Is Everything in the Bible Truly Divine and Unchanging?
In this article, you will learn how 2 Timothy 3:16 contradicts Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Jeremiah 8:8, Ezekiel 20:25, Matthew 5:17-18, Matthew 19:8 and Galatians 3:24-25. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
When we delve into scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16 assures us that all scripture is inspired by God, serving as a divine guide for teaching, correction, and preparing us to lead virtuous lives. However, a deeper exploration of biblical texts reveals some intriguing contradictions.
For instance, Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29 emphasize that God is not like humans who change their minds or lie, suggesting a picture of unwavering consistency. Yet, this ideal of unchanging divinity appears challenged by scriptures like Jeremiah 8:8, which questions the integrity of scribes who transcribed God's laws, hinting at possible human error or corruption.
Ezekiel 20:25 presents a different kind of puzzle as it mentions God giving Israel statutes "that were not good," causing one to wonder about the nature of divine laws. If every word is inspired, how does one interpret laws that God Himself labels as unfavorable?
The New Testament brings additional dimensions to this conversation. In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus speaks about fulfilling the law, suggesting that certain elements of biblical law had a purpose bound to a specific time and were not eternally fixed. Similarly, Matthew 19:8 introduces the concept of Mosaic law on divorce as a concession to human stubbornness, hinting at a temporary arrangement adapted for human fallibility.
Paul's letters add another layer as seen in Galatians 3:24-25, where the law is described as a "schoolmaster" that led to Christ, but is no longer essential for justification. This raises the question: if the law served a preparatory purpose, how does it remain perpetually profitable for doctrine?
These reflections invite us to ponder deeply: Does the Bible, in its entirety, consistently reflect an unchanging divine will, or do these apparent contradictions suggest a more nuanced interplay between divine inspiration and human interpretation?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2 Timothy 3:16 | All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: |
| 2. | Numbers 23:19 | God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? |
| 3. | 1 Samuel 15:29 | And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent. [Strength: or, Eternity, or, Victory] |
| 4. | Jeremiah 8:8 | How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain. [in vain made...: or, the false pen of the scribes worketh for falsehood] |
| 5. | Ezekiel 20:25 | Wherefore I gave them also statutes [that were] not good, and judgments whereby they should not live; |
| 6. | Matthew 5:17-18 | Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. |
| 7. | Matthew 19:8 | He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. |
| 8. | Galatians 3:24-25 | Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. |