Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 20:5. It’s a really important and complex passage about God's relationship with humanity and how He judges people. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it 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 of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them…” – This means don’t be proud or complacent. Don’t think you’re above God or his judgment. It's about humility. “…nor serve them…” – Don't worship or rely on anything other than God. Don’t seek blessings or favors from others. “for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God…” - This is where it gets interesting. The word "jealous" means feeling worried or anxious about something bad happening to someone else. God is feeling worried about sin and wrongdoing. He's not happy when people don’t obey His laws. “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me.” – This is the most complicated part. Let’s break it down: “Iniquity” – This word means “sin” or “moral failings.” It refers to the bad, wrong, and sinful behavior of people who come before us. “Upon the children unto the third and fourth generation…” - This means that God is watching over all generations, including those who have rejected Him and are actively trying to harm others. It’s saying He's constantly looking back at all those who haven’t acknowledged or obeyed him. “That hate me” – This is the core of the verse. God feels a deep pain and anger because people who come before us have repeatedly chosen to disobey Him. He sees it as a pattern of negativity that threatens everything. So, what's the big takeaway? God isn’t angry with everyone. He's angry because of past sins and disobedience. He feels a deep sense of sadness and a desire to protect people from repeating those mistakes. His "jealousy" isn’t about punishing anyone – it’s about protecting the entire world from the consequences of sin. Important Note: This verse is often misunderstood. It's not saying that we should be jealous or resentful of others. Instead, it emphasizes that God's judgment is rooted in the past and that He wants to prevent future problems. --- Resources for Further Learning (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20/Exodus%2020:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/20/Exodus%2020:5) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Exodus-20-5.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Exodus-20-5.html) Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore a related concept (like the importance of obedience)?