As I read the Bible, I sometimes find some verses that seem… contradictory.
We get it; It can be challenging to understand the Bible’s teachings when different passages seem to contradict each other.
One example of conflicting Bible verses is the concept of forgiveness. On the one hand, we are told to forgive others unconditionally, just as God has forgiven us.
However, other verses suggest that forgiveness is conditional and that we must first repent and seek forgiveness from God before receiving it.
How do we reconcile these two seemingly opposing ideas?
In this article, we will explore some Bible verses that contradict each other and offer insights into how we can make sense of these apparent discrepancies.
While it can be challenging to understand the Bible’s teachings, I believe that by examining these contradictions, we can better understand God’s word and how it applies to our lives.
Understanding Bible Contradictions
It’s important to remember that different authors wrote the Bible for thousands of years. These authors had different writing styles, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives. Naturally, there would be some differences in their accounts.
Another thing to consider is that the Bible uses different literary genres, such as poetry, history, and prophecy. Each genre has its rules and conventions, which can affect how we interpret the text.
When we encounter a contradiction in the Bible, we should approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. We can start by asking ourselves some questions:
- What is the context of each passage?
- What literary genre is being used?
- What was the author’s intention?
- Can a cultural or historical background shed light on the current passage?
By answering these questions, we can understand why there may be contradictions in the Bible.
Also, remember that the Bible is complex, and there may be multiple layers of meaning in a single passage. We should be open to different interpretations as long as they are based on sound scholarship and respect for the text.
Bible Translation and Language
As we examine Bible verses that contradict each other, it is important to consider the role of translation and language.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and has been translated into hundreds of languages.
Each translation has strengths and weaknesses, and some may be more accurate than others.
Greek and Aramaic, and Different Bible Versions
The New Testament was written in Greek, while the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic (Source). Understanding the original languages can help us better understand the meaning of the text.
For example, the Greek word “agape” is often translated as “love” in English, but it has a deeper meaning encompassing sacrificial love and selflessness.
Some translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), aim to be more accessible to modern readers using simpler language. However, this can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and accuracy. Other translations, such as the New English Translation (NET Bible) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB), aim to be more literal and faithful to the original text.
Bible Verses that Contradict Each Other
As a believer in the Bible, I’ve always been fascinated by the contradictions that exist within its pages. While some may argue that these contradictions simply result from human error, others believe they are part of a larger plan.
In this section, I will explore some Bible verses contradicting each other and try to understand their meaning.
Old Testament Contradictions
The Old Testament is full of contradictions, and Leviticus 25:45 is one of the most controversial.
In this verse, the Bible states that it is okay to buy slaves from other nations, but Isaiah 58:6 says that we should set the oppressed free. These two verses seem contradictory, and it’s difficult to understand how they can both be true.
Another contradiction in the Old Testament can be found in Proverbs 26:4 and Proverbs 26:5. In Proverbs 26:4, the Bible says that we should not answer a fool according to his folly, but in Proverbs 26:5, it says that we should answer a fool according to his folly. These two verses seem contradictory, and it’s difficult to understand which one to follow.
New Testament Contradictions
The New Testament is also full of contradictions, and Matthew 5:6 and Luke 12:10 are two of the most controversial. In Matthew 5:6, the Bible says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, but Luke 12:10 says that those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
These two verses seem contradictory, and it’s a little tough to understand how they can both be true.
Contradictions in Christian Beliefs
While we know from above that certain verses in the Bible seem to contradict each other, leading to confusion and doubt – some beliefs are also slightly contradictory.
One of the most debated contradictions in Christian beliefs is the concept of salvation. Some verses suggest that salvation is achieved through faith alone, while others emphasize the importance of good works.
For instance, Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
However, James 2:14- 17 argues, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Another contradiction in Christian beliefs is the role of sin in our lives.
On one hand, Christians are called to avoid sin and strive for holiness. On the other hand, we are told that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This raises the question of whether it is possible to live a sinless life.
Furthermore, there are contradictions in Christian beliefs regarding forgiveness.
