A Neutral Overview of Frequently Cited Examples

The Bible, an ancient collection of texts central to Judaism and Christianity, is a rich tapestry of narrative, poetry, law, and prophecy. Over the centuries, many scholars, theologians, and readers have highlighted passages that appear to be contradictory, either in their statements of fact, historical details, or theological implications. It is important to note that interpretations of these passages vary widely. Some readers see these as literal contradictions, while others interpret them as differences in perspective, translation, or context.

This overview will present a list of some of the most frequently discussed contradictions in the Bible, based on comparative readings of well-known translations. No commentary will be offered on their resolution—these examples are shared to inform and provide context for ongoing discussions.

Creation Accounts

• Order of Creation: In Genesis 1, the creation of plants precedes animals, and humans (male and female) are created together at the end. In Genesis 2, a man is created before plants and animals, and a woman is created later from the man’s rib.

Noah’s Ark

• Number of Animals: Genesis 6:19-20 states that Noah is to bring two of every kind of animal. Genesis 7:2-3, however, instructs Noah to bring seven pairs of each clean animal and one pair of each unclean animal.

The Death of Judas Iscariot

• Manner of Death: In Matthew 27:5, Judas throws down the pieces of silver and hangs himself. In Acts 1:18, Judas buys a field with the reward, falls headlong, and his body bursts open.
• Who Bought the Field? Matthew 27:6-7 states the priests bought the field. Acts 1:18 says Judas bought the field.

The Genealogy of Jesus

• Lineage Differences: Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38 both provide genealogies of Jesus, but the names, the order, and the number of generations differ significantly.

Resurrection Appearances

• Who Went to the Tomb? In Matthew 28:1, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” go to the tomb. Mark 16:1 adds Salome. Luke 24:10 lists Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others. John 20:1 mentions only Mary Magdalene.
• What Did They See? Matthew describes an angel; Mark mentions a young man; Luke describes two men; John describes two angels.
• When Did They Go? The Gospels differ on whether it was before dawn, at dawn, or after sunrise.

The Time of the Crucifixion

• Mark 15:25 says Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9 a.m.), while John 19:14-16 suggests Jesus was still before Pilate at about the sixth hour (noon).

The Nature of God’s Mercy and Justice

• Enduring Mercy: Psalm 136 repeatedly states, “His mercy endures forever.” Exodus 34:7 claims God “will by no means clear the guilty.”

God’s Visibility

• God Seen or Unseen?: Exodus 33:20 says, “No one may see me and live.” Genesis 32:30, however, describes Jacob saying, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” In John 1:18, “No one has ever seen God.”

Incitement to David’s Census

• Who Incited David?: 2 Samuel 24:1 reports that the Lord incited David to take a census. 1 Chronicles 21:1 attributes this incitement to Satan.

Law on Bearing Burdens

• Contradictory Instructions: Galatians 6:2 instructs, “Bear one another’s burdens.” Only a few verses later, Galatians 6:5 says, “For each one should carry their own load.”

Salvation by Faith or Works

• Justification by Faith Alone: Romans 3:28 states, “A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” James 2:24, however, claims, “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

Inheritance of the Earth

• Who Inherits?: Psalm 37:29, “The righteous shall inherit the land.” Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

On Answering Fools

• Give or Withhold Answer?: Proverbs 26:4 says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly.” Proverbs 26:5, “Answer a fool according to his folly.”

God’s Repentance or Change of Mind

• Does God Change? Numbers 23:19 claims God does not change his mind. Yet Genesis 6:6-7 describes God as regretting making humans.

Length of the Egyptian Captivity

• How Many Years? Exodus 12:40 reports the Israelites were in Egypt 430 years. In Genesis 15:13, God tells Abraham his descendants will be oppressed 400 years.

The Fate of the Righteous

• No Harm or Many Troubles? Proverbs 12:21 states, “No harm overtakes the righteous.” Hebrews 11, however, lists many faithful who suffered greatly.

Seeing God and Dying

• Different Outcomes: Exodus 33:20 states, “No one may see me and live.” Yet, Genesis 32:30 and Judges 13:22-23 show people seeing God and surviving.

The Role of Women

• Speaking in Church: 1 Corinthians 14:34 says women should be silent in churches. Yet 1 Corinthians 11:5 describes women praying and prophesying publicly.

Numbers and Chronology

• Population and Census Figures: The books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles often give different numbers for the same events or censuses, such as the count of soldiers under David or the amounts of materials used in the temple.

Conclusion

This list is not exhaustive, but it captures some of the most widely discussed contradictions within the biblical texts. For each example, there are extensive theological and literary analyses that seek to resolve, explain, or contextualize the differences. Interpretations vary among denominations, traditions, and individual readers. Some view these differences as challenges to literal readings, while others see them as evidence of the diversity of voices and perspectives within the ancient tradition.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, many resources are available in academic, religious, and literary circles that delve into the history, interpretation, and significance of such passages.

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Norman R. Van Etten