Definition: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:20. It’s a really important and somewhat complex idea about sin and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that sin will have serious consequences for those who are deeply wrong. It’s not just about punishment – it’s about a shift in the overall character of the person. Let's unpack each part: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” - This is a strong warning. “Sinneth” means to sin or transgress. It implies a deep moral failing – a loss of rightness and goodness. It’s like a wound to your spirit. “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son.” - This is where it gets more profound. Think of it this way: "Father" represents God. “Son” represents a person – you and me. “Iniquity” means “sin” or wrongdoing. “Bear” means to carry something. So, the son isn’t responsible for the sin of their father. Instead, the son's character is affected by the sins of their parents – specifically, the sins they inherit. It means that a person who consistently acts badly will have a bad character inherited from those before them. “The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” - This is the crucial part. It says that God’s judgment isn't just against the person who did the sin, but towards the person who was born from that sin. God will look favorably on those who are righteous (good) and harshly punish those who are wicked (bad). In simpler terms: Imagine a family tree. This verse is saying that if a person consistently chooses to do wrong – if they're deeply flawed – their entire family, including God, will be affected by their mistakes. God's judgment isn't just about the individual; it’s about how their choices impact their lineage. Why is this important? It speaks to a fundamental truth: our actions have consequences. We are accountable for our choices, and we inherit those choices – both good and bad – through our family history. It's a reminder of the importance of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and striving to be better people. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway - Ezekiel 18:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/Ezekiel%2018%3A20) [Wikipedia - Ezekiel 18:20](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_18%3A20) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore a related concept like forgiveness and redemption?