When Can a Man See God? Diving into Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 3:1 contradicts John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16 and Exodus 33:20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The story of Moses and the burning bush is one of the most remarkable narratives in the Bible. In Exodus 3:1, Moses is described as going about his daily duties, tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro, when he encounters the extraordinary at Mount Horeb, setting the stage for an encounter with God. This episode raises intriguing questions, especially when considered alongside other biblical verses.
For instance, John 1:18 states, "No man hath seen God at any time." This seems to directly contradict the unfolding events with Moses, suggesting it's impossible to have a direct visual encounter with the Divine. Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:16 describes God as dwelling "in the light which no man can approach unto." The idea here brings to mind an impenetrable barrier, similar to a boundary that cannot be crossed, juxtaposed against Moses's approach to the burning bush.
Furthermore, Exodus 33:20 provides another layer to the discussion. God tells Moses, "Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." This strong assertion seems to limit the possibility of any true visual encounter with God, creating a puzzling tension with the earlier narrative.
Imagine being told by different people about an enigmatic mountain—one says it's completely inaccessible, another warns you'll never reach the top, yet a third person describes enjoying an unforgettable view from its summit. Each account holds truth but doesn't quite align when pieced together. Similarly, these verses present an intriguing puzzle, urging readers to ponder the nature of divine encounters.
These seemingly contradictory messages invite us to consider deeper theological and symbolic meanings. Are these encounters purely spiritual, or do they challenge the boundaries of human understanding? Exploring these questions opens a window into the rich and complex tapestry of biblical narratives.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 3:1 | Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb. |
| 2. | John 1:18 | No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him]. |
| 3. | 1 Timothy 6:16 | Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen. |
| 4. | Exodus 33:20 | And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. |