Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:2
This verse highlights the same proverb that Jeremiah critiques, raising the question of individual versus communal punishment.
Ezekiel 18:2: What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
Here, it is stated that children shall not be punished for their parents' sins, which contradicts the implication of inherited consequences in Jeremiah 31:29.
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 Exodus 20:5
This verse speaks of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, up to the third and fourth generation, which directly contrasts the concept in Jeremiah 31:29 where it suggests stopping this notion.
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;
Paradox #1
The theological conflict might arise when comparing it to earlier teachings in the Bible where the consequences of parents' sins could affect their children. This verse suggests a shift towards individual responsibility, which could seem inconsistent with previous ideas.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 31:29 might seem to contradict the concept of individual responsibility found in other parts of the Bible, like in Ezekiel 18:20, where it emphasizes that each person is accountable for their own actions. In Jeremiah, it suggests consequences might be shared or inherited, while Ezekiel focuses on personal accountability.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in the concept behind Jeremiah 31:29 could arise from the idea of collective punishment versus individual responsibility. The verse implies a shift from children suffering for their parents' actions to individuals being accountable for their own deeds. The inconsistency might be in how justice is perceived—whether it's just for one generation to bear the consequences of another’s actions or if each person should only be responsible for their own. This can raise questions about fairness and justice in moral and familial contexts.