Can Compassion and Captivity Coexist?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 21:11 contradicts Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:44, Galatians 3:28, 1 Corinthians 7:39 and Ephesians 5:25. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a revered text for many, presents a diverse tapestry of teachings that sometimes appear at odds with one another. For instance, Deuteronomy 21:11 presents an ancient law where a man can take a captive woman as his wife, provided certain regulations are followed to ensure her humane treatment. This concept, rooted in historical context, aims to introduce measures of compassion in a harsh reality. However, this directive seems to stand in stark contrast with several other biblical principles that advocate for love, equality, and fidelity.
Consider Exodus 20:14, which strictly prohibits adultery. While the situation in Deuteronomy involves a captor marrying a captive, raising questions about consent, the overarching theme of fidelity seems discordant with the action of taking a new wife under such circumstances.
Matthew 5:44, one of the well-known teachings of Jesus, instructs followers to love their enemies. This call for radical love clashes with the act of taking captives during warfare, suggesting a more harmonious path devoid of coercion and conflict.
Furthermore, Galatians 3:28 eloquently speaks to the equality of all individuals in Christ, emphasizing unity within the faith. Yet, the notion of taking a captive woman as a forced marriage partner suggests an underlying inequality, challenging the ideal of egalitarian relationships.
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 7:39 speaks to remarrying only after becoming a widow, implying relationships should be borne out of consensual circumstances. Ephesians 5:25 admonishes men to love their wives selflessly, akin to Christ's love for the church. These verses highlight the need for mutual affection and genuine love, contrasting with any form of acquisition or forced union.
These contrasting teachings within the scriptures prompt one to reflect: Can we reconcile the need for compassion with actions that inherently involve subjugation? These discrepancies invite deeper exploration into the nuances of biblical guidance, urging an understanding that aligns humane values with sacred texts.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 21:11 | And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife; |
| 2. | Exodus 20:14 | Thou shalt not commit adultery. |
| 3. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 4. | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 5. | 1 Corinthians 7:39 | The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. |
| 6. | Ephesians 5:25 | Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; |