Questions tagged [contradiction]
At points the Bible seems to display contradictions in parallel accounts or the understanding of a given concept. Questions with this tag are (usually) seeking a resolution to the (apparent) contradiction.
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questions
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When was the Holy Ghost given? After or before the resurrection? [closed]
After the ressurrection:
The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the ...
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1answer
51 views
What should a congregation do if it sins through ignorance? Leviticus and Numbers seem to give different commandments
Kill a young bull (According to Leviticus 4:13-21):
Kill a young bull and young goat (According to Numbers 15: 24-26)
How can these laws be reconciled?
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1answer
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Which tribe received the cities of Eshtaol and Zoreah? [duplicate]
According to Joshua 15:20,33, it was Judah.
According to Joshua 19:40,41, it was Dan.
So, which was it?
3
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4answers
534 views
If David was only the ninth generation after a bastard ancestor, how was he allowed to enter the Assembly of the LORD? [duplicate]
In the last verses of Genesis 38, Judah has a bastard son with Tamar, named Perez, and according to Matthew 1, David is the ninth generation after Perez.
But according to Deuteronomy 23:2, if someone ...
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vote
2answers
80 views
How did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram, if Elijah had already been taken to heaven?
In 2 Chronicles 21, the wicked King Jehoram of Judah receives a letter from the prophet Elijah. The letter from Elijah said this, in part: “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: ‘....
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6answers
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How can Isaiah 42:8 possibly be true, if John 13:31-32 is true?
The prophet יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ Yeshayahu speaking for God YHVH states אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה ה֣וּא שְׁמִ֑י וּכְבוֹדִי֙ לְאַחֵ֣ר לֹֽא־אֶתֵּ֔ן וּתְהִלָּתִ֖י לַפְּסִילִֽים “I am YHVH, that is My Name; and My glory I ...
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2answers
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God promised a peaceful death to Zedekiah, so why did he die horribly?
In Jeremiah 34:2-5, God tells Zedekiah he will let Babylon conquer Israel, but not to be afraid because he will die peacefully,but in Jeremiah 52:10-11 and 2 Kings 25:6-7, he has his sons slaughtered ...
3
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3answers
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Does Paul put the Thessalonians under oath in 1 Thessalonians 5:27?
1 Thessalonians 5:27 reads (NKJV):
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
According to Albert Barnes, the Greek of the expression in bold above "is ...
3
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3answers
110 views
Is faith a gift or earned through spiritual practices?
On the one hand, 1 Corinthians 12:9 seems to claim that faith is a gift:
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there ...
1
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1answer
96 views
Will Jesus do anything we ask Him in His name or not? John 14:12-14 vs. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
John 14:12-14 (ESV):
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever ...
1
vote
3answers
71 views
What's up with the seeming catch-22 of John 6:65 and John 14:6?
John 6:65 and John 14:6 together seems to imply some catch-22. The only place in the entire internet that asks or addresses this that I've found thus far is this reddit post: John 6:65 and John 14:6 ...
5
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5answers
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Why does the ESV contradict itself in John 1:18 versus John 17:3?
The ESV gives a strange meaning to John 1:18, one which contradicts John 17:3.
No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side,
he has made him known. (John 1:18, ESV)
And this is ...
2
votes
3answers
63 views
Is it possible for someone to have lost salvation and then get it back?
Hebrews 6
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have
tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who
have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the ...
2
votes
1answer
98 views
Possible Gospel timeline contradiction regarding John the Baptist's imprisonment and the calling of the disciples [closed]
The chronology in Matthew 4 states that after Jesus' temptation, he heard that John the Baptist had been taken into custody, so he returned to Galilee and began his preaching ministry and called his ...
2
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3answers
83 views
When did Jesus the Nazarene as King of the Jews (Matthew 27:37) fulfill the requirement for Melakim (Kings) of Yisrael from Deuteronomy 17:18?
