Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 29:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 29:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 29:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this verse warns the people not to turn away from God to worship other gods, so bad things like bitterness and trouble won't grow among them like a harmful plant.

Deuteronomy 29:18: Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; [gall: or, a poisonous herb: Heb. rosh]

Contradiction with Proverbs 28:5

This verse suggests that those who seek the Lord understand all things, seemingly contradicting the idea in Deuteronomy 29:18 that one could turn away and bring a root of bitterness, implying lack of understanding.

Proverbs 28:5: Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].

Contradiction with Matthew 7:7

This verse encourages asking, seeking, and knocking with promises of receiving, implying a positive outcome contrary to Deuteronomy 29:18, which warns of bitterness and turning away.

Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21

This verse states that if a wicked person turns from their sins, they will live, contradicting Deuteronomy 29:18, which warns that turning away leads to ruin.

Ezekiel 18:21: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Contradiction with James 4:8

This verse encourages drawing near to God for purification, which contrasts with the warning in Deuteronomy 29:18 about turning from the Lord leading to bitterness.

James 4:8: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Paradox #1

Deuteronomy 29:18 could be seen as having a conflict because it warns against turning away from God and following other beliefs, suggesting strictness and exclusivity in faith. This might contradict with the idea of a forgiving and inclusive God found in other parts of the Bible, where mercy is emphasized. Some might find it challenging to reconcile the warning against abandoning faith with the teachings on forgiveness and acceptance.

Paradox #2

Deuteronomy 29:18 warns against turning away from God and following other gods or paths. A potential contradiction could arise if someone perceives this warning as conflicting with themes of forgiveness and free will elsewhere in the Bible. The warning suggests severe consequences for straying, which might seem harsh or inflexible compared to messages of redemption and personal choice found in other passages.

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