Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 Peter 3:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 Peter 3:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 Peter 3:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Peter, Christians believe that when someone is mean to you, you should not be mean back, but instead be kind and bless them. By doing this, you are doing what God wants, and you will receive good things in return.

1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:24

Describes the principle of "an eye for an eye," advocating for retribution, which contradicts the call for not repaying evil for evil in 1 Peter 3:9.

Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:29

Advises not to say "I will do to him as he hath done to me," suggesting vengeance, conflicting with 1 Peter 3:9's message of not retaliating with evil.

Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:38-39

Though it counters the Old Testament retribution ethos, turning the other cheek can be seen as contradicting natural justice which some might equate with reciprocation as in 1 Peter 3:9.

Matthew 5:38-39: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Advises leaving vengeance to God, contrasting the appeal in 1 Peter 3:9 to simply refrain from repaying evil personally without involving divine retribution.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Leviticus 24:20

Provides an instance of direct retributive justice, suggesting a legalistic viewpoint as opposed to the merciful approach advocated in 1 Peter 3:9.

Leviticus 24:20: Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:21

Upholds the lex talionis, or law of retaliation, directly opposing the call for blessing instead of retribution found in 1 Peter 3:9.

Deuteronomy 19:21: And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Paradox #1

1 Peter 3:9 encourages not repaying evil with evil but with blessing. The potential moral conflict might arise when this idea is compared with other parts of the Bible that discuss justice or punishment for wrongdoing. For example, some might find it inconsistent with the "eye for an eye" concept found in the Old Testament, which suggests a direct form of justice and retribution. This might seem contradictory as one advocates for forgiveness and blessing, while the other suggests retribution.

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