹֽא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥֣ה לָהֶ֖ם֮ וְלֹ֣א תׇעׇבְדֵ֑ם֒ כִּ֣י אָֽנֹכִ֞י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵ֠ד עֲוֺ֨ן אָבֹ֧ת עַל־בָּנִ֛ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים לְשֹׂנְאָֽ֑י׃

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Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Idolatry

The verse (Exodus 20:5) prohibits bowing down to or serving idols, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Hashem. Rashi explains that "לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחְוֶה לָהֶם" (thou shalt not bow down to them) refers to any act of prostration, even if not intended as worship, while "וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם" (nor serve them) forbids performing any service typically associated with idolatrous practices. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:6) elaborates that these prohibitions include any gesture that might be construed as reverence toward false deities.

Divine Jealousy and Justice

The phrase "כִּי אָנֹכִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵל קַנָּא" (for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God) underscores Hashem's intolerance of idolatry. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 29:5) teaches that this "jealousy" reflects His deep relationship with Bnei Yisrael—just as a spouse demands exclusive loyalty, so too does Hashem. The Sforno adds that this jealousy is not arbitrary but rooted in divine truth, as idolatry distorts humanity's understanding of the Creator.

Punishment Across Generations

The latter part of the verse describes consequences for those who reject Hashem: "פֹּקֵד עֲוֺן אָבֹת עַל־בָּנִים" (punishing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that this applies only when descendants continue the sinful ways of their ancestors, as implied by "לְשֹׂנְאָי" (those that hate Me). Rashi emphasizes that divine mercy far outweighs punishment, as the very next verse (Exodus 20:6) promises kindness for thousands of generations to those who love Hashem.

Key Teachings from Commentators

  • Ramban: The extended punishment (to the third and fourth generation) serves as a deterrent, but individual repentance always nullifies it.
  • Ibn Ezra: The generational effect highlights how children often inherit the spiritual consequences of their parents' environment unless they consciously choose righteousness.
  • Kli Yakar: The limitation to "third and fourth generations" contrasts with Hashem's boundless mercy, showing that justice is measured while kindness is infinite.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 27b
The verse is discussed in the context of divine justice and the concept of punishment extending to future generations, with rabbinic interpretations on the limits and conditions of this principle.
📖 Yoma 86b
Cited in a discussion about repentance and God's mercy, contrasting the verse's mention of punishment with other verses that speak of God's kindness to thousands of generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them' mean in Exodus 20:5?
A: This verse prohibits idol worship in any form—both physically bowing to idols and serving them through actions or rituals. Rashi explains that this is a direct commandment against avodah zarah (foreign worship), emphasizing that we must serve only Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah describe Hashem as a 'jealous God' in this verse?
A: The term 'jealous God' (אֵל קַנָּא) means that Hashem demands exclusive loyalty. Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 2:1) explains that idolatry is a betrayal of our covenant with Hashem, who is 'jealous' in the sense that He does not tolerate the worship of false gods.
Q: What does it mean that Hashem punishes 'the iniquity of the fathers upon the children'?
A: This refers to the concept of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that children are only punished for their parents' sins if they continue the same sinful behavior. If they repent, the punishment does not apply.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This teaches us to avoid any form of modern 'idolatry'—whether it's excessive devotion to money, fame, or other distractions that take the place of serving Hashem. The Sforno explains that true service to Hashem requires complete dedication in both thought and action.
Q: Why does the punishment extend to the 'third and fourth generation'?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 30:3) teaches that this shows Hashem's patience—He gives multiple generations a chance to repent before punishment is fully carried out. However, the verse also contrasts this with Hashem's kindness to 'thousands of generations' (Exodus 20:6) for those who love Him, showing that mercy far outweighs judgment.