January 30, 2026
Many believers worry about “generational curses” when struggles like addiction or abuse repeat in families. As followers of Christ, we are no longer under the Law’s curse — we are redeemed by Jesus’ blood. So, what is the Bible talking about?
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
As a preteen and teen, my parents warned me about decisions, behaviors, and sinful patterns from our previous generations. Previous generations included generals, leaders, and a senator who served in Mexico. There were patterns my dad intentionally chose to step away from, which eventually led our parents to seek a Christian education for my siblings and me in the United States. My mom is from the United States and has a long legacy of Christians and pastors, and my dad was born in Mexico, and his family is (mainly) distant from any Christian roots. His mom played a key role in helping him break free from unhealthy and destructive family patterns on his side. During her life, she courageously and boldly pursued an active, steadfast faith in Christ.
As my parents outlined specific behaviors in our family history, I worked hard to practice awareness of them. My goal has been to intentionally put in place guards and steps that move away from these family patterns. My wife and I discussed past family patterns and ways to guide our home toward a steadfast faith in Christ, which involved cultivating awareness of these patterns and intentionally moving away from sins that had entangled previous generations.
Family history can play a role in generational dysfunction— especially when struggles like addiction, abuse, or strongholds seem to repeat in the family line. Because family environment is a key shaper of ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and, ultimately, decisions and behavioral patterns in a person’s life, reviewing family history is an essential part of therapy.
To explore what the Bible is talking about, it is important to define terms here. There is a distinct difference between a “generational pattern” and what some may call a “generational curse.”
The short answer, albeit incomplete, is that as followers of Christ, we are no longer under the curse of the Law — the blood of Jesus was sacrificed on behalf of all sin (Ephesians 1:7-10).
For those with a traceable history of dark family struggles and spiritual oppression, a longer answer is necessary. These folks are weary from what seems like an unending spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 even acknowledges that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Real, spiritual forces exist. So how do we respond to those who feel “cursed”?
Let’s start with Exodus 34:6-7. It is a helpful guide for understanding curses through the biblical lens, helping Christians find assurance, healing, and victory in Christ.
“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
God does not hold us responsible for something that someone else did. But to understand the Lord’s words to Moses, we need to consider Old and New Testament teachings more closely.
What does the Exodus 34:7 mean by “Visiting the Iniquity”?
Exodus 34:7 says that God “visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” This expression refers to the natural consequences of sin—cycles or patterns that can impact families—not an unbreakable spiritual curse. God’s justice and mercy are both present in this statement, pointing toward a need for deliverance, not despair.
In the Old Testament context, this phrase highlights God’s covenant relationship with Israel. Because they are His chosen people, the Lord made an irrevocable pledge or promise to the Jews. Sin affected the entire community and often resulted in consequences for future generations, but this did not mean ongoing personal guilt for descendants.
Set theology aside for a moment. Common sense tells us that behavior and attitude problems tend to run in families, just as physical characteristics like height, weight, hair color, and complexion do.
In the same way, certain types of sin can pass from generation to generation — particularly with addictive behaviors like alcoholism, drug addiction, and sexual sins. Similarly, physical and sexual abuse might become ingrained in the psychological legacy of certain families.
Sin, trauma, and broken habits can be passed down naturally through learned behaviors or emotional wounds. For example, addiction or abuse often repeats within families, not because of spiritual curses, but because of environmental and psychological influences.
These patterns, while serious, are not irreversible. Scripture teaches that through Christ, every chain can be broken and families can experience new beginnings.
Suppose you or someone from your family has engaged in witchcraft, sorcery, Satan worship, or other demonic activity, including playing with Ouija boards. In that case, there is reason to believe that demonic oppression may have been passed on generationally. These practices are dangerous and, though often hard for us to know for certain, may have implications for those involved and for those with family ties to them. In other words, this is not something to dabble with or minimize. Spiritual warfare is real, and our souls have an incredibly sophisticated interaction with both the visible and the invisible world.
Several years ago, I was talking with a Christian high school Science teacher. He said he had gone on a mission trip to Haiti. The city where they were serving was filled with oppression, violence, poverty, sickness, and mental health issues. Voodoo dolls, Ouija boards, witchcraft, and Satan worship were common practices. The teacher shared that he had been skeptical of people being demon-possessed and the reality of exorcisms until this trip. As it happened, their missionary team gathered with a Haitian Christian ministry that also provided deliverance ministry when needed.
While they were serving, a man showed up with erratic and confrontational behaviors. The leadership prayerfully decided an exorcism was necessary. Despite his cynicism, the teacher said that as they were praying, he saw the man come off the ground with something gripping the man’s throat. With his own eyes, he witnessed a supernatural act of deliverance — a man set free — and the effects of generational bondage break off an entire community!
Deliverance ministry is a main way people pursue breaking free from personal bondage, strongholds, and generational sins — including any family involvement in the occult, demonic, or satanic rituals. It is about stepping into an awareness of personal or family entanglements that may have created a spiritual bondage and praying for freedom, specifically from each binding tie.
Left unaddressed, generational patterns and generational curses both carry a high cost. While destructive family patterns have real consequences, the Bible makes clear there is a difference between suffering consequences and bearing condemnation for another’s sin. Romans 5 through 7 teaches that all humanity stands guilty as descendants of Adam, but each person is ultimately accountable for their own actions, as Jeremiah 31:29-30 affirms: “Everyone will die for their own sin.” Because of this, each one of us remains a “slave of sin” unless we are “set free” by the redemptive work of Christ (Romans 6:20-22, NIRV).
