Improper understanding of scripture will make myths and superstitions sound biblical. I believe that Exodus 20:5-6 is one of the verses that are misinterpreted in the Bible. Many people believe that this verse speaks of a generational curse.
A generational curse may be defined as a kind of suffering that is passed down the generations because of one’s sin. The curse, which many people think Exodus 20:5-6 is about, is said to be passed up to 4 generations. However, this passage speaks about God visiting the iniquity of the fathers unto children.
Exodus 20:5-6 Context
Exodus 20:5–6: “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments” (NASB). This is the verse many refer in relation to generational curses. These words are said in Exodus 34:7, Number 14:18, and Deuteronomy 5:9.
We must read this verse in its context to get what it means. Even if we cannot know what the verse means, we can know what the verse does not mean. This verse is taken to mean that many people are suffering because God is ‘visiting the iniquity’ of their parents on them. But other verses debunk the idea that God will punish children for the iniquity of their fathers.
In Exodus 20, Moses is on Mount Sinai being given 10 commandments. Israelites are commanded that they shall not make idols. They are not supposed to serve nor worship them. Why is God telling them not to worship idols? Because He is Jealous. God says that He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him, but show mercy to thousands, to those who love Him and keep His commandments.
“The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. Ezekiel 20:18 NKJV.The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
If by visiting iniquity God meant generational curses, then no one can stop it
The Bible tells us that it is God who will “visit the iniquity of the fathers on the children.” Though it does not state what this “visiting” is and how it is done, the Bible clearly says in this very verse that it is God who does it. Now, is there anything that can stop God from doing it? No. There is no prayer or fasting that can reverse what God has purposed to do. God is the one who will visit the iniquity.
We don’t know if this ‘visiting iniquity’ is a generational curse but if it is, then there is nothing that can be done to stop it. It means that those pastors who claim to be able to break generational curses are liars and can do nothing. So, if you believe that this verse speaks of generational curses, there is absolutely nothing you can do. Now, if this ‘visiting the iniquity’ is a generational curse, nothing we can do to stop it.
Children will not suffer for the sins of their fathers
The Bible teaches, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” Ezekiel 18:20 The Jews were using the phrase, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth were set on the edge.” They were using it wrongly. In Deuteronomy 24:16, we see that the son shall not be put to death for the sins of the fathers. This verse is found in the same book which says that God will visit the iniquity of fathers onto children (Deuteronomy 5:9). It is not that children were isolated and punished for the sins of their fathers.
God is emphasizing His loving-kindness more than the ‘visiting iniquity.’
Do you not wonder why his iniquity passed on a few generations (3rd and 4th) but his lovingkindness is to the Thousands (of generations)? Thousand is so great a number to compare with 4 generations. God is displaying his superabundant lovingkindness and goodness. The main emphasis is on His goodness. Exodus 20:5–6: “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments” (NASB)”,
God will visit the iniquity of fathers on children who hate him
We also learn that God will visit the iniquity of fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him. Someone may object to this by saying that the verse means that ‘those who hate Him’ refers to fathers. This is not true because children will be bearing the sins of their fathers which is not true. It won’t make sense in the second part that for a thousand generations, lovingkindness will follow wicked children because their parents loved God. Therefore, we conclude that the iniquity of fathers will be passed on to children who hate God.
It is more likely that wicked parents will have wicked children. Those who reject God are the ones to whom ‘iniquity is visited’. Lovingkindness unto thousands of generations of those who love God. This verse does not mean that fathers’ iniquity is passed onto children who love God. If a child turns away from the wicked way of his father, they will live. Lovingkindness is for those who love God. The wicked are not to enjoy lovingkindness because their fathers obeyed.
“Now, are generational curses biblical? As far as the Bible is concerned, the believer is a new creation, and old things have passed away. God has forgiven their sins and they have peace with God through the righteousness of Christ. Believer, flee from any teaching that tells you you are under a curse. You are complete in Christ Jesus, the head of all principality and power. Shalom.
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