If Deuteronomy 17:18 was the Law required for all Melakim (Kings) of Yisrael stating: "When he is seated on his royal throne, he shall have a copy of this Torah written for him on a scroll by the ...
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1answer
72 views
Acts 1:18 - Matthew 27:5 - Contradiction on Judas death & who purchased the field (silver coins) [duplicate]
Acts 1:18-19
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity;
and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his
bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the ...
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2answers
153 views
How do we reconcile Hebrews 12:2 and Revelation 3:21?
So is Jesus sitting on the right hand of the throne of God... or is he sitting on it?
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the ...
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5answers
576 views
How could the Jews say "We have *one* father: God", directly after saying "Abraham is our father"?
In the Gospel of John we read what seem to conflicting admissions by Christ's Jewish audience, one on the verse of stoning Him:
John 8:39-41: "They answered and said to Him, 'Abraham is our ...
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4answers
464 views
how do we reconcile John 8:14 & 5:31
John 8:14 New International Version
14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come ...
3
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2answers
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Why did Kohanim in 1 Kings 8:9 discard Ark of the Covenant inventory of Hebrews 9:4?
The NT author of Hebrews 9:4 recounts items in the Ark of the Covenant, while at the desert tabernacle.
[Hebrews 9:4]
"Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round ...
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4answers
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Why does John's account of Jesus' beating differ than Matthew and Mark
John infers Jesus was scourged before sentence while Matthew and Mark say after. Or was it both?
From Matthew 27:
24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a
tumult was made, ...
3
votes
4answers
54 views
Should the disciples be amazed or not at the coming resurrection?
John 5:
20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and ...
4
votes
3answers
45 views
Why did Pharoah's officials tell Pharoah to let the people go?
Exodus 10:1:
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them
Verse 7:
Pharaoh’s ...
3
votes
3answers
67 views
How is Daniel 4:17 to be reconciled with Luke 4:5-6?
In the Book of Daniel the text states that God gives the kingdoms of men to whomever He chooses:
Daniel 4:17: "This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers And the decision is a ...
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2answers
104 views
Why does 12-yr-old Jesus [Luke 2:48-49] contradict 30-yr-old Jesus [Mark 7:11-13] about Korban & honoring your mother? [closed]
In [Luke 2:48-49], we notice Jesus as a child not properly fulfilling the mitsvah of [Exodus 20:12] since his mother Mary verbalized her frustration & anxiety about Jesus’ secret return to the ...
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2answers
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Why must Women mimic silent שָׂרַ֣י Sarai, but not the outspoken שָׂרָ֖ה Sarah in [1 Peter 3:1-6]? [closed]
When looking at people who receive new names, it is easy to see when referring to the flesh, the old name is used, but when referring to the promise the new name is used. This is most apparent when ...
3
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5answers
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How to understand 1 Timothy 2:9 in light of 1 Corinthians 11:15?
1 Timothy 2:9 NIV
9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety,
adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or
pearls or expensive clothes,
But in the letter ...
5
votes
3answers
438 views
Did Paul contradict Christ in Acts 18:18 taking the Nazarite vow; Matt 5:34 "take no oath at all"?
Acts 18:18 NASB
Now Paul, when he had remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. Paul first had his hair cut at ...
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votes
3answers
129 views
Is 1 Corinthians 7:12 God-breathed?
1 Corinthians 7:12
New International Version
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.
2 ...
3
votes
2answers
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Are Luke 7:1-10 and John 4:46-54 describing the same historic event?
Both events relative to Capernaum while Jesus was travelling. In both cases it was remote healing. Both involve officials. However, there were many differences.
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3answers
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Are Gentiles born with a sinful nature or not? Ephesians 2:1-3 vs. Romans 2:12-16
Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV):
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is ...
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vote
2answers
78 views
Can non-disciples of Jesus cast out demons in Jesus' name or not? Mark 9:38-40 vs. Acts 19:11-16
Mark 9:38-40 (ESV):
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for ...
