Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezekiel 18:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezekiel 18:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezekiel 18:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezekiel, if a child does good things and follows God's rules, they will not be punished for their parent's mistakes. Each person is responsible for their own actions and can have a good life by making the right choices.

Ezekiel 18:19: Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, [and] hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:5

This verse says God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation, contradicting the idea that a son is not punished for the father's sins.

Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:9

Similar to Exodus 20:5, this verse states that children can be punished for their fathers' sins, suggesting a generational transmission of punishment.

Deuteronomy 5:9: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 12:14

David's child is struck with illness as a consequence of David's actions, implying that the child suffered for the father's sin.

2 Samuel 12:14: Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also [that is] born unto thee shall surely die.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:18

God is described as visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, conflicting with the notion of individual responsibility presented in Ezekiel 18:19.

Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].

Contradiction with Jeremiah 32:18

This verse discusses God recompensing the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children, contrary to the individual accountability in Ezekiel.

Jeremiah 32:18: 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,

Paradox #1

One possible conflict could arise when comparing this verse with other parts of the Bible that suggest people might suffer consequences for the sins of their ancestors, such as in Exodus 20:5. Ezekiel 18:19 emphasizes individual responsibility, while other passages suggest collective or inherited consequences, creating an apparent inconsistency.

Paradox #2

Ezekiel 18:19 suggests that individuals are responsible for their own actions rather than being punished for the sins of their parents. The contradiction might come from other parts of the Bible, like the concept of original sin or passages where families are collectively punished for one's wrongdoing. This could be seen as inconsistent because it raises questions about whether people are judged individually or collectively for sins.

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