Ezekiel 18:20

Amharic (Tigrigna: Contemporary Tigrinya Bible 2024)

ሓጢኣት እትገብር ነፍሲ ክትመውት ኣለዋ። ወዲ በደል ኣቦ ኣይስከም፡ ኣቦ ድማ በደል ወዲ ኣይስከምን እዩ።

What Does This Mean?

Ezekiel 18:20 says that each person is responsible for their own actions. God does not hold children accountable for their parents' sins, nor do parents bear the consequences of their children's sins. Each person will face the consequences of their own righteousness or wickedness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friend both have your own piggy banks. If your friend spends all their money on candy, they can't blame you for their empty piggy bank, and you can't blame them for yours. This verse says each person is like their own piggy bank and is responsible for what they do with it.

Historical Background

Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this verse around 593 BC while in exile in Babylon. The audience was the Jewish exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem, emphasizing individual responsibility in a time of national sin and judgment.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, a son is not legally responsible for his father's debts or crimes, and vice versa. This verse reminds us to take responsibility for our own choices, whether in family, work, or personal life.

Topics

• responsibility
• justice
• individuality
• consequences
• judgment
• merit

Related Verses

• Genesis 3:12
• Deuteronomy 24:16
• 2 Samuel 24:17
• Romans 6:23
• 2 Corinthians 5:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this verse mean that children cannot be affected by their parents' actions?

Children can certainly be affected by their parents' actions, but they are not held responsible for their parents' sins before God. The focus is on personal responsibility.

How does this verse apply to forgiveness?

This verse emphasizes individual accountability, which can make forgiveness more direct and personal, as each person can ask for and offer forgiveness based on their own actions.

Can this verse be used to argue against inherited sin?

Yes, this verse supports the idea that each person is responsible for their own actions, which can be seen as a counter to the concept of inherited sin.

How does this verse relate to the concept of justice?

This verse highlights a core aspect of justice, which is that each person should face the consequences of their own actions, reflecting fairness and individual accountability.