Ezekiel 18:3

A common misinterpretation twists this verse to deny any generational consequences of sin, ignoring biblical teachings like Exodus 20:5 on iniquity visiting children; others apply it legalistically to dismiss family patterns of dysfunction or trauma as irrelevant to personal repentance, while some erroneously limit its relevance to ancient Israel, overlooking its timeless call to personal responsibility before God.

God emphatically rejects the common proverb that blames one's spiritual condition on parental sins, declaring under oath that it will no longer be used in Israel to underscore the principle of individual accountability—each person will be judged based on their own righteousness or wickedness, not inherited guilt from ancestors.