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Numbers 14:18 - Divine justice balances mercy.

Numbers 14:18 - במדבר 14:18

Hebrew Text

יְהוָה אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וְרַב־חֶסֶד נֹשֵׂא עָוֺן וָפָשַׁע וְנַקֵּה לֹא יְנַקֶּה פֹּקֵד עֲוֺן אָבוֹת עַל־בָּנִים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִים׃

English Translation

The Lord is longsuffering, and great in love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty, punishing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation.

Transliteration

Adonai erekh apayim ve-rav chesed, noseh avon va-fesha ve-nakeh lo yenakeh, pokeid avon avot al banim al shileshim ve-al ribe'im.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֙יִם֙ וְרַב־חֶ֔סֶד נֹשֵׂ֥א עָוֺ֖ן וָפָ֑שַׁע וְנַקֵּה֙ לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֔ה פֹּקֵ֞ד עֲוֺ֤ן אָבוֹת֙ עַל־בָּנִ֔ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִֽים׃
יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֙יִם֙ וְרַב־חֶ֔סֶד נֹשֵׂ֥א עָוֺ֖ן וָפָ֑שַׁע וְנַקֵּה֙ לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֔ה פֹּקֵ֞ד עֲוֺ֤ן אָבוֹת֙ עַל־בָּנִ֔ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Attributes of Mercy and Justice

The verse (Numbers 14:18) describes Hashem's middos (attributes), emphasizing both His boundless compassion and strict justice. Rashi explains that "אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם" (longsuffering) means Hashem delays His anger, giving sinners time to repent. "רַב־חֶסֶד" (great in love) refers to His abundant kindness, even when undeserved. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:3) teaches that these attributes encourage teshuvah (repentance), as Hashem patiently waits for sinners to return.

Forgiveness and Accountability

The phrase "נֹשֵׂא עָוֺן וָפָשַׁע" (forgiving iniquity and transgression) indicates Hashem pardons unintentional sins (עון) and even deliberate rebellions (פשע) when one repents sincerely. However, "וְנַקֵּה לֹא יְנַקֶּה" (but by no means clearing the guilty) teaches that unrepentant sinners will not escape judgment. The Sforno notes that this balance ensures divine justice is neither overly lenient nor harsh.

Intergenerational Consequences

The latter part of the verse discusses punishment extending to future generations ("עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִים"). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that this applies only when descendants continue their ancestors' sinful ways. Rashi adds that this principle is counterbalanced by Hashem's kindness extending to thousands of generations for those who keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 7:9), showing that reward far outweighs punishment.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Hashem's mercy grants sinners ample opportunity for teshuvah before judgment.
  • Divine forgiveness is available for all levels of sin when accompanied by sincere repentance.
  • Justice is exacted upon those who remain unrepentant, maintaining cosmic balance.
  • Intergenerational consequences serve as a warning, but do not punish innocent descendants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 86a
The verse is cited in a discussion about God's attributes of mercy and justice, particularly focusing on the balance between forgiveness and punishment.
📖 Sanhedrin 27b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the concept of collective punishment and the extent to which children are held accountable for the sins of their fathers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem is 'longsuffering and great in love'?
A: This means that Hashem (G-d) is patient with people's mistakes and slow to anger, giving them time to repent. At the same time, His love is abundant, as He desires to forgive. Rashi explains that 'longsuffering' refers to G-d delaying punishment to allow for repentance, while 'great in love' refers to His abundant kindness.
Q: Why does the verse say Hashem forgives 'iniquity and transgression' but also punishes 'to the third and fourth generation'?
A: This teaches that while Hashem is merciful and forgives those who sincerely repent (as explained by Rambam in Hilchot Teshuvah), He also holds people accountable if they persist in wrongdoing. The punishment extending to future generations applies only when children continue the sinful ways of their ancestors (Talmud, Sanhedrin 27b). If they repent, the cycle is broken.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us of two key principles: (1) We should emulate Hashem’s patience and kindness by being forgiving toward others. (2) We must take responsibility for our actions, knowing that our choices can impact future generations—either positively through righteousness or negatively through continued wrongdoing (Midrash Tanchuma, Pekudei 3).
Q: What does 'He does not clear the guilty' mean in Jewish tradition?
A: This means that while Hashem forgives those who sincerely repent (teshuvah), He does not simply overlook sin without repentance. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that true repentance requires regret, confession, and a commitment not to repeat the sin. Without these steps, justice is carried out.
Q: Why does the punishment extend to the 'third and fourth generation'? Isn't that unfair?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains that this applies only when later generations continue the sinful behavior of their ancestors. However, if they choose a righteous path, the punishment is lifted. This emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility—each generation has the power to break negative cycles through repentance and good deeds.