Contradiction with Matthew 19:6
This verse emphasizes the permanence of marriage, stating that what God has joined together, no man should separate, which contrasts with the Levirate marriage law where a brother could marry his sibling’s widow.
Matthew 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:39
It states that a woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives, but Deuteronomy 25:5 suggests she may marry her brother-in-law if her husband dies.
1 Corinthians 7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Contradiction with Leviticus 18:16
Prohibits uncovering the nakedness of a brother's wife, which seems contrary to the practice of marrying a brother’s widow described in Deuteronomy 25:5.
Leviticus 18:16: Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it [is] thy brother's nakedness.
Contradiction with Genesis 2:24
Emphasizes that a man shall leave his family and cling to his wife, advocating for an independent marital union distinct from obligations like those in Deuteronomy 25:5.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:2
Advises that each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband, without suggesting the obligation of marrying a brother's widow, as Deuteronomy 25:5 does.
1 Corinthians 7:2: Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Deuteronomy 25:5 arises when compared to New Testament teachings about marriage. In the Old Testament, this verse commands a man to marry his brother's widow to preserve the brother's family line. However, in the New Testament, Jesus and Paul emphasize monogamy and the spiritual nature of marriage, which can appear to conflict with the levirate marriage practice. This can create tension between Old Testament laws and New Testament principles about marriage.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 25:5 talks about levirate marriage, where a man is supposed to marry his deceased brother's widow. This could conflict with earlier teachings in the Bible about marriage being between just two people, as it introduces complex family dynamics and obligations. Additionally, it may not align with modern interpretations of marriage and women's rights.
Paradox #3
One contradiction with this verse might be the conflict with later biblical texts where the importance of individual choice and monogamous marriage is emphasized. Over time, social norms and laws evolved, and this ancient practice could have conflicted with newer understandings of marriage and individual rights.
Paradox #4
Deuteronomy 25:5 may raise contradictions for modern readers because it involves a practice that may conflict with contemporary views on marriage, individual consent, and personal choice. The practice outlined can be seen as limiting a widow's autonomy by obligating her to marry a relative of her deceased husband, which might not respect her personal wishes or modern understandings of marriage freedom.