Jeremiah 32:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou 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,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God shows mercy to thousands but also visits the consequences of parents' sins on their children.
The Context of Jeremiah 32:18
God's character: mercy to thousands and generational justice.
What Does Jeremiah 32:18 Mean?
Jeremiah acknowledges God's dual character: lovingkindness toward thousands on one hand, and justice that extends consequences across generations on the other. This is not contradiction but the fullness of God's nature—mercy is boundless, yet accountability spans generations. The titles 'Great,' 'Mighty God,' and 'LORD of hosts' underscore His majesty and power.
The reference to generational consequences speaks directly to Jeremiah's moment. The fathers of his generation disobeyed; the children pay the price in exile. Yet God's mercy is also generational, suggesting that restoration too extends across time and reaches those yet unborn.
Jeremiah 32:18 in the Original Language
חָסֶד (chesed), 'lovingkindness'—a profound Hebrew concept combining loyalty, mercy, and covenant commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 32:18
What does Jeremiah 32:18 mean?
God shows mercy to thousands but also visits the consequences of parents' sins on their children.
What is the context of Jeremiah 32:18?
God's character: mercy to thousands and generational justice.