Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 21:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 21:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 21:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, if someone was punished by hanging on a tree, you should bury them the same day because leaving them there overnight is bad in God's eyes. This is so the special land God gave his people stays clean and good.

Deuteronomy 21:23: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged [is] accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance. [accursed...: Heb. the curse of God]

Contradiction with Galatians 3:13

This verse explains that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, referring to the concept that being hanged on a tree is associated with being cursed, potentially contradicting the notion in Deuteronomy 21:23 of avoiding defilement.

Galatians 3:13: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Contradiction with Acts 5:30

This verse highlights that Jesus was hanged on a tree, yet he is revered and glorified, contrasting the implication in Deuteronomy 21:23 that one hung on a tree is cursed and defiled.

Acts 5:30: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Contradiction with John 3:14-15

In this passage, Jesus references being lifted up on the cross as an act leading to eternal life, which could contradict the perception of curse associated in Deuteronomy 21:23.

John 3:14-15: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

Paradox #1

Deuteronomy 21:23 says that anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. This could seem inconsistent with the New Testament, which says that Jesus was crucified (hung on a cross) but is still considered sinless and the Savior in Christian belief. Some might see a contradiction because being hung on a tree is described as a curse, yet Jesus' death is central to salvation.

Paradox #2

One potential contradiction with the concept in Deuteronomy 21:23 could arise from differences in cultural practices and beliefs regarding burial and the treatment of bodies in ancient societies. In some ancient cultures, leaving a body displayed for a long time was a common practice for deterrence or humiliation, which contradicts the immediate burial requirement mentioned in the verse. The inconsistency may lie in how these practices were viewed and enacted across different societies and time periods.

Paradox #3

The verse suggests that leaving a body hanging overnight will defile the land, linking physical action to a spiritual consequence. Scientifically, the idea of land being "defiled" in a spiritual sense doesn't align with empirical evidence, as science doesn't support spiritual consequences affecting the environment. "Defilement" would be seen as a cultural or religious concept rather than scientific.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict could arise from the idea that the requirement might seem harsh or conflicting with the concept of mercy. It might also be at odds with modern ideas about human dignity and justice.

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