Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Unlike Exodus 20:6, which suggests enduring mercy to future generations of those who love God, Ezekiel 18:20 states that individuals are responsible for their own sins and not those of their parents or children.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
These verses contradict Exodus 20:6 by asserting that people will no longer suffer for the sins of their ancestors; each person will face consequences solely for their own actions.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse contrasts with Exodus 20:6 by declaring that parents and children are not to be punished for each other's sins, emphasizing individual responsibility.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 14:6
Here, it is indicated that the children should not be put to death for the sins of the fathers, maintaining individual accountability that contrasts with multigenerational effects noted in Exodus 20:6.
2 Kings 14:6: But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction because this verse talks about God showing love to many generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. This seems inconsistent when compared to other parts of the Bible that say God's love is unconditional or that His love and forgiveness are available to everyone, even those who don't always obey His commandments. This creates a tension about whether love is conditional or not.
Paradox #2
Exodus 20:6 speaks about showing love to those who love God and keep His commandments. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing it to other parts of the Bible that suggest God's love is unconditional and not dependent on one's actions. This could seem inconsistent because one view emphasizes conditional love based on behavior, while the other suggests love without conditions.
Paradox #3
One possible contradiction is when Exodus 20:6 speaks of God's love for thousands of generations of those who love Him, in contrast to other parts of the Bible where specific generations or people seem to face severe judgments or punishments. This can create confusion about how God's love and justice are balanced throughout biblical history.
Paradox #4
Exodus 20:6 presents a moral conflict because it talks about showing love to many generations of those who love and obey. This can seem inconsistent because it implies that love and favor are conditional, based on obedience. Some might find this unfair, as it suggests that people are rewarded or punished based on the actions of their ancestors rather than their own actions. This can appear in contrast to ideas of personal responsibility and fairness.