Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Peter 2:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Peter 2:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Peter 2:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Peter, God knows how to help good people stay away from bad choices and will make sure bad people face consequences on a special day. God takes care of everyone in the right way.

2 Peter 2:9: The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Contradiction with Job 21:7-13

These verses describe how the wicked often live prosperous lives, seemingly contradicting the idea that the Lord reserves punishment for the unjust.

Job 21:7-13: Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

Contradiction with Psalm 73:3-12

The psalmist describes how the wicked often prosper without immediate punishment, providing a contrast to the immediate judgment inferred in 2 Peter 2:9.

Psalm 73:3-12: For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 8:14

This verse observes the apparent injustice in life where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, which can be seen as contrary to the immediate judgment of the unjust.

Ecclesiastes 8:14: There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just [men], unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked [men], to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also [is] vanity.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 12:1

Jeremiah questions why the wicked prosper, which contrasts with the notion that God reserves them for punishment as stated in 2 Peter 2:9.

Jeremiah 12:1: Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [talk...: or, reason the case with thee]

Contradiction with Habakkuk 1:13

Habakkuk asks why God tolerates treachery and remains silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous, which contradicts the assured divine retribution in 2 Peter 2:9.

Habakkuk 1:13: [Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he? [iniquity: or, grievance]

Contradiction with Malachi 3:15

The prophet notes that evildoers seem to prosper and even test God with success, which challenges the immediate punishment narrative of 2 Peter 2:9.

Malachi 3:15: And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered. [are set up: Heb. are built]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:45

Jesus states that God makes the sun rise on the evil and the good alike, suggesting a lack of immediate distinction or punishment, contrasting with 2 Peter 2:9.

Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in 2 Peter 2:9 could arise from the idea of divine judgment and punishment. Some might see a conflict between the notion of a loving and merciful God and the depiction of Him as one who reserves punishment for wrongdoers. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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