Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Contradicts Deuteronomy 21:21 by advising to love and pray for enemies rather than punish them harshly.
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;
Contradiction with John 8:7
Suggests not to judge or execute others unless one is without sin, opposing the punishment in Deuteronomy 21:21.
John 8:7: So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Advises leaving vengeance to God rather than executing judgment like in Deuteronomy 21:21.
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 Ezekiel 18:20
States individual responsibility for sin, implying the community should not bear the burden of execution.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Emphasizes mercy over judgment, conflicting with the execution described in Deuteronomy 21:21.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1
Advocates for a gentle answer rather than harsh actions, contradicting the punishment described.
Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1-2
Warns against judging others, contrasting with the communal judgment in Deuteronomy 21:21.
Matthew 7:1-2: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with Luke 6:36-37
Encourages mercy and forgiveness rather than punishment, opposing Deuteronomy 21:21.
Luke 6:36-37: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 21:21 could present a conflict with the teachings of forgiveness and mercy found in the New Testament. While this verse prescribes a severe punishment for disobedience, the New Testament often emphasizes forgiveness and turning the other cheek, as Jesus teaches. This might seem inconsistent to some readers regarding how justice and mercy should be balanced.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction or inconsistency with Deuteronomy 21:21 is the contrast with modern views on justice and human rights. In contemporary society, the idea of capital punishment for certain offenses, particularly those mentioned in ancient texts, often conflicts with modern legal systems and ethical standards, which emphasize rehabilitation and human dignity. This can create tension between historical religious practices and modern values.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse involves the ethical implications of using capital punishment, especially for actions that do not align with modern scientific and ethical understandings of law, psychology, and human rights. Modern science and psychology emphasize rehabilitation rather than severe punitive measures, and many legal systems now consider the social and psychological factors that influence behavior. Thus, the harsh response described could be seen as inconsistent with current scientific and ethical approaches to justice and human behavior.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 21:21 could present a moral conflict because it prescribes a harsh punishment that might seem inconsistent with later teachings about forgiveness and mercy in other parts of the Bible. The idea of such severe consequences might not align with modern views on justice and compassion.