Deuteronomy 5:10
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Original Language Analysis
וְעֹ֤֥שֶׂה
And shewing
H6213
וְעֹ֤֥שֶׂה
And shewing
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֖֙סֶד֙
mercy
H2617
חֶ֖֙סֶד֙
mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
2 of 6
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
לַֽאֲלָפִ֑֔ים
unto thousands
H505
לַֽאֲלָפִ֑֔ים
unto thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 6
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
לְאֹֽהֲבַ֖י
of them that love
H157
לְאֹֽהֲבַ֖י
of them that love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
4 of 6
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
Cross References
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Jeremiah 32:18Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.Daniel 9:4And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, God demonstrated covenant faithfulness ('chesed') to generations of believers: preserving a righteous remnant through apostasy, raising godly kings like David, Hezekiah, and Josiah, and ultimately sending the Messiah. Despite Israel's repeated covenant violations, God never abandoned His elect remnant. This mercy finds ultimate expression in Christ, through whom God extends covenant love to countless believers across all generations and nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the asymmetry between judgment (3-4 generations) and mercy (thousands) reveal God's essential character as gracious?
- What does the inseparable link between loving God and keeping His commandments teach about the nature of saving faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The covenant promise 'shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments' reveals God's gracious character. The numerical contrast is striking: judgment extends to 'third and fourth generation,' mercy to 'thousands'—divine grace vastly exceeds wrath. The phrase 'love me and keep my commandments' defines true religion as affection producing obedience, not mere external conformity. Love and obedience are inseparably linked (John 14:15). The Hebrew 'chesed' (mercy/lovingkindness/covenant faithfulness) describes God's loyal love to covenant keepers. This prefigures the New Covenant where God's law is written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).