Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
This verse states that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, suggesting generational punishment.
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, it mentions God punishing children for the iniquities of their parents.
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 Numbers 14:18
Declares that God punishes the children for the sins of their fathers to the third and fourth generation.
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 2 Samuel 12:14
Illustrates how David's child was struck with illness as a consequence of David'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 Lamentations 5:7
States that the people suffer for the sins of their fathers, implying generational punishment.
Lamentations 5:7: Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 18:20 might seem contradictory to the idea of original sin, which suggests that all humans inherit sin from Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. In this verse, it states that individuals are accountable for their own sins and not for the sins of their parents. This can create tension with the doctrine that humanity shares in the guilt of Adam's sin.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 18:20 states that individuals are responsible for their own actions and will face consequences for their own sins, not for the sins of others. A potential conflict arises when comparing this to the idea of inherited sin, such as the doctrine of original sin that suggests all are affected by the sin of Adam. Some might see a contradiction between individual responsibility in Ezekiel and the concept of collective or inherited sin in other parts of Christian doctrine.
Paradox #3
The verse suggests that individuals are responsible for their own actions and that children should not be punished for the sins of their parents. However, this idea appears to contradict other parts of the Bible where God punishes children for the sins of their parents (e.g., Exodus 20:5). This creates an inconsistency in the teachings about inherited guilt and responsibility.
Paradox #4
Ezekiel 18:20 could seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that talk about inherited sin or punishment across generations, like the idea of original sin from Adam and Eve or certain passages where God punishes future generations for the sins of their ancestors. This verse, however, emphasizes personal responsibility, saying that each person is accountable for their own actions. The conflict is between collective punishment in some parts and individual accountability here.