Exodus 34:7
Question
In Exodus 34.7 it says, “He does not remit all punishment, but visits the iniquity of parents upon children and children’s children, upon the third and fourth generations.” Can you please tell me what this means to you? Will my children be punished for my sins? Will their children be punished for my sins? Will their children’s children be punished for my sins? Please explain in as much detail as you can. Do you have anything on this topic?
Thank you very much.
Answers
The commentaries explain that that verse is only applicable when the generations follow in the wicked footsteps of their predecessors. When that happens the sons are held accountable for the parent’s sins because they embraced them and lived them.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team