Table of Contents
The Importance of Context
We know that the Bible is not subject to private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20), and yet, many do try to make it subject to theirs. To be fair, everybody has probably put their own personal spin on the Word, primarily because of their worldview. That’s not to say there was bad intent, it was merely filtering Scriptures through the way we see God and life in general.
That being said, when you feel like the Lord is revealing a principle to you, or perhaps someone is teaching what they view as revelation, it is important to compare it with the Bible as led by Holy Spirit. Some have taken passages of Scripture and misapplied them, because they were so focused on their said principle. Moreover, they took them out of context. That can lead to error, and in worse cases, heresy. The latter being intentional.
Sometimes we use phrases to give a quick snapshot of a principle. At times those actual phrases are not found in the Bible, and yet, the principle is clearly there. Case in point: The Trinity or Holy Trinity. Though we don’t see that actual phrase in the Bible, the principle can be found in Scripture. Here’s one we’ll examine: “Generational Curses,” or “Family Curses.” More specifically, we’ll examine a verse in Scripture that is probably the most used to validate this concept. Let’s jump into it.
Does Exodus 20:5-6 Refer To Generational Curses?
Exodus 20:5-6 For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
Before anyone can assign so called generational curses in relation to this passage, one must know what the criteria is before doing so. The first condition is that premise exists within the verse(s), and then see if the principle is applicable. In this instance, what is the premise?
It has to do with the word, visiting, which means to punish, or judge. Iniquity signifies an offence against God’s law, whether or not it was intentional. It also means guilt. Thus, this verse could also be rendered: “the guilt of the fathers.”
The concept is God will punish or judge the iniquity of the fathers, and those who continue in it to the fourth and fifth generation.
There is a major key this passage that helps unlock God’s intent behind it, which is the phrase, to those who hate Me. Those who hate God are the ones to whom judgment comes.
Another phrase of importance is, shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments. Those who love God receive mercy, not judgment.
Question: do we see the word, “curse(s)”; much less, “generational curses” anywhere is these verses? Does it say the children are doomed to follow in their fathers’ footsteps? They do have a choice in the matter, which is based on making the decision to love God.
The idea is God’s judgment and mercy are ongoing. If the so-called generational curse carries to the third and fourth generations, then should it automatically cease at the fifth? Would it not be possible to perpetuate to the fifth and sixth, if the fourth chooses to continue in the iniquity? If that is the case, does the fifth generation now become the first, while the sixth and the seventh become the second and third?
What we find is that it pertains to those who decide to continue in the ways of their fathers who commit iniquity. Verse six also clarifies this point: “And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”
The Actual Context of this Passage
As already stated, it is important to keep verses in context. In this particular case, what is the actual context? Look at the preceding verses:
Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them (the last sentence is the first part of verse 5).
This is about idol worship, not generational curses. Again, it boils down to those who decide follow their previous generations in idol worship, while not worshipping the true, living God. These actions do lead to curses, but again, it is based on individual decisions.
When you read other scriptures, you will also discover God does not punish the children for their parents sins (one being Ezekiel 18:18-20).
Remember this about Curses
Nothing can withstand the Blood of Jesus Christ, nothing! Those who are in Jesus Christ are a new creature, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, so called family or generational curses would be past tense issues. It is coming into the reality of a new life found in Jesus that one is truly free.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
