Deuteronomy 24:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Each person is responsible only for his own sin; families are not punished collectively.
The Context of Deuteronomy 24:16
The principle of individual accountability in the legal system.
What Does Deuteronomy 24:16 Mean?
This verse establishes a foundational principle of individual moral responsibility. Children cannot be executed for a parent's crime, nor parents for a child's. Each person stands accountable before the law for his own actions alone.
This rule protects the integrity of justice and the dignity of each person as a moral agent. It prevents the perpetuation of punishment across generations and family lines, ensuring that legal consequences attach to the actual wrongdoer.
Deuteronomy 24:16 in the Original Language
חָטָא (chata), 'sin'—transgression or wrongdoing; here used in the legal sense of criminal responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 24:16
What does Deuteronomy 24:16 mean?
Each person is responsible only for his own sin; families are not punished collectively.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 24:16?
The principle of individual accountability in the legal system.