Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Corinthians 14:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Corinthians 14:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Corinthians 14:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, God is saying that He will use people who speak different languages to try and get His message across, but some people still won't listen to Him even then. This means that sometimes people can be stubborn and not pay attention to important messages, even if they come in different ways.

1 Corinthians 14:21: In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Mark 16:17

This verse states that believers will speak with new tongues as a sign, which contrasts with the warning tone in 1 Corinthians 14:21 regarding speaking in unfamiliar tongues as a lack of understanding.

Mark 16:17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Contradiction with Acts 2:4

This passage describes the apostles speaking in tongues as a Holy Spirit event, contrasting with the rebuked notion of unfamiliar tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:21 given in the context of prophecy and signs for unbelievers.

Acts 2:4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:22

This verse says tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not believers, which contrasts with the purpose in 1 Corinthians 14:21 of tongues being a form of judgment or lack of comprehension for the Jews who do not listen.

1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Contradiction with Isaiah 28:11-12

This Old Testament reference, which 1 Corinthians 14:21 quotes, suggests that foreign tongues are a method God uses, yet here it implies a lack of acceptance rather than a spiritual gift as shown in other New Testament verses.

Isaiah 28:11-12: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. [stammering...: Heb. stammerings of lip] [will...: or, he hath spoken]

Paradox #1

The contradiction or inconsistency might be related to the source quoted. Paul references a prophecy in "the Law" which actually comes from Isaiah, a prophetic book rather than the Torah. This could be seen as inconsistent because "the Law" usually refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, not the prophetic writings.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.