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3answers
178 views
1 Kings 20:35, 37-40 Isn't God telling the prophet to lie a violation of the commandment you shall not lie
1 Kings 20:35 By the word of the Lord one of the company of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me with your weapon,” but he refused.
1 Kings 20:37-40 The prophet found another man and said, ...
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2answers
61 views
According to Mark 14:68 the first rooster crowed after Peter's first denial, wasn't it supposed to crow after his third denial?
According to Mark 14:30 before the rooster crows twice Peter would deny Jesus three times:
Mark 14:30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you ...
2
votes
1answer
48 views
Are Song of Songs 6:11-12 words from the groom or the bride?
In Song of Songs 6:11-12 (NLT)
Young Woman
11 I went down to the grove of walnut trees and out to the valley to see the new spring growth, to see whether the grapevines had budded or the pomegranates ...
3
votes
2answers
120 views
Is the writer of James attacking Paul's position?
In James 2:14-16,24 (NASB)
What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need ...
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4answers
536 views
Deuteronomy 8:2 didn't God already know what was in the hearts of the Israelites
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep ...
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3answers
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Was Jesus rich or poor? Matthew 2:11 vs. Matthew 8:19-20
Matthew 2:10-11 (ESV):
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. ...
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4answers
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Are all followers of Christ guaranteed to achieve complete sanctification or not? 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 vs. 2 Peter 2:20-22
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV):
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He ...
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7answers
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Are 1 John 1:8 and 1 John 3:9 contradictory?
In 1 John 1:8, John says
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
And in chapter 3, verse 9, he says
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his ...
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6answers
144 views
How to reconcile Matthew 24:36 and Revelation 22:12a?
Matthew 24:36
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in
heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Revelation 22:12a
Look, I am coming soon!
We know that Christ will return ...
2
votes
4answers
203 views
did Jesus come to bring peace?
Did Jesus really come to bring peace or is there a contradiction?
We have;
Matthew 5:38–39 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a ...
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7answers
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Why did Jesus not appear after resurrection to the Pharisees and Scribes?
Came across this verse that seems to point to why Jesus did not(was not to) show himself to the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. But then I have this question, why did Jesus say this? Did he not ...
2
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2answers
300 views
What is meant by "secret" in John 18 20?
During the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin:
John 18:19 [NIV] ~ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus ...
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vote
3answers
106 views
Why was there no need for the gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 14) at Pentecost (Acts 2)?
The gift of interpretation of tongues is a very important gift according to 1 Corinthians 14. It enables the person with the gift to understand and interpret what someone with the gift of tongues is ...
1
vote
3answers
27 views
In John 4, why does Jesus say he was not honored in his own country yet he was welcomed?
“For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for ...
9
votes
5answers
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Did Satan want Jesus crucified or not? Matthew 16:21-23 vs Luke 22:3-6
Many interpret Jesus' words in Matthew 16:23 as evidence that Satan manipulated Peter into attempting to dissuade Jesus from going to the cross (see the top answers to this related question for ...
2
votes
1answer
34 views
The Land of Israel Joshua 21:43-45
I was reading Joshua 21:43-45
Joshua 21:43(A)Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 (B)And the ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
Are humans made of body + spirit or body + soul + spirit? Genesis 2:7 & Ecclesiastes 12:5-7 vs 1 Thessalonians 5:23 [closed]
Genesis 2:7 gives the idea that a human being is the combination of a physical body (from dust) and a spirit (God's breath of life):
7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and ...
2
votes
2answers
172 views
Jesus became a life-giving / quickening spirit (1 Cor 15:45), yet he denied being a spirit (Luke 24:39). How to reconcile the apparent contradiction?
1 Corinthians 15 touches on the nature of resurrected bodies, making a contrast between earthly bodies and heavenly bodies:
40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the ...