Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:19-20
While Jeremiah 17:4 suggests a passed-down consequence, Ezekiel 18:19-20 emphasizes that individuals bear responsibility for their own sins alone.
Ezekiel 18:19-20: 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 20:5-6
This indicates that the iniquity of the fathers affects future generations, yet Jeremiah 17:4 focuses on an individual's inherited curse and the cessation of God's favor.
Exodus 20:5-6: 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 24:16
This states that children should not be punished for their parents' sins, which contrasts with the notion in Jeremiah 17:4 of inheriting consequences for ancestral actions.
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.
Paradox #1
This verse suggests that people will lose their inheritance due to their own actions and disobedience. A possible theological conflict might arise with verses that emphasize God's grace and forgiveness, where despite human error, God provides redemption and restoration. This can seem inconsistent because one suggests permanent consequences for disobedience while others emphasize mercy and second chances.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 17:4 talks about God's people losing their inheritance because of their sins. Some people might see a contradiction because other parts of the Bible say God's promises and gifts are everlasting and unchangeable. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of losing an inheritance. However, many believe that the context here is about the consequences of actions and not a permanent loss of God's promises.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 17:4 might present a contradiction or inconsistency regarding the notion of divine punishment and exile. The verse implies that people will lose their inheritance due to their own actions, suggesting a collective punishment. Historically, this raises questions about individual accountability versus collective responsibility, and whether future generations should be punished for the actions of their ancestors, as seen in some interpretations of biblical justice.
Paradox #4
One potential moral conflict in Jeremiah 17:4 could be the idea of inheriting consequences for actions not personally committed. This raises questions about fairness and individual responsibility, as it seems to suggest that people might suffer for the wrongdoings of others.