Numbers 14:18
‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easy to miss is that God's character is presented in tension: He is indeed "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love," but this doesn't mean He overlooks sin. The verse directly follows this with the strong declaration that He "by no means clear[s] the guilty," highlighting that God's justice is as real as His mercy. This isn't a contradiction, but a profound statement about the balanced nature of His righteousness and His incredible grace.
Following the Israelites' fearful refusal to enter the promised land after the spies' discouraging report, God is ready to destroy them in His anger. Moses intercedes, appealing to God's mercy and reputation among the nations, reminding God of His covenant faithfulness. This plea leads to God's declaration of His character, which includes both His forgiveness and His unwavering justice against sin.
Ever felt like God's patience has limits? This verse reveals the incredible depth of His restraint and His overflowing kindness.
The verse opens by declaring God's core character: "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." This isn't just a nice-sounding phrase; it's a profound truth about how God relates to humanity. "Slow to anger" (or longsuffering) means He doesn't react impulsively to our failures. He waits, giving us opportunity to repent. "Abounding in steadfast love" (often translated as mercy or lovingkindness) speaks of His deep, unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a love that goes above and beyond what we deserve.
This declaration isn't abstract. It comes in a moment of extreme rebellion by the Israelites. Despite God's miracles, they've just rebelled, wanting to return to Egypt and even threatening to stone Moses and Aaron. Yet, in this very context, God's primary description of Himself is one of patience and deep love.
God is merciful, but does that mean there are no consequences for sin? This verse presents a challenging balance.
Immediately following the description of His mercy, the verse delivers a stark contrast: "but he will by no means clear the guilty." This is God's absolute commitment to justice. While He is patient and forgiving, this does not mean sin goes unpunished. He is holy and cannot simply overlook wrongdoing.
The phrase "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation" is one of the most difficult in Scripture. It doesn't mean that innocent children are punished for their parents' sins in a way that removes personal accountability. Instead, it describes the generational consequences of sin. When sin becomes ingrained in a family or a community, its effects ripple outward, impacting subsequent generations through broken relationships, corrupted values, and a distorted understanding of God. This is often seen in how patterns of addiction, abuse, or unfaithfulness can persist through families.
However, it's crucial to remember that this consequence is limited, not infinite. And, as seen in the larger context of Scripture, God also extends His mercy to those who turn to Him, breaking these cycles.
Understand the original words
ʾerek ʾappayim · Hebrew Adjective/Phrase
Refers to God’s patient restraint from executing immediate judgment, allowing time for repentance and displaying His mercy.
ḥeseḏ · Hebrew Noun
A foundational covenant term (hesed) describing God's loyal, faithful, and enduring love that persists despite human unfaithfulness.
ʿāwōn · Hebrew Noun
Refers to moral perversion, guilt, or deliberate crookedness against God’s standard; it involves both the act and the resulting consequence.
pešaʿ · Hebrew Noun
Rebellion or crossing a boundary; it signifies a conscious breach of the covenant relationship with God.
This declaration of God's character occurs immediately after a pivotal moment of rebellion and divine judgment. It underscores that while God is merciful and forgiving, His justice demands accountability for persistent sin, impacting generations.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, performing numerous signs and wonders. This event establishes God's power and covenant relationship with Israel.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
At Mount Sinai, God formally establishes the Mosaic covenant, giving the Israelites His law and specifying blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
c. 1445 BC
Reconnaissance of Canaan
The Israelites send twelve spies into the land of Canaan to scout its defenses and resources. This mission is a critical turning point leading to the people's rebellion.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea
Ten of the twelve spies bring back a negative report, instilling fear and leading the Israelites to rebel against God's command to enter Canaan. They attempt to stone their leaders.
This passage describes God's character as revealed to Moses, echoing the 'slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity' found in Numbers 14:18, but also acknowledging His justice in not clearing the guilty.
Psalm 103:8This psalm directly parallels the description of God's character in Numbers 14:18, highlighting His merciful nature ('slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love') while also emphasizing His justice ('he does not keep his anger forever, nor does he contend forever').
Romans 9:14-18The Apostle Paul grapples with God's justice and mercy, directly referencing the concept of God having mercy on whom he chooses and hardening whom he chooses, which relates to the balance of God's steadfast love and His justice towards the guilty mentioned in Numbers 14:18.
Jeremiah 31:29-30This passage addresses the concept of inherited consequence for sin, similar to Numbers 14:18, but also introduces the New Covenant where 'each will die for his own iniquity,' pointing towards a future where individual responsibility is emphasized.
Nehemiah 9:17This prayer recounts God's faithfulness and mercy, directly quoting the description from Exodus and Numbers, 'slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,' underscoring the consistent revelation of God's character throughout Israel's history.
clarkeNumbers 14:18: "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."
The Lord is longsuffering - See the note on Exodus 34:6 .
calvinNumbers 14:10-38: "But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel."
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Tunc dixit tota multitudo, ut eos lapidibus obruerent: et gloria Jehovae apparuit in tabernaculo conventionis omnibus filiis Israel.
And the…
What's easy to miss is that God's character is presented in tension: He is indeed "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love," but this doesn't mean He overlooks sin. The verse directly follows this with the strong declaration that He "by no means clear[s] the guilty," highlighting that God's justice is as real as His mercy. This isn't a contradiction, but a profound statement about the balanced nature of His righteousness and His incredible grace.
Following the Israelites' fearful refusal to enter the promised land after the spies' discouraging report, God is ready to destroy them in His anger. Moses intercedes, appealing to God's mercy and reputation among the nations, reminding God of His covenant faithfulness. This plea leads to God's declaration of His character, which includes both His forgiveness and His unwavering justice against sin.
"‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’" — What's easy to miss is that God's character is presented in tension: He is indeed "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love," but this doesn't mean He overlooks sin. The verse directly follows t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Numbers 14:18 is available in the Sola app.
nāqâ · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
One who is legally and morally accountable for sin, specifically one who has not been justified or acquitted by God.
c. 1445 BC
God's Judgment Pronounced
In response to the rebellion, God declares that the entire generation that came out of Egypt will die in the wilderness, and they will not enter the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC
Forty Years of Wandering Begins
The Israelites are condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years, a year for each day the spies were in the land, as a consequence of their disbelief and rebellion.
