Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Emphasizes individual responsibility rather than collective punishment, which can contrast with the concept of generational consequences implied in other passages.
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 Exodus 20:5
States that God punishes children for the sins of their parents, contradicting the idea of individual accountability in Ezekiel 18:6.
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
Reiterates the notion that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, opposing the personal responsibility highlighted in Ezekiel 18:6.
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 Jeremiah 31:29-30
Describes a shift from collective to individual punishment similar to Ezekiel 18:6, but traditionally reflects the older belief that children suffer for their parents' sins.
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 Lamentations 5:7
Suggests that children suffer for their fathers' sins, opposing the individualism promoted in Ezekiel 18:6.
Lamentations 5:7: Our fathers have sinned, [and are] not; and we have borne their iniquities.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
Asserts that God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, conflicting with the notion of personal responsibility in Ezekiel 18:6.
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].
Paradox #1
This verse emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions. A contradiction or inconsistency might arise when comparing it to other parts of the Bible that suggest collective or inherited guilt and punishment, such as the idea that children might bear the sins of their parents. This can create confusion about whether individuals are judged solely on their own actions or if they can be held accountable for the actions of others.