The skeletons that may be in the back of the closet weren’t put there by our dads, moms, grandmothers, or great-uncles. They’re the work of our First Parents. We were in Adam when he first broke God’s commandment. We were condemned with him. But that’s not the end of the story — praise God!
Now, when any of us accepts Jesus, we are free from the curse. You and I are in Christ through faith. Faith in Jesus forgives personal condemnation and gives us freedom to make new choices through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul refers to this when he says that “one man [Jesus] did obey. That is why many people will be made right with God.” (Romans 5:19, NIRV).
To get out from under the “generational curse,” you and I can be grafted into a whole new family tree by committing our lives to Christ (Romans 11:11-24).
There is only one standard God uses to judge the world and determine who is saved and who isn’t: faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible confirms this in several passages, including:
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah wrote 600 years before the birth of Christ, anticipating this New Testament perspective. He said, we will answer for our own actions: “In those days people will no longer say, ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes. But the children have a bitter taste in their mouths.’ Instead, everyone will die for their own sin. The one who eats sour grapes will taste how bitter they are” (Jeremiah 31:29-30, NIRV).
Ultimately, the Bible says, “yes.” The only choice that really counts is how you and I respond: “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22, ESV) Our choices come down to two essential questions:
Will we decide to spend eternity separated from God (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42)? It won’t be because of the skeletons in your family closet. It will be because you didn’t embrace the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ (John 1:17, John 3:16).
Will you live forever in fellowship with the Heavenly Father? If so, it won’t be because you somehow managed to avoid the mistakes that previous generations made. It will be because you accepted God’s merciful offer of unmerited deliverance and salvation.
No one can make that decision for us. Not your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends. The individual choice is up to each of us. Even the worst offender in a long line of sinners can be saved if they turn to Christ.
The good news of the Gospel is that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through faith in Jesus, believers are grafted into God’s family, breaking the power of generational sin.
No family history can prevent God’s grace from transforming a life. Scripture promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Even if family cycles seem unbroken, hope is always available in Christ. God’s mercy offers daily renewal, and Christian communities, pastoral care, and professional counselors can help families begin fresh starts.
Choosing faith, prayer, and support will open the door for healing and lasting transformation. Spiritual deliverance is available to everyone who sincerely calls upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13). And there are many sources of professional assistance for those who need practical help — pastors, therapists, counselors, and doctors.
As a parent, consider…
Quick Answers
No. The Bible teaches that each person is responsible for their own sin. You are not condemned for your ancestors’ failures, and through Christ, you can find forgiveness and freedom. Have awareness of those sins and recognize your own vulnerabilities and temptations impacted by or related to your parents’ or grandparents’ sins. Know the behaviors, intentions, and pursuits behind the sin in your own heart, because they may have developed through observation or learned behaviors.
Family sin patterns often come from learned behaviors or emotional wounds passed through generations, not from spiritual curses. You can break these patterns through faith and practical steps.
Yes. Prayer, repentance, and faith in Jesus are powerful tools for healing. Christians are encouraged to seek God’s mercy and cleansing by calling on His name.
While consequences of sin can affect family environments, Scripture promises restoration and renewal for those who seek God. Families who rely on Him can break negative cycles and build a godly legacy.
Seek pastoral guidance, professional counseling, and community support. Engage in spiritual disciplines and build habits that foster wholeness and healing in your family.
A Prayer for Freedom from Family Brokenness
Father God, thank You that in Christ, I am a new creation. Forgive and cleanse any patterns of sin, addiction, or hurt in my family line. Break every chain and cover us with Your grace, healing, and freedom. Help me walk in new life and set a legacy of faith for generations to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Biblical truth and practical encouragement will continue to help you walk in freedom from the past. Trust in Christ’s redeeming power — your spiritual family tree starts anew through faith in Him.
Let us be your starting point for help.
If you’d like to talk more about your specific situation, call our licensed or pastoral counselors for a free over-the-phone consultation at 1-855-771-HELP (4357). They’d welcome the chance to hear your story and point you to hope and resources.
Editor’s Note: This article was written in consultation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling, Ministry Values, and Parenting teams.
Vice President, Parenting and Youth
Dr. Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical and research based principles and guidance for raising healthy, resilient children rooted in a thriving faith in Christ.
Dr. Huerta is a bilingual psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, author of 7 Traits of Effective Parenting, and co-author of Focus on the Family’s Age and Stage resource, and various other resources. He is also the co-host and expert on the Focus on Parenting and the Practice Makes Parent podcasts.
For many years, he has provided families with practical, biblically-based, and research-based parenting advice on key parenting topics. He has been interviewed by various media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and regularly speaks on Christian radio stations and podcasts across the United States. He’s also written for various publications and is a regular speaker at retreats, conventions, family camps, online events worldwide, and on various social media channels.
Dr. Huerta has maintained a private practice serving families in Colorado Springs since 2003 and has also served families as an employee of Focus on the Family since 2004.
He and his wife, Heather, love the outdoors, have been married since 1997, and love spending time with their two adult children.
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