Is It Possible to See God? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how John 1:18 contradicts Exodus 33:11, Genesis 32:30, Judges 13:22, Isaiah 6:5 and Exodus 24:10. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the Bible, the question of whether anyone has ever seen God sparks debate due to seemingly contradictory verses. John 1:18 asserts that "no man hath seen God at any time," highlighting Jesus as the one who reveals God to humanity. Yet, several other verses suggest the opposite, showing instances where individuals claim to have seen God face to face.
In Exodus 33:11, it's stated that “the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” This verse portrays a direct encounter with God, which challenges John’s claim that no one has seen God. Similarly, in Genesis 32:30, Jacob declares, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Jacob's statement also seems to conflict with the idea that God cannot be seen.
Judges 13:22 tells the story of Manoah, who expresses fear, saying, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God.” His fear arises from the belief that witnessing God is a rare and life-threatening experience, yet it implies visibility that John’s gospel denies. Isaiah 6:5 recounts the prophet Isaiah saying, “For mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah’s vision provides another account of seeing God that challenges the claim in John.
Lastly, Exodus 24:10 describes an event where "they saw the God of Israel," referring to Moses, Aaron, and other elders witnessing a divine presence. This verse further fuels the confusion over the possibility of seeing God.
These contradictions are akin to a puzzle where certain pieces don’t quite fit together. One must contemplate: Are these accounts metaphorical or literal? Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial. The Bible, with its myriad interpretations, often requires faith to bridge the perceived gaps in its narrative. The question remains: Is it possible to truly see God, or is this an act of understanding reserved for Jesus alone?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 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]. |
| 2. | Exodus 33:11 | And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. |
| 3. | Genesis 32:30 | And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. [Peniel: that is, The face of God] |
| 4. | Judges 13:22 | And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God. |
| 5. | Isaiah 6:5 | Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. [undone: Heb. cut off] |
| 6. | Exodus 24:10 | And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness. |