Deuteronomy 5:9 - Idolatry's generational consequences?

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לָהֶם וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם כִּי אָנֹכִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵל קַנָּא פֹּקֵד עֲוֺן אָבוֹת עַל־בָּנִים וְעַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִים לְשֹׂנְאָי׃

English Translation

thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, punishing the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Transliteration

Lo-tishtachaveh lahem ve-lo ta'avdem ki anochi Adonai Eloheicha El kana pokeid avon avot al-banim ve-al-shileshim ve-al-ribe'im le-son'ai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥֣ה לָהֶ֖ם֮ וְלֹ֣א תׇעׇבְדֵ֑ם֒ כִּ֣י אָנֹכִ֞י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵ֠ד עֲוֺ֨ן אָב֧וֹת עַל־בָּנִ֛ים וְעַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים לְשֹׂנְאָֽ֑י׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Idolatry

The verse (Shemot 20:5) prohibits bowing down to or serving idols, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Hashem. Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לָהֶם וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם" ("thou shalt not bow down to them, nor serve them") includes both physical prostration (hishtachavayah) and any form of service (avodah) directed toward idols. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) elaborates that even gestures of reverence toward idols are forbidden, as they constitute a violation of the prohibition against idol worship.

Divine Jealousy and Justice

The verse describes Hashem as "אֵל קַנָּא" ("a jealous God"), which Rashi interprets as meaning that Hashem does not tolerate the worship of other deities. The Sforno adds that this jealousy is not arbitrary but stems from Hashem's role as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the world. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:36) explains that divine "jealousy" is a metaphor for Hashem's absolute demand for exclusive devotion, as He is the source of all existence.

Punishment Across Generations

The verse states that Hashem punishes "עֲוֺן אָבוֹת עַל־בָּנִים" ("the iniquity of the fathers upon the children"), but this is qualified by the phrase "לְשֹׂנְאָי" ("of those who hate Me"). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that this applies only when the children continue in the sinful ways of their fathers. The Ramban emphasizes that divine justice is precise: punishment extends to later generations only if they perpetuate the sins of their ancestors. The Mechilta further notes that this principle is balanced by the following verse (Shemot 20:6), which promises kindness to thousands of generations of those who love Hashem.

Key Teachings from Commentators

Rashi: The prohibition includes both bowing to idols and performing any service for them.
Rambam: Divine "jealousy" reflects the absolute uniqueness of Hashem's sovereignty.
Ramban: Punishment across generations is conditional on the descendants' persistence in sin.
Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b): Children are only punished for ancestral sins if they follow the same path.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 27b

The verse is discussed in the context of divine justice and the concept of collective punishment, with the Rabbis debating the interpretation of 'visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children.'

📖 Yoma 86b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about repentance and divine mercy, contrasting God's attribute of justice with His attribute of mercy.

📖 Makkot 24a

The verse is cited as part of a broader discussion on the principles of the Torah and the nature of divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Do not bow down to them or serve them' mean in Deuteronomy 5:9?
A: This verse prohibits idol worship in any form—whether physically bowing to idols or serving them in any way. Rashi explains that this includes even gestures that might appear like worship, emphasizing that we must serve only Hashem.

Q: Why does the Torah call Hashem a 'jealous God' in this verse?
A: The term 'jealous' (אֵל קַנָּא) means that Hashem demands exclusive devotion, as He is the only true God. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) teaches that idolatry violates the foundation of our covenant with Hashem, which is why He is described as 'jealous' of false gods.

Q: Does this verse mean children are punished for their parents' sins?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that children are only punished if they continue their parents' sinful ways. The verse applies to those who 'hate' Hashem—meaning they willingly follow evil traditions. However, if they repent, they are not held accountable for their ancestors' mistakes.

Q: Why does the punishment extend to the 'third and fourth generation'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this shows Hashem's patience—He gives multiple generations a chance to repent before punishment. However, the very next verse (Deuteronomy 5:10) contrasts this by saying Hashem shows kindness to thousands who love Him, showing that mercy far outweighs judgment.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The prohibition against idolatry remains relevant—not just to physical idols, but to anything we prioritize above serving Hashem (like money, fame, or desires). The Chofetz Chaim taught that modern 'idolatry' includes letting worldly pursuits distract us from Torah and mitzvot.