While the Bible teaches us to forgive others, it also emphasizes the importance of justice. This can be seen in verses such as Romans 12:19, which states, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
In addition to these contradictions, there are also debates about the nature of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Some Christians believe in the Trinity, while others reject this concept. Similarly, there are disagreements about the divinity of Jesus and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Contradictions in Bible Laws and Instructions
As I researched the Bible, I found contradictions in the laws and instructions given in different parts of the Bible.
For example, in Exodus 20:13, it is famously stated, “Thou shalt not kill,” yet in other parts of the Bible, there are instructions to kill, such as in Exodus 22:18, which states, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
Another contradiction can be found in the instructions regarding lying. In Exodus 20:16, it is stated, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” yet in other parts of the Bible, such as in 1 Kings 22:23, it is stated that God put a lying spirit in the mouths of the prophets.
There are contradictions in the laws regarding slavery. In Exodus 21:16, it is stated, “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.” However, in other parts of the Bible, such as in Leviticus 25:44-46, it is stated that it is okay to buy slaves from neighboring nations.
There are also contradictions in the laws regarding food. In Leviticus 11:7-8, it is stated that pork is unclean and should not be eaten, yet in Acts 10:9-15, it is stated that God declared all foods clean.
And to wrap up my research, there are contradictions in the laws regarding burdens. In Galatians 6:2, it is stated, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” yet in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 23:5, it is stated that if you see your enemy’s donkey struggling under its burden, you should not help him.
Contradictions in Events and Narratives
As I continue to study the Bible, I have encountered many events and narratives contradicting each other.
Here are a few examples:
- In Matthew 21:12, Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants from the temple. However, in John 2:15, this event occurs at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Which is it?
- In 2 Samuel 24:1, it says that God incited David to take a census of Israel. But in 1 Chronicles 21:1, it says that Satan incited David to take the census. Who is responsible for David’s actions?
- In Mark 15:25, it says that Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9am). But in John 19:14-15, it says that Jesus was still before Pilate at the sixth hour (12pm). How can both of these be true?
- In the story of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1-20, it says that the man lived in the tombs and that Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs. But in Luke 8:26-39, the man lived in a house and the demons were cast into the abyss. Which version is accurate?
- In Acts 9:7, it says that the men with Saul heard a voice but saw no one. But in Acts 22:9, it says that they saw the light but did not hear the voice. How can both of these be true?
These contradictions can be confusing and frustrating to reconcile.
It’s important to remember that many authors wrote the Bible over time.
It’s possible that different authors had different perspectives on the same event or their memories of the event were not entirely accurate, like the difference between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some contradictions in the Bible?
Several passages in the Bible seem to contradict each other. For example, in Matthew 27:5, Judas hangs himself, but in Acts 1:18, it says that he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, spilling his intestines. Another example is the two different genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. These contradictions are traditionally believed to be the result of multiple writers contributing to the bible.
What is the most controversial verse in the Bible?
Many verses in the Bible are controversial, depending on one’s perspective. However, one of the most debated verses is probably Genesis 1:1, which says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse has been the subject of much debate between those who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible and those who interpret it more metaphorically.
What is the biggest error in the Bible?
There is no one “biggest error” in the Bible, as different people have different interpretations of what constitutes an error. However, some scholars and theologians have pointed out potential errors or inconsistencies in the Bible, such as the different accounts of the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 or the different versions of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
Do Bible verses contradict Christianity?
Bible verses themselves do not necessarily contradict Christianity, as Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of the Bible. However, there are different interpretations of the Bible, and different Christian denominations may interpret certain passages differently. Some people may interpret certain passages in a way that contradicts their personal beliefs or values.
What are some of the biggest contradictions in the Bible?
Some of the most well-known contradictions in the Bible include the different accounts of the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2, the two different genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, and the different accounts of Judas’ death in Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18. Many other passages in the Bible have been the subject of debate and interpretation over the years.
Are there any Bible contradictions that cannot be answered?
Some Bible contradictions may be difficult to answer or figure out, but it is ultimately up to each individual to decide how they interpret the Bible. Some people may see these contradictions as evidence of the fallibility of human interpretation, while others may see them as an opportunity for deeper exploration and understanding of the text.
