Topical Bible: Parents: Sins of, Visited on Their Children

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the sins of parents being visited upon their children is a theme that appears in various passages throughout the Bible. This idea is often understood within the context of divine justice and the consequences of sin, reflecting the interconnectedness of family and community in biblical times.

Biblical Foundation

One of the primary scriptures addressing this concept is found in the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:5-6 , God declares, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments." This passage suggests that the consequences of idolatry and disobedience can extend beyond the individual to affect subsequent generations.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 5:9-10 , the same principle is reiterated, emphasizing the seriousness with which God views the covenant relationship with His people. The generational impact of sin is not merely punitive but serves as a warning to maintain faithfulness to God.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, families and tribes were tightly knit units, and the actions of one member could have significant repercussions for the entire group. The communal nature of society meant that the sins of an individual, particularly a leader or patriarch, could bring about consequences for the whole family or community.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the idea of sins being visited upon children raises questions about justice and mercy. It underscores the gravity of sin and the importance of righteous living. However, it is also balanced by the biblical theme of individual responsibility. Ezekiel 18:20 states, "The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him." This passage highlights that each person is ultimately accountable for their own actions.

Redemption and Hope

Despite the sobering message of generational consequences, the Bible also offers hope and redemption. The New Testament reveals the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which breaks the cycle of sin and offers new life. In Galatians 3:13-14 , Paul writes, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us... so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of generational sin serves as a call to vigilance in spiritual and moral matters. It encourages parents to model godly behavior and to teach their children the ways of the Lord, as instructed in Proverbs 22:6 : "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." By fostering a household grounded in faith and obedience, parents can help mitigate the negative effects of sin and cultivate a legacy of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:5
You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 14:20
You shall not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land, and slain your people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 5:7
Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their iniquities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sins of Parents visited
... when their father's sins are visited on them ... felt the punishment of their parents'
sins upon them ... to greater earnestness in educating their children, to greater ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... common death of all men, or if they be visited after the ... hard, some may think, that
the wives and the children should suffer for their parents' sins. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... the terrible desolations by which their sins were visited. ... all the light given to
their parents, the children ... became partakers of the parents' sins, and filled ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... the terrible desolations by which their sins were visited. ... all the light given to
their parents, the children ... became partakers of the parents' sins, and filled ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... guilty of iniquity, it will be visited upon the ... position, and remind us that pious
parents are known to have ungodly children who died in their sins. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

The Merchant's Son.
... After this his parents removed not far from London, where ... sister was the first that
was visited with this ... He answered, "I am assured that my sins are forgiven ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/the merchants son.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... suppose that a priest could forgive sins for a ... That same day I visited Colhares,
a romantic ... intelligence to understand the Scriptures their parents took them ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 17.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... that Midianitish priest, or prince, visited Moses, bringing ... souls from death, and
hiding multitudes of sins." *. ... the pious counsels of their parents, and attend ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Baptism of Daniel.
... had established a school in Singonahully, and visited it regularly ... At these times
many of the parents attended, and ... but even then there were some sins which I ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter eighteen baptism of daniel.htm

A Discourse On
... the law, and layeth to our charge sins against our ... a shameful death; for he shall
be visited according to ... are witnesses of wickedness against parents when God ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm