PREFACE:

Foundational Guidelines: Upholding the Integrity of the Hebrew Torah

1. The Hebrew ToRaH as the Unchanging Word of the God of Israel:

   • The Hebrew ToRaH is to be treated as the unchanging and divinely inspired word of the God of Israel. Scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:2 and Psalm 119:89 affirm that His commands are eternal and cannot be altered by human authority or tradition. It is widely accepted by Christians, Christian scholars, and historians that the Hebrew TaNaKh serves as the foundation of Christianity and is regarded as the unchanging and divinely inspired word of the God of Israel.

2. No Authority to Change the Commands of the God of Israel:

   • According to the commands of the God of Israel, as recorded in the Hebrew TaNaKh, no one—whether prophet, priest, or king—has the authority to change, add to, or subtract from the ToRaH. Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, and Proverbs 30:5-6 reinforces this, ensuring that the God of Israel’s law remains inviolable.

3. Scriptural Support Required for Claimed Changes:

   • Any claims of change or new doctrine introduced in the Christian New Testament must be supported by clear, contextual scripture from the Hebrew TaNaKh. If no support is found, the claim cannot be accepted as valid under the God of Israel’s established covenant and instructions.

4. New Concepts That Do Not Align with the Hebrew TaNaKh Imply YaHuWaH’s Untrustworthiness:

   • Any new concept, teaching, or claim that does not align with the laws and principles established by the Creator in the Hebrew Bible TaNaKh implies that God of Israel lied or changed His mind—actions that would contradict His promise of consistency (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6). Such claims also imply that His word is not worthy of trust (Psalm 19:7), as they would suggest He failed to inform His chosen prophets as He promised (Jeremiah 44:4, Isaiah 45:19, Amos 3:7). Therefore, any such claims must be rejected unless they can be fully supported by scripture in the Hebrew context.

These rules reinforce that the Hebrew TaNaKh is the foundational authority and that any deviation from it implies a serious contradiction of YaHuWaH’s unchanging nature and promises.

Christian doctrine teaches that humans are born into sin and are considered unworthy until they believe in a New Testament Messiah for salvation (Romans 3:23, 5:12, John 14:6 and Ephesians 2:3). According to this view, faith in the Messiah is the only way for humanity to be deemed acceptable to the Creator. As a result, individuals feel free to engage in pagan holidays, and idol worship, and disregard commandments that are considered unchanging by the Creator and God of Israel. This belief leads people to think that each day is a fresh start, with the New Testament Messiah advocating for them daily at the right hand of the Creator. Consequently, this perspective diminishes the need for personal accountability, responsibility for one's actions, and genuine efforts to change and stop sinning, as people may simply choose to sin today, believing they can "try better tomorrow.

The thought process behind the belief that someone is "born into sin" and has a "sinful nature" often leads to the idea that human beings are inherently flawed and unable to live a perfect life. This perspective is deeply rooted in Christian doctrine, particularly the idea of original sin — that humanity, due to Adam and Eve's disobedience, is born with a sinful nature, which separates them from YaHuWaH.

This belief can lead to several conclusions:

1. Inability to Achieve Perfection: If someone believes they are born with a sinful nature, they might feel that it is impossible to be truly perfect or fully righteous by their own efforts. The weight of inherent sin can create a feeling of hopelessness when it comes to achieving spiritual purity or aligning perfectly with YaHuWaH’s desire for His people.

2. Reliance on Jesus: In many Christian traditions, Jesus is seen as the "perfect" sacrifice, the one who lived a sinless life and who can atone for human sin through His death and resurrection. If someone believes they cannot be perfect on their own due to their inherent sinful nature, they may rely on Jesus to be the perfect one who advocates for them before YaHuWaH.

3. Delegating Responsibility to Jesus: The idea that "Jesus is the only perfect one" might lead some to feel that since they are flawed, it is unnecessary for them to work toward perfection. Instead, they may feel that Jesus, through His sinless life, has already achieved what they could not, so there is no need for personal transformation. They might believe that Jesus, by virtue of His perfection, is the one who represents them before YaHuWaH, taking on their imperfection and presenting Himself instead.

4. Justification by Faith: This concept is central to Christian theology, especially in Protestant traditions. The idea is that humans are justified or made right with God not by their actions, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, if someone believes that they are born into sin and cannot be perfect, they must lean on the belief that a New Testament messiah (Jesus, Yeshua, YaHaWaShi, YaHuWShuWA, etc.) has done everything necessary to make them acceptable to the God of Israel, so there is no need for personal transformation — they can rely on Jesus to "cover" their imperfection.

5. Theological Passivity: This belief can sometimes foster a form of theological passivity. If someone believes that Jesus has done all the work of salvation and that they can never truly be perfect, they may feel less compelled to actively change or strive for holiness. The assumption is that since Jesus’ perfection is sufficient, their actions or efforts are secondary.

In summary, this thought process suggests that if one believes they are born into sin and incapable of perfection, then they might feel that there is no need to change their own behavior or actions, as Jesus has already done what is necessary to make them acceptable before YaHuWaH. Instead of striving for personal righteousness, they may place their hope in Jesus to present Himself on their behalf, essentially delegating their pursuit of perfection to His sinless life and work.

WHAT DOES TORAH TEACH

According to the Hebrew Torah and the God of Israel, the truth is humans are born essentially free from sin, and it is only when people choose to break a commandment that they sin. The Hebrew Bible teaches that humans are not born sinful and that the God of Israel does not create sinful or abominable beings (Ezekiel 18:20, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Psalm 51:5, 139:13-14, Genesis 2:16-17, and Isaiah 55:7). Sin, according to the God of Israel, is defined as breaking His commandments (see Exodus 20:6-10, Leviticus 4:2, 5:17, Deuteronomy 9:7, 27:26, 1 Samuel 15:22, and Ezekiel 18:4). Even the New Testament support this concept, see 1 John 3:4: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". Sin arises through personal choices to disobey the unchanging commandments of the God of Israel, not from an inherently sinful nature.

The Hebrew Torah provides various systems to atone for sin. The key point is that humans (as the Creator’s creation) are not born as inherently sinful or wretched individuals. Instead, people are given the choice to obey or disobey the God of Israel's unchanging commandments, and people do not need an intermediary to make that choice for them. This framework emphasizes personal accountability, growth, and responsibility for one’s actions, both past and present. If people are truly remorseful, they are encouraged to change their lifestyle to align with the Creator's Torah.

There are several scriptures in the King James Version (KJV) of the Hebrew Bible that support the idea that humans are born essentially free from sin and only commit sin when they break a commandment. Below are some key passages that align with this understanding:

1. Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV) – "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."

   • This passage emphasizes personal responsibility for sin, stating that each individual is accountable for their own actions, not for the actions of their parents. It suggests that humans are not born with inherited sin but become responsible for sin only through their own disobedience to God's commandments.

2. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (KJV) – "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love YaHuWaH thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which YaHuWaH sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

   • This passage from Deuteronomy speaks to the freedom of choice that humans have. God gives the choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, indicating that sin comes through the choice to disobey God's commandments, not from an inherent sinful nature.

3. Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV) – "And YaHuWaH God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

   • This passage highlights that sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command. They were not born sinful, but their choice to break God's commandment led to sin.

4. Psalm 51:5 (KJV) – "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."

   • While this verse is often interpreted as an expression of personal guilt and the need for repentance, it is important to note that David's statement here reflects his awareness of his sin, especially after committing adultery and murder. It is not a general declaration about all human beings being born sinful but rather an acknowledgment of his own moral failure and need for atonement.

5. Isaiah 55:7 (KJV) – "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

   • This verse speaks to the idea that individuals can turn away from sin and seek forgiveness, further implying that sin is a matter of personal choice and actions rather than an inherent condition from birth.

6. Ecclesiastes 7:29 (KJV) – "Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions."

   • This verse affirms that humanity was created "upright" (morally good), but it is through human choices and actions that sin enters the world. It supports the idea that humans are not born sinful but have the potential to choose disobedience.

In conclusion, these scriptures support the idea that humans are not born into sin in the Hebrew Bible and that sin occurs when a person actively chooses to disobey God’s commandments. The Hebrew Bible emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability for one’s actions rather than an inherent sinful nature.

SINFUL ABOMINATIONS

According to the Hebrew Bible, the God of Israel does not create sinful or abominable beings. Various scriptures in the Hebrew Bible emphasize free will, personal responsibility, and the inherent goodness of the God of Israel's creation. Here’s why:

1. Creation is Good: In the Book of Genesis, when the God of Israel created the world and humanity, He declared it "very good."

   • Genesis 1:31: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

     • This suggests that humanity, as part of YaHuWaH’s creation, was originally made in a state of goodness and without sin.

2. Humanity's Free Will: The concept that humans are created with free will supports the idea that they are not inherently sinful. They are capable of choosing obedience or disobedience to YaHuWaH's commandments.

   • Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (as mentioned earlier): The passage encourages humans to choose life by obeying the God of Israel's commands, suggesting that humans have the ability to choose their actions.

3. Not Born Sinful: The Hebrew Bible generally emphasizes that sin is a result of choice, not a condition from birth.

   • 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.”

4. God Does Not Create Abominations: The Hebrew Bible speaks of the God of Israel's creation as inherently good, and there is no suggestion that He creates inherently sinful or abominable beings.

   • Psalm 139:13-14: “13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

A SINFUL NATURE

According to the Hebrew Bible, humans are not born sinful, and the God of Israel does not create sinful or abominable beings. Sin arises through personal choices to disobey the God of Israel's commandments, not from an inherently sinful nature. A sinful nature is not inherent but rather learned through influence, environment, and personal choices. The Hebrew Bible supports the concept that humans are born with the capacity for both good and evil, and they are responsible for their own actions. Behavior, including sinful behavior, is often influenced by upbringing, societal norms, and external circumstances.

Here are some examples from the Hebrew Bible that illustrate this concept:

1. Influence of Society and Leaders:

   • 1 Kings 16:30-33 (KJV): King Ahab followed the sinful ways of his wife Jezebel, introducing Baal worship to Israel. His actions led the nation into further idolatry and immorality.

   • Proverbs 22:6 (KJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This implies that children are shaped by their upbringing, reinforcing that behaviors (good or sinful) are taught.

2. Personal Choice and Accountability:

   • Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV): "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."
     This verse emphasizes that humans have the power to choose between obedience and disobedience. Sin is not an inevitable result of birth but a consequence of choices.

3. Generational Influence:

   • Exodus 20:5 (KJV): "Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me."
     This does not suggest children are born sinful, but rather that they may adopt the sinful behaviors of their ancestors if those ways are taught and normalized.

4. Ezekiel’s Emphasis on Individual Responsibility:

   • Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV): "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."
     This explicitly rejects the concept of inherited sin, stating that individuals are responsible for their own actions.

5. The Story of Cain and Abel:

   • Genesis 4:7 (KJV): "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."
     Cain was warned by the Creator that sin was a choice, not an inherent state. He was encouraged to rule over it, demonstrating that sinfulness is not a predetermined condition.

These examples support the understanding that sinfulness is a result of personal choices and learned behavior rather than an inborn nature. The Hebrew Bible continually emphasizes personal accountability and the opportunity for repentance.

A generational curse is the idea that negative traits, behaviors, or misfortunes can be passed down from one generation to the next. The belief is that these curses are rooted in sin, trauma, or rebellion against the Creator. 

Beliefs:

• In Christianity, generational curses can be seen as a punishment from God for the sins of previous generations. 

• The Hebrew Bible teaches that generational consequences arise from one's continued choice to defy the ToRaH of the God of Israel, with these learned behaviors being passed down through generations.

Christianity's concept of generational curses is often based on passages such as Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:9, and Numbers 14:18, which speak of iniquities being visited upon the children of the third and fourth generations. Many New Testament teachings interpret this as an ongoing spiritual bondage that needs to be broken, often through prayers, deliverance, or faith in Jesus. The verses Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:9, and Numbers 14:18 all mention that YaHuWaH "visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation." To understand their meaning, we must consider the Hebrew context, the broader message of the Torah, and how these passages align with other scriptures.

1. MEANING OF "VISITING THE INIQUITY

The phrase “visiting the iniquity” (פֹּקֵד עֲוֹן / poqéd avón) does not mean that children inherit sins or that they are automatically punished for their parent’s actions. Instead, it refers to the natural consequences of continued disobedience and the cyclical nature of sin within families.

• In the Hebrew mindset, this phrase means that if a generation continues in the sins of their fathers, they will experience the same consequences.

• The Hebrew word paqad (פָּקַד) translated as “visiting” does not always mean punishment. It can also mean overseeing, observing, or taking account of.

This means YaHuWaH allows the consequences of sin to continue for multiple generations IF those generations persist in the same sins.

2. BREAKDOWN OF EACH VERSE IN CONTEXT

🔹 Exodus 20:5 (Part of the Ten Commandments)

"You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, YaHuWaH your mighty one, am a jealous mighty one, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me."

Key Points:

1. The focus is on idolatry.

   • This passage warns against worshiping false gods or idols, including the veneration of intermediaries between the God of Israel (for example Jesus, YeShuWA, YaShuA, YaHaWaShi, YaHuWShuWA, etc.)

   • Idolatry corrupts not only individuals but entire family lines when parents pass down false worship practices to their children.

2. It only applies to "those who hate Me."

   • If children reject their fathers’ sins and follow YaHuWaH, they are NOT punished for their parents’ sins.

   • The next verse (Exodus 20:6) states: "But showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." This demonstrates that repentance, obedience to the Torah, and a transformed lifestyle break the cycle.

3. Natural consequences follow generational choices.

   • If children grow up in idol-worshiping households (for example worshiping Jesus), they are more likely to continue in that idolatry, leading to generational suffering. How? By following teachings that contradict the Hebrew ToRaH and by worshiping demigods and intermediaries that can not save (Isaiah 45:20 and Hosea 14:3).

🔹 Deuteronomy 5:9 (Repeating the Commandments)

"You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, YaHuWaH your mighty one, am a jealous mighty one, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me."

What Does “Those Who Hate Me” Mean in This Context?

In Hebrew, the word "hate" here is שָׂנֵא (saneh), which can mean to detest, reject, or be hostile toward someone or something. However, in the biblical context, “hating” YaHuWaH does not necessarily mean an emotional hatred, but rather a willful disobedience and rejection of His Torah (instructions, commandments, and authority).

Key Aspects of "Hating" YaHuWaH in This Context

1. Idolatry and Rebellion – The verse speaks specifically about those who worship idols and serve other gods, which is considered the ultimate act of hatred toward YaHuWaH. Worshiping false gods and intermediaries is a direct rejection of Him, His Torah, and recognizing that He is the true mighty one.

2. Refusing to Obey His Commandments – In Hebrew, love is shown through obedience (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, John 14:15). The opposite of love is not just an emotional hatred but a refusal to submit to His laws.

3. Generational Consequences – The passage states that the iniquity of those who hate Him is visited upon the third and fourth generations. This does not mean innocent children are punished, but rather that the consequences of rejecting YaHuWaH’s ways are passed down through learned behaviors (for example: false worship, lawlessness, moral corruption, etc.).
   

Contrast: Those Who Love Him (Deuteronomy 5:10)

The next verse (Deuteronomy 5:10) states:
"But showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."

This confirms that to love YaHuWaH means to keep His commandments while hating Him means rejecting or disregarding His laws.

Supporting Scriptures

• Proverbs 8:36 – "But he who sins against Me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate Me love death."

  • Sin is associated with hating YaHuWaH, leading to destruction.

• John 14:15 – "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

  • The concept remains the same in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament: love is tied to obedience to the God of Israel.

Conclusion

In Deuteronomy 5:9, "to those who hate Me" does not necessarily mean an emotional hatred but rather a rejection of YaHuWaH’s Torah—through idolatry, rebellion, and disobedience. The passage warns that such rejection has generational consequences, while obedience brings blessings.

Key Points:

1. Almost identical to Exodus 20:5.

   • This repetition emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and its long-term consequences.

2. Applies only to those who “hate” YaHuWaH.

   • If a generation repents and follows the ToRaH, they are not held responsible for the sins of their ancestors.

3. The following verses promise mercy to those who obey.

   • Deuteronomy 5:10 again states that YaHuWaH shows mercy to thousands who love Him.

🔹 Numbers 14:18 (After Israel’s Rebellion)

"YaHuWaH is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation."

Key Points:

1. This verse follows Israel’s refusal to enter the Promised Land.

• The older generation rebelled against YaHuWaH, and as a result, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation died.

• However, their children were NOT automatically punished—they still entered the land later.

2. Emphasis on YaHuWaH’s patience and forgiveness.

• Contrary to common Christian belief that the God of the Old Testament (YaHuWaH) is primarily wrathful and angry, it is evident that He is loving and patient. Numbers 14:18 emphasizes His slow anger, His readiness to forgive, and His willingness to extend grace to those who turn to Him and follow His ToRaH.

• Punishment is not immediate, giving time for repentance.

3. Judgment is only for those who continue in rebellion.

• The children who did not follow their fathers’ rebellion were not punished.
  
  

3. COMPARISON WITH OTHER SCRIPTURES

The Torah and the Prophets clarify that children do not automatically suffer for their parents’ sins.

🔹 Ezekiel 18:20 – Personal Responsibility

"The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

• This directly contradicts the idea of automatic generational curses.

• If a child repents and follows YaHuWaH, they are free from their parents' sins.

  
  

🔹 Deuteronomy 24:16 – No Inherited Punishment

"Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; each one shall be put to death for his own sin."

• This proves that generational punishment is not automatic.

• Every person is responsible for their own choices.

  
  

4. WHAT IT ALL MEANS

• Sinful behaviors, lifestyles, and habits get passed down because children learn from their parents.

• If a family repeatedly engages in idolatry, corruption, or rebellion, they will continue to suffer the consequences.

• However, repentance and obedience to YaHuWaH’s Torah break the cycle.

For example:

• A family that practices idol worship for generations may suffer poverty, destruction, and exile, and in the end, will not receive the blessings promised to the Nation of Israel during the Messianic Kingdom.

• But if a descendant returns to YaHuWaH, and obeys His ToRaH they will receive His blessings.

This is not a supernatural curse but simply cause and effect.

Conclusion

• Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:9, and Numbers 14:18 do not teach automatic generational curses.

• They refer to the consequences of sin continuing if each generation repeats the mistakes of their fathers.

• Repentance breaks the cycle. Children are not punished for their parents' sins if they choose to obey YaHuWaH.

• Ezekiel 18:20 and Deuteronomy 24:16 clarify that punishment is individual, not inherited.

• The best way to "break" generational iniquity is through obedience to Torah and rejecting the sins of the past.

Thus, the Christian concept of generational curses being broken only by Jesus contradicts the Hebrew Bible. YaHuWaH already provided the way to break sinful cycles—through repentance and following His Torah.

1. Deuteronomy 24:16 – Individual Responsibility

1. The Hebrew Bible (TaNaKh) clarifies that each person is responsible for their own sins:

   • "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; each one shall be put to death for his own sin." (Deut. 24:16)
     This shows a distinction between the consequences of a family's actions versus divine punishment for inherited sin. This contrasts with the Christian doctrine or concept of being born into sin.

2. Context of Deuteronomy 28:36-37,64,68

   • These verses are part of the curses listed in Deuteronomy 28, detailing the consequences of national (for Israel, not Christians) disobedience to YaHuWaH's Torah. 36 YaHuWaH will drive you and the king you set over you to a nation unknown to you or your ancestors. There you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone. 37 You will become a thing of horror, a byword, and an object of ridicule among all the peoples where YaHuWaH will drive you. 64 Then YaHuWaH will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your ancestors have known. 68 YaHuWaH will send you back in ships to Egypt on a journey I said you should never make again. There you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.

   • It is a prophecy that the Israelites would be sent back to “Egypt” in ships and sold as slaves if they continued in idol worship.

   • This is not a personal generational curse but a national punishment for Israel forsaking the covenant. In Hebrew, the word for Egypt is "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), which can symbolically represent bondage, oppression, or confinement. The name is derived from the root "tzar" (צָר), meaning narrow, distress, or constraint, which aligns with the biblical narrative of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt.

     Deuteronomy 28:68 records that if the Israelites (the God of Israel’s chosen people) continued in a lifestyle of idol worship, a curse would ensue, and they would be put on slave ships and sold.

   • Deuteronomy 28:37 mentions that these chosen people would be "A byword", meaning that their name or reputation would be used as a symbol of shame or failure. Other nations would use the Israelites' plight as a proverbial example of what happens when people disobey YaHuWaH. In this sense, their name would become synonymous with disgrace. This verse also mentions "An object of ridicule" suggesting that the Israelites would be mocked and looked down upon. Instead of being respected as a set-apart nation chosen by YaHuWaH, they would be scorned by other nations, with their suffering and downfall becoming a subject of derision. “You will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone," the Israelites, while in this exile, would be influenced by the religious practices of the nations around them. The "gods of wood and stone" refer to physical idols, pagan deities, and intermediaries worshipped by the surrounding nations. "Which neither you nor your ancestors have known" indicates that these gods were foreign to the Israelites and were not part of the worship of YaHuWaH. This is an important point because the Israelites' ancestors, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had known and worshipped YaHuWaH alone, and they had not practiced idolatry. This shift to worshipping other gods is a sign of their spiritual decline and a consequence of their failure to remain loyal to their covenant with YaHuWaH. From the perspective of the ancient Hebrews, as described in the Torah, worshipping a figure not known to their ancestors (like Jesus, whom they would not have known or recognized as a messianic figure) is seen as part of the "worship of other gods." No other race in recorded history has been taken on ships, sold into slavery, forced to practice a religion (in this case, Christianity), and made to worship a demigod in the form of a European man, as the melanated race (see the Transatlantic Slave Trade). Throughout the Bible, Egypt is often used metaphorically to represent spiritual or physical bondage, oppression, and exile. This is especially evident in passages like Deuteronomy 5:6, where YaHuWaH reminds Israel of their deliverance from Egypt, reinforcing the idea of Egypt as a place of slavery.

3. Contrast in Christian Application

   • Christianity often spiritualizes generational curses, teaching that they can be broken through faith in Jesus.

   • However, Deuteronomy 28:68 and other Hebrew Bible texts emphasize that curses result from disobedience to Torah and can only be reversed through repentance and return to YaHuWaH’s laws.

Main Differences

Conclusion

Christianity’s view of generational curses does not align with Deuteronomy 28:68, which speaks of a national consequence for breaking the covenant rather than a personal generational curse. The Hebrew Bible teaches that individuals are responsible for their own sins and that repentance, rather than spiritual warfare or faith in a Messiah, is the way to remove divine punishment.

Christianity often speaks about generational curses, attributing struggles, illnesses, poverty, and family patterns to a spiritual affliction inherited from past generations. However, this concept is often detached from the context of Deuteronomy’s blessings and curses, which were specifically given to the nation of Israel as part of their covenant with YaHuWaH. The idea that non-Israelites are under a "generational curse" contradicts the Hebrew Bible, which frames curses as the direct consequence of disobedience to the Torah, not an arbitrary spiritual affliction passed through bloodlines.

Logical Breakdown: Are Generational Curses Real?

From a logical perspective, what many people call a "generational curse" is simply the consequence of continuing destructive behaviors or habits. If a family struggles with disease, financial hardship, or destructive lifestyles, it is often due to the choices they repeatedly make, not an unseen spiritual force.

For example:

• If someone claims they have a "generational curse of cancer", but their family history includes unhealthy eating habits, smoking, or environmental exposures, then the disease is not a curse but a result of lifestyle choices. If they change their diet, exercise, and avoid harmful substances, their risk of cancer decreases. This is not because a spiritual curse was broken, but because they made better choices.

• Similarly, if a family has a history of poverty, but each generation makes the same financial mistakes, then poverty continues not because of a curse but because of learned behavior. If a person breaks the cycle by gaining financial literacy, working diligently, and avoiding debt, they change their outcome.

Hebrew Bible vs. Christian View on "Curses"

The Hebrew Bible does not support the Christian idea of a spiritual generational curse that must be "broken" by a Messiah. Instead, it emphasizes personal responsibility:

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle is About Choices, Not Curses

In reality, people who claim they have generational curses often have repetitive family habits that create negative outcomes. The Hebrew Bible teaches that people suffer because of their own actions, and only those who continue in sin suffer long-term consequences. The way to break a so-called "generational curse" is through changing behavior, not through religious deliverance.

Deuteronomy’s blessings and curses were never universal—they were for Israel. Christianity’s idea of breaking generational curses is often a misinterpretation of scripture, ignoring the fact that many negative outcomes in life are preventable with wisdom and responsibility rather than supernatural intervention.

Christians believe in generational curses due to a combination of misinterpretations of the Hebrew Bible (TaNaKh), influence from New Testament theology, and spiritualized thinking that shifts responsibility away from personal accountability. The idea that only the New Testament Messiah (Jesus) can break these curses stems from a few key factors:

1. Misinterpretation of Old Testament Scriptures

Many Christians base their belief in generational curses on passages such as:

• Exodus 20:5 – "I, YaHuWaH your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me."

• Deuteronomy 5:9 – Repeats this statement about iniquity being passed down.

• Numbers 14:18 – "YaHuWaH is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation."

However, they ignore the full context of the Hebrew Bible, which later clarifies that:

• Deuteronomy 24:16 – "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; each one shall be put to death for his own sin."

• Ezekiel 18:20 – "The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

These verses prove that generational curses do not exist as a supernatural force. The only way children suffer for their parents’ actions is if they repeat the same sinful behaviors, not because of an automatic spiritual curse.

2. New Testament Doctrine of "Sin and Salvation"

Christianity, especially in Pauline theology, teaches that all people are born into sin and in need of a savior. This belief is reinforced by:

• Romans 5:12 – "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."

• Galatians 3:13 – "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us."

This teaches that:

• Everyone is cursed by default due to Adam’s sin (a concept not found in the Hebrew Bible).

• The only way to be free from a curse is through Jesus.

• Any generational struggles or hardships are often attributed to an unbroken spiritual curse rather than natural consequences of poor decisions.

3. Removing Personal Responsibility Through Spiritualization

Many Christians struggle with real-life problems—poverty, addiction, sickness, broken families—and rather than seeing these as patterns of behavior, they attribute them to supernatural forces. This is a common religious coping mechanism because:

• It is easier to blame a curse than take responsibility for personal or family mistakes.

• Many churches teach that only Jesus can "break" curses, keeping people dependent on the religious system.

• It creates a spiritual solution for a physical problem, rather than addressing the real cause (poor diet, lack of financial wisdom, unhealthy habits, etc.).

For example:

• A person may say, "My family has a generational curse of cancer."

  • In reality, if generations of family members eat poorly, smoke, or expose themselves to toxins, they are increasing their cancer risk.

