Books like Ezekiel and Jeremiah argue for individual responsibility, stating that every person will die for their own sin, not their ancestors'.
The phrase describes the idea that the consequences of a parent's wrongdoings can affect their descendants for generations. Originating from ancient Hebrew scriptures, this concept has evolved from a divine judicial warning into a profound psychological and literary theme. While early texts suggest God "visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children" (Exodus 20:5), later passages like Ezekiel 18:20 clarify that "the son shall not bear the guilt of the father," emphasizing individual moral agency. Biblical and Theological Roots
The concept serves as a central tension in Judeo-Christian theology between collective responsibility and personal accountability.
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