Old Testament
Deuteronomy 5:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You must not bow down to them or worship them, because I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. I hold children accountable for the sin of their parents to the 3rd and 4th generation of those who hate me,
Compare translations
Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto 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,
What Deuteronomy 5:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of loyalty and devotion to God. It warns against worshiping other gods or idols, highlighting that God is passionate about His relationship with His people. The term 'jealous' here reflects God's desire for exclusive love and commitment. He wants us to understand that our choices can have lasting effects, not just on ourselves but also on future generations. When we turn away from Him, it can lead to consequences that impact our children and their children. This is a call to recognize the weight of our actions and the legacy we leave behind. God desires a deep, personal connection with us, urging us to choose Him above all else. By doing so, we not only honor Him but also protect our families from the repercussions of turning away from His love and guidance. Ultimately, this verse invites us to reflect on our priorities and the impact of our faith on those we love most deeply. It’s a reminder that our relationship with God shapes our lives and those around us.
How to apply Deuteronomy 5:9 to your life
Consider what you prioritize in your life. Are there distractions or influences that pull you away from your relationship with God? Reflect on how your choices affect not just you, but also your family and future generations. Make a conscious effort to strengthen your commitment to God and encourage others to do the same. Your faith can create a positive legacy for those who follow you.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1–33)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 5:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 5:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 5:9 mean?
Deuteronomy 5:9 emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God and warns against worshiping other gods or idols. It highlights God's passionate desire for an exclusive relationship with His people and the lasting consequences of turning away from Him.
What is the meaning of 'jealous God' in Deuteronomy 5:9?
The term 'jealous God' in Deuteronomy 5:9 reflects God's desire for exclusive love and commitment from His followers. It signifies His deep emotional investment in the relationship with His people and His intolerance for divided loyalties.
How can I apply Deuteronomy 5:9 to my life?
To apply Deuteronomy 5:9, reflect on your priorities and identify any distractions that may lead you away from God. Strengthen your commitment to Him and consider how your choices may influence your family and future generations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.