Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Kings 8:39

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Kings 8:39 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Kings 8:39. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of 1 Kings, God listens from heaven and knows what is in everyone's heart. He forgives and helps people based on what is inside their hearts, because only God truly knows what everyone is thinking and feeling.

1 Kings 8:39: Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9-10

These verses say the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, but 1 Kings 8:39 implies God can know and judge the hearts of all men, which could be seen as contradictory.

Jeremiah 17:9-10: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Contradiction with Matthew 7:1

This verse warns against judging others, as opposed to 1 Kings 8:39, which acknowledges God's ability to judge each heart individually.

Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Contradiction with Romans 2:16

1 Kings 8:39 talks about God knowing the hearts and rendering according to all ways, whereas Romans 2:16 indicates God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, suggesting a future judgment.

Romans 2:16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

Here it is stated that man looks at outward appearance, not at the heart, but 1 Kings 8:39 emphasizes God's ability to know the hearts of all people.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:2

This verse says every way of a man is right in his own eyes, which potentially contradicts the assumption in 1 Kings 8:39 that God alone knows the hearts and weighs their actions.

Proverbs 21:2: Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Paradox #1

1 Kings 8:39 talks about God knowing people's hearts, suggesting that only God can truly understand someone's thoughts and motives. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing this idea with other biblical passages that imply humans can sometimes understand or discern the hearts of others, such as in passages where prophets or wise people are described as knowing or perceiving someone's heart or thoughts. This could create an inconsistency regarding whether humans can know hearts or if only God can.

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