Deuteronomy 5:9

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَا تَسْجُدَ لَهَا أوْ تَعْبُدَهَا، لِأنِّي أنَا إلَهٌ غَيُّورٌ. أحْسِبُ خَطَايَا الآبَاءِ فِي أوْلَادِهِمْ وَأحْفَادِهِمْ وَأوْلَادِ أحْفَادِهِمْ مِنَ الَّذِينَ يُبغِضُونَنِي.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from the Bible tells us that we should not worship any other gods besides the Lord. God says He is a jealous God and will punish those who do not follow Him, even affecting their children and grandchildren.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a best friend who doesn't like it when you play with other friends. If you choose to play with others, your best friend might be upset, and you might not get to play with them for a while. In the same way, God wants us to focus only on Him and not on other things that try to take His place.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Deuteronomy, which was written by Moses around 1250 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites, who were about to enter the Promised Land and needed to be reminded of God's commands and His nature as a jealous God.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, we can apply this verse by staying focused on what is truly important and not letting other things, like money or popularity, take the place of our relationship with God. For example, a student might struggle to resist the temptation to cheat on a test because they want to be popular, but this verse reminds them to prioritize their values and faith.

Topics

• worship
• jealousy
• divine justice
• generational consequences
• loyalty
• commandments

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:5
• Exodus 34:14
• Numbers 14:18
• Psalms 99:8
• 1 Corinthians 10:22

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to be jealous?

God's jealousy in this context means He desires exclusive devotion and love from His people, similar to a husband wanting only his wife's love.

Does this verse mean God punishes children for their parents' sins?

While this verse mentions consequences for future generations, it also emphasizes personal responsibility and the possibility of repentance in other parts of the Bible.

How can we avoid serving other gods today?

We can avoid serving other gods by focusing on God's commands and living a life centered on Him, rather than on material possessions or other distractions.

What is the significance of this verse for modern believers?

This verse reminds believers to stay committed to God and not let other priorities take His place, emphasizing the importance of faith and loyalty.