Definition: 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,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 32:18. It's a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about God’s nature and how He interacts with us. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s compassion and justice, but also about His absolute sovereignty – meaning He is in complete control. It's saying that God actively loves and rewards good deeds, while simultaneously holding people accountable for their mistakes. Let’s break it down word by word: “Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands” : This means "You show kindness to thousands." Think of a huge crowd – a massive number of people. “…and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them…” : This is the crucial part. “Iniquity” means sin, wrongdoing, or moral failing. It’s what we do that goes against God's will. "Recompensest" means rewards or recompenses. So, this part says: “You reward the sins of your ancestors.” It suggests that even though people might live a long time and have many children, they are ultimately accountable for their choices and actions. “the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts…” : This is a formal title – “The Lord of Hosts” - emphasizing His greatness and power. Putting it all together: The verse says that God actively loves and rewards good deeds, but also holds people responsible for their past mistakes. He’s not just passively allowing good to happen; He's actively steering things towards positive outcomes. It highlights a balance between grace and consequence – God’s love is powerful, but it’s also based on justice. The Overall Meaning & Context: This verse often points to the idea of judgment or punishment . Jeremiah was writing during a time of great trouble and hardship for Israel. He was urging them to repent and turn away from their sins so that they could be reconciled with God. It’s a reminder that everyone is responsible for their choices, and we are all part of a chain of actions that ultimately lead back to God. Why it's important: This verse is a fundamental part of the Old Testament theology. It speaks to our understanding of: Responsibility: We are accountable for our past choices. Inheritance: Our descendants inherit the consequences of our ancestors’ actions. God's Sovereignty: God is in control and will ultimately judge all things, but He also loves and rewards those who turn to Him. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Jeremiah/32:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Jeremiah/32:18) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletreatment.com/jeremiah-32-18-the-great-mighty-god/](https://thebibletreatment.com/jeremiah-32-18-the-great-mighty-god/) Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation, or perhaps explore a related concept like the idea of sin and redemption?