You notice that several translators add the words *the guilty*. Translators
add a word because nqh in the Piel stem means "acquit," which in English is
a transitive verb requiring a direct object. "The guilty" are suggested by
the previous clauses that laud the Lord's mercy towards none other than the
guilty. Yet, Lord knows, all are guilty. As you have understood, some of
the guilty are forgiven while others of the guilty are judged and passing
down judgment to their children. As a result of these two different futures
for two sets of the guilty, I think we should suggest supplying a different
direct object than "the guilty." Here's my translation:
"maintaining grace for thousands and forgiving rebellion, transgression and
sin, or not at all acquitting the unrepentant, visiting the rebellion of
fathers upon sons and sons of sons until the third and fourth generations."
First notice what a difference the *or* makes. Second, repentance is one
thing I can think of that would divide the forgiven guilty from the
unforgiven guilty. I am sure there can be other ways to divide the guilty
from the guilty.
Hoping to help.
Shalom,
Bryan
B. M. Rocine
Living Word Church
6101 Court St. Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206