Contradiction with Matthew 5:38-39
While Deuteronomy 19:21 speaks about "an eye for an eye," Matthew 5:38-39 tells us to resist not evil and if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.
Matthew 5:38-39: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Contradiction with Luke 6:27-29
Deuteronomy prescribes retribution, but Luke 6:27-29 urges loving your enemies and offering the other cheek instead of seeking revenge.
Luke 6:27-29: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Deuteronomy 19:21 allows personal retribution, yet Romans 12:19 instructs believers not to seek vengeance but leave it to God's wrath.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
This verse advises to not render evil for evil to anyone, contrasting the principle of retribution found in Deuteronomy 19:21.
1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22
Deuteronomy supports retribution, whereas Proverbs 20:22 encourages waiting on the Lord rather than repaying evil.
Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
Instead of advocating for retribution as in Deuteronomy, 1 Peter 3:9 suggests not returning evil for evil but blessing others.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:29
While Deuteronomy 19:21 is about equal retribution, Proverbs 24:29 advises against saying you will do to others as they have done to you.
Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 19:21 might be seen as inconsistent with teachings of forgiveness found in the New Testament, such as Jesus’ message to turn the other cheek and love your enemies. This can create tension between the Old Testament's justice-focused approach and the New Testament's emphasis on mercy and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 19:21 speaks about "an eye for an eye," which might seem to conflict with the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who taught about forgiveness and turning the other cheek. This represents a shift from retribution to a focus on mercy and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 19:21 speaks about "eye for eye" justice, which can be seen as harsh today. This conflicts with New Testament teachings, like those of Jesus, who emphasized forgiveness and turning the other cheek. The inconsistency lies in the difference between Old Testament justice and New Testament mercy.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in the principle of "an eye for an eye" is that it suggests a form of justice that directly matches the injury caused, which doesn't align with modern legal and psychological understanding. Today, justice systems focus on rehabilitation, prevention, and proportional punishment rather than exact retribution, which research shows can perpetuate cycles of violence and is not effective in reducing crime or addressing the psychological needs of those involved.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse might be that it advocates for "an eye for an eye" approach, which can be seen as promoting revenge or strict retribution. This idea can conflict with other biblical teachings about forgiveness and turning the other cheek, suggesting inconsistency in how justice and mercy are balanced.