Albert Barnes Commentary 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." — Deuteronomy 24:16 (ASV)

A caution addressed to earthly judges. Among other Eastern nations, the family of a criminal was commonly involved in his punishment . In Israel, it was not to be so; compare related scriptural passages.