2 Chronicles 25:4

KJV

But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he slew {H4191} not their children {H1121}, but did as it is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} in the book {H5612} of Moses {H4872}, where the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680}, saying {H559}, The fathers {H1} shall not die {H4191} for the children {H1121}, neither shall the children {H1121} die {H4191} for the fathers {H1}, but every man {H376} shall die {H4191} for his own sin {H2399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he did not put their children to death; rather, he acted according to what is written in the Torah, in the scroll of Moshe, as ADONAI ordered when he said, "Fathers are not to die for the children, nor are the children to die for the fathers; every person will die for his own sin."

Berean Standard Bible

Yet he did not put their sons to death, but acted according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the LORD commanded: “Fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.”

American Standard Version

But he put not their children to death, but did according to that which is written in the law in the book of Moses, as Jehovah commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers; but every man shall die for his own sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Amaziah of Judah, in a remarkable act of judicial restraint and adherence to divine law, executed the assassins of his father but spared their children. This action directly applied a foundational Mosaic principle, explicitly quoted in the verse, which mandates individual accountability for sin, ensuring that punishment falls solely upon the transgressor and not upon innocent family members, thereby distinguishing God's justice from the prevailing collective retribution common in the ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the reign of King Amaziah, son of Joash. After securing his throne (as noted in [2 Chronicles 25:1-2](/2_chronicles/25-1 "2 Chronicles 25:1-2 - Amaziah's Reign Begins")), Amaziah takes action against the officials who had assassinated his father, King Joash ([2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Assassination of Joash")). The immediate preceding verse, [2 Chronicles 25:3](/2_chronicles/25-3 "2 Chronicles 25:3 - Amaziah Executes Assassins"), describes the execution of these murderers. [2 Chronicles 25:4](/2_chronicles/25-4 "2 Chronicles 25:4 - Individual Accountability") then provides a crucial qualification to this act of justice, highlighting Amaziah's obedience to a specific divine command that prevented him from extending the punishment to the children of the assassins. This detail underscores Amaziah's initial commendable adherence to God's law, setting a tone for his early reign, even though his later actions would prove more mixed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was a common practice for entire families or even communities to suffer consequences for the actions of one individual, particularly in cases of treason or severe crimes against the state. This collective punishment served as a powerful deterrent and a means of eradicating potential threats or blood feuds. Examples of this practice, even within Israel's early history, include the stoning of Achan's entire family for his sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment"). However, the Mosaic Law, as quoted in this verse from [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Law of Individual Responsibility"), explicitly forbade this practice for capital offenses, establishing a unique standard of individual justice. Amaziah's decision to abide by this law, rather than succumbing to the temptation of total eradication or cultural norms, demonstrates a significant act of faith and obedience to the distinct ethical framework of the Israelite covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [2 Chronicles 25:4](/2_chronicles/25-4 "2 Chronicles 25:4 - Individual Accountability") is **Divine Justice and Individual Accountability**. God's law, unlike many human legal systems of the time, insists that each person is responsible for their own sin and will be judged accordingly. This principle prevents the innocent from suffering for the guilty, reflecting God's perfect righteousness and fairness. Closely related is the theme of **Adherence to Mosaic Law**. Amaziah's action is presented as a direct fulfillment of the command "written in the law in the book of Moses," emphasizing the paramount importance of obeying God's revealed will. This commitment to the covenant law was a hallmark of righteous kingship in Judah. Furthermore, the verse implicitly reveals **God's Character** as just, merciful, and precise in His judgments, distinguishing Him from capricious ancient deities. This enduring truth of individual responsibility is powerfully reiterated centuries later by the prophet Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability"), challenging the popular proverb about children suffering for their fathers' sins.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _harag_):** This verb means "to kill" or "to slay." In the context of the verse, its use highlights Amaziah's deliberate restraint. He had the power and perhaps the cultural precedent to "slay" the children, but he chose not to, demonstrating a conscious act of obedience to a higher command.
* **law (Hebrew, תּוֹרָה, _torah_):** More than just a set of rules, _torah_ refers to divine instruction, teaching, or guidance. Here, it specifically points to the written revelation given through Moses. The phrase "in the law in the book of Moses" emphasizes the authoritative, divinely inspired, and written nature of the command Amaziah followed, distinguishing it from mere human tradition or expediency.
* **sin (Hebrew, חֵטְא, _chet_):** This term signifies "missing the mark," "offense," or "guilt." In the phrase "every man shall die for his own sin," _chet_ underscores the personal culpability and moral responsibility inherent in the divine legal system. It is not an inherited stain or a collective failing that leads to death in this context, but individual transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he slew not their children":** This opening clause immediately sets up a contrast, highlighting Amaziah's deviation from what might have been expected or culturally acceptable. It emphasizes his specific act of mercy and restraint, focusing on the *exclusion* of the children from the punishment.
* **"but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses":** This phrase provides the divine justification and authority for Amaziah's action. His decision was not arbitrary or based on personal sentiment, but a direct and conscious application of God's revealed will, found in the Pentateuch.
* **"where the LORD commanded, saying":** This clause underscores the divine origin and imperative nature of the law. It was not a human statute but a direct command from Yahweh, imbuing it with ultimate authority and moral weight.
* **"The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers":** This is the core principle being quoted from [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - The Law of Individual Responsibility"). It explicitly negates the practice of collective punishment, establishing a foundational tenet of individual accountability within God's covenant justice.
* **"but every man shall die for his own sin":** This concluding phrase powerfully reiterates and summarizes the principle. It affirms that the penalty for sin is strictly personal, reinforcing the idea that guilt and its consequences are not transferable across generations in a judicial sense.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Quotation**, presenting a precise citation from the Mosaic Law found in [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - The Law of Individual Responsibility"). This device lends immense authority and weight to Amaziah's action, rooting it firmly in divine command rather than human discretion. Furthermore, there is a clear use of **Contrast**, as Amaziah's specific act of not slaying the children stands in stark opposition to the prevailing ancient Near Eastern custom of collective punishment, which often involved the eradication of entire families for the crimes of one member. This contrast highlights the unique and morally superior nature of God's justice. Finally, **Emphasis through Repetition** is evident in the two parallel clauses – "The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers" – followed by the conclusive "but every man shall die for his own sin." This reiteration powerfully reinforces the central theological truth of individual accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 25:4 profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of perfect justice and righteousness. Unlike human systems that often resort to collective punishment for expediency or vengeance, God's law meticulously distinguishes between the guilty and the innocent, ensuring that retribution is precise and personal. This principle of individual accountability is foundational to the covenant relationship, emphasizing that each person stands before God responsible for their own choices and actions. It underscores the fairness and moral integrity of the divine judge, preventing the innocent from suffering for the transgressions of others and ensuring that true justice is served. This divine standard sets Israel apart from surrounding nations, reflecting a profound theological truth about God's nature and His dealings with humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "The Law of Individual Responsibility")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/zekiel/18-20 "The Soul Who Sins Will Die")
* [Jeremiah 31:29-30](/jeremiah/31-29 "New Covenant and Individual Accountability")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principle of individual accountability articulated in 2 Chronicles 25:4 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to embrace personal responsibility while also shaping our understanding of justice in human systems. It reminds us that before God, each person is answerable for their own choices, actions, and spiritual condition; we cannot deflect blame onto our ancestors, circumstances, or community. This truth fosters a mature faith that acknowledges personal culpability and the need for individual repentance and faith. Furthermore, this divine standard serves as a model for human justice, calling us to pursue fairness, avoid prejudice, and resist the temptation to assign collective guilt or punish the innocent for the sins of others. In a world often quick to condemn based on association or group identity, this verse champions a nuanced and righteous approach, reflecting God's own character. It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He sees and judges each person individually, offering both comfort to the innocent and a clear call to repentance for the guilty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of individual accountability challenge modern tendencies towards collective guilt or blame in society or even within the church?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and communities, better reflect God's justice and fairness in our interactions and judgments of others?**
* **How does understanding God's commitment to individual justice deepen our trust in His character and His ultimate judgment, especially concerning salvation?**