  • If someone changes their lifestyle, their risk decreases—not because a curse was broken but because they made a better choice.

• A person may say, "My family has a generational curse of divorce."

  • If a child grows up seeing unhealthy relationships and never learns how to build a healthy marriage, they will repeat what they saw, not because of a spiritual curse, but due to learned behavior.

4. The Psychological Comfort of "Breaking Curses"

Christianity often teaches that prayer, faith, and deliverance in Jesus can break these so-called curses. This doctrine provides:

• Hope for struggling people who want a supernatural way out of suffering.

• A sense of control by believing they are actively breaking curses through Jesus.

• A way for churches to maintain authority, as people feel they must rely on pastors or religious rituals to be free.

However, from a logical and scriptural perspective, the real way to break a negative family cycle is through wisdom, learning, and changing habits—not through a New Testament Messiah.

Comparison: Christianity vs. Hebrew Bible on "Breaking Curses"

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle is About Choices, Not a Messiah

The idea that only Jesus can break generational curses is based on misinterpreted scriptures and New Testament theology, which contradicts the Hebrew Bible. The truth is:

• Generational suffering is the result of repeated choices, not spiritual curses.

• The Hebrew Bible rejects the idea of inherited punishment and instead teaches personal responsibility.

• Real change comes from learning, repentance, and making different choices, not from a religious ritual.

Christians who believe they are under a generational curse are often trapped in a belief system that keeps them feeling spiritually oppressed—when in reality, they have the power to change their own lives through wisdom and action.

Unlearn, Deprogram, and Re-think EVERYTHING you were taught!

At WOTR, we don’t position ourselves as self-professed prophets, teachers, leaders, or mentors, nor do we affiliate with any specific group, sect, religion, or recruitment center. Our goal is not to instruct but to offer a platform for exploration and education. We provide information across a wide range of topics using resources like Scholarly articles, Strong's Concordance, Encyclopedia Britannica, dictionaries, word etymology, and other trusted references.

These tools are here to help you broaden your perspective and engage critically with the material, empowering you to make informed decisions on your life journey. Our core values and unwavering trust are rooted in the unchanging Hebrew ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. We strongly encourage everyone to measure all opinions against this widely accepted foundation, for who would question the instructions of the Creator of all things?

There is no commandment in the Hebrew ToRaH from the God of Israel that requires Israelites to pray through an intermediary to commune with Him. Instead, the Hebrew TaNaKh emphasizes the importance of direct communication between the Nation of Israel, identified as the God of Israel’s son (Exodus 4:22-23 and Hosea 11:1), and YaHuWaH—much like the relationship between a father and his child—without the need for a mediator.

 Isaiah 29:13

13 Wherefore YaHuWaH said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

The prophet Isaiah 29:13 states that the people of Israel outwardly honor YaHuWaH with their words, but their hearts are far from Him. Today, the world finds itself in the same condition—people’s fear (or reverence) of YaHuWaH is not genuine but is shaped by human traditions, emotionalism, religious systems, and the worship of an intermediary savior, all rooted in the precepts of men rather than His unchanging Torah. This means they are not truly following YaHuWaH’s instructions but are worshiping Him through man-made rules and religious pagan customs. Because these teachings come from human tradition rather than the Torah, they lead people away from the true ways of YaHuWaH. Worship that is not rooted in truth becomes vain (shav’ - שָׁוְא)—useless, deceptive, and lacking substance (Exodus 20:7).

Ezekiel 18:30-32

30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the YaHuWaH God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith YaHuWaH God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew TaNaKh

14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.

 MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?

ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:10-11 expresses a deep commitment to seeking and following YaHuWaH's commandments. The psalmist declares that they have wholeheartedly sought after YaHuWaH and asks not to be led astray from His ToRaH. Furthermore, the psalmist has treasured YaHuWaH's word in their heart to avoid sinning against Him, showing a desire to live righteously by keeping the God of Israel’s ToRaH close.