Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 29:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 29:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 29:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this verse is a warning to the people not to follow the bad things and pretend gods made of wood, stone, silver, and gold that they saw when they were with other people. It teaches them to stay true to the real God and not be tempted by these fake gods.

Deuteronomy 29:17: And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which [were] among them:) [idols: Heb. dungy gods]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

Deuteronomy 29:17 warns against serving other gods, whereas Exodus 20:3 commands having no other gods, but no mention of the role of idols, which can imply an acceptance of other deities’ influence indirectly.

Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Contradiction with Romans 14:14

Deuteronomy 29:17 speaks of idolatry defiling the people, yet Romans 14:14 states nothing is unclean of itself, implying that physical idols may not inherently defile.

Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4

While Deuteronomy 29:17 emphasizes the fear of idols, 1 Corinthians 8:4 suggests that an idol is nothing in the world, contradicting its perceived threat.

1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9

Deuteronomy 29:17 sees idols as an abomination, yet Isaiah 44:9 suggests idol makers view them without fear or reverence, challenging their threatening nature.

Isaiah 44:9: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5

Deuteronomy 29:17 presents idols as dangerous, but Jeremiah 10:5 depicts them as powerless, contradicting the perceived threat.

Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or inconsistency could be that the verse warns against following other gods and idols, yet elsewhere in the Bible, God's people sometimes struggle with idolatry and are forgiven. This could be seen as conflicting because there is a strong stance against idols, but also a path to forgiveness when the command is broken.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.