### FAQ
**Why was this law necessary if the idea of individual accountability seems so obvious today?**

Answer: While the principle of individual accountability may seem intuitive to us, it was a radical and counter-cultural concept in the ancient Near East. As noted in the historical context, collective punishment—where entire families or even communities were held responsible for the actions of one member—was a common and accepted practice. This was often done to prevent blood feuds, ensure complete eradication of a perceived threat, or simply as a brutal display of power. God's command, as quoted in [2 Chronicles 25:4](/2_chronicles/25-4 "2 Chronicles 25:4 - Individual Accountability") from [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - The Law of Individual Responsibility"), explicitly forbade this practice for capital crimes within Israel. This law was crucial to establish a distinct moral and legal framework for God's covenant people, emphasizing His unique character of justice and mercy, and preventing cycles of indiscriminate vengeance. It also highlighted the personal nature of sin and righteousness before God.

**Are there any exceptions to this principle of individual accountability in the Bible, or instances where the consequences of sin affect others?**

Answer: It's important to differentiate between judicial punishment for sin and the broader consequences of sin. The law in [2 Chronicles 25:4](/2_chronicles/25-4 "2 Chronicles 25:4 - Individual Accountability") and [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - The Law of Individual Responsibility") specifically refers to legal, capital punishment: "The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin." In this judicial sense, guilt and the ultimate penalty for sin are strictly individual. However, the Bible also clearly teaches that the *consequences* of sin can indeed ripple outwards and affect others, including future generations. For example, Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment") led to the defeat of Israel and the death of his family, not because they were guilty of his specific transgression, but because they were part of the corporate body that suffered the consequences of his sin. Similarly, generational curses (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry")) refer to the *effects* of sin (like idolatry leading to societal decay) that can persist through generations, not that children are held *guilty* for their parents' specific sins. The principle of individual accountability for *guilt* and *punishment* for one's own sin remains steadfast, as reiterated by prophets like Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Accountability").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of individual accountability, so clearly articulated in [2 Chronicles 25:4](/2_chronicles/25-4 "2 Chronicles 25:4 - Individual Accountability") and the Mosaic Law, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The law states, "every man shall die for his own sin," affirming the just consequence for transgression. Yet, in the Gospel, we encounter a divine paradox: Christ, who knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), died not for His own sin, but for the sins of others. He perfectly fulfilled the requirement that sin must be punished by death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), but in a radical act of substitutionary atonement, He bore the individual sins of humanity on the cross ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). This means that while God's justice demands individual accountability, His love provides a means for that accountability to be met by a perfect substitute. Through faith in Christ, the one who truly "died for his own sin" (because He chose to make our sin His own), we are declared righteous, and the just penalty for our individual transgressions is satisfied in Him. Thus, the Old Testament law foreshadows the cross, where the principle of death for sin is upheld, but in a way that offers life to all who believe, demonstrating God's perfect justice intertwined with boundless mercy ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 24:16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Ezekiel 18:20

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.

2 Kings 14:5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

2 Kings 14:6

But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Jeremiah 31:29

In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.

Jeremiah 31:30

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.