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Jeremiah 32:18

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 32:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name;
Jeremiah 32:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 32

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land.
16Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto Jehovah, saying,
17Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,
18who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name;
19great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
20who didst set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, both in Israel and among [other] men; and madest thee a name, as at this day;
21and didst bring forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror;
← Jeremiah 32:17Jeremiah 32:19 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou showest lovingkindness unto thousands, etc.] Not to thousands of persons only, but to a thousand generations, even such that love, fear, and serve him; (see <022006>Exodus 20:6 <19A508>Psalm 105:8); this is very properly added, for the further strengthening of faith; for though the omnipotence of God assures us that there is nothing but what he can do, yet it gives us no certain encouragement he will do this, or that, or the other, in a favourable and gracious manner; but this his loving kindness, experienced by a multitude of persons in all ages, gives reason to hope for: and recompensest the iniquities of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; it is added in the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Exo 34:7; Isa 65:6). This is taken from the decalogue (Exo 20:5-6). This is a second consideration to check hasty judgments as to God's ways: Thou art the gracious and righteous Judge of the world.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Recompensest - The recompence is placed in the bosom, because, in the East, the garments are so arranged as to form a pocket there. Thus then, men must receive and carry with them God’s requital for their deeds. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“32:18 The Lord consistently showed his unfailing love, but he also held generations accountable for their sins, and their children harvested the consequences. Through his mercy and his judgment, the Lord demonstrated his unlimited power. Jeremiah was confident that the Lord would show his love to his people as he had promised.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“showest: Exo 20:5, Exo 20:6, Exo 34:7; Num 14:18; Deu 5:9, Deu 5:10, Deu 7:9, Deu 7:10 recompensest: Jos 7:24-26; Sa2 21:1-9; Kg1 14:9, Kg1 14:10, Kg1 16:1-3, Kg1 21:21-24; Kg2 9:26; Mat 23:32-36, Mat 27:25 the Great: Gen 49:24; Deu 7:21, Deu 10:17; Neh 1:5; Psa 50:1, Psa 145:3-6; Isa 9:6, Isa 10:21; Isa 57:15; Hab 1:12 the Lord: Jer 10:16, Jer 31:35 Jeremiah 32:19”
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Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 32 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification