Deuteronomy 5:20 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, this means you should always tell the truth about others and not say things that are not true about them. It's about being honest and kind to everyone.

Contradiction with Exodus 1:19

This verse involves Hebrew midwives deceiving Pharaoh by justifying their actions with a false statement, appearing to contradict the commandment not to bear false witness in Deuteronomy 5:20.

Exodus 1:19: And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women [are] not as the Egyptian women; for they [are] lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.

Contradiction with Genesis 12:13

In this verse, Abram instructs Sarai to say she is his sister, which introduces a misleading statement, conflicting with the directive of truthful testimony in Deuteronomy 5:20.

Genesis 12:13: Say, I pray thee, thou [art] my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Contradiction with Joshua 2:4-5

Rahab misleads the king's messengers about the spies' whereabouts, showing an example of bearing false witness, contrary to Deuteronomy 5:20.

Joshua 2:4-5: And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they [were]:

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 21:2

David tells Ahimelech the priest that he is on a mission from the king, which is not true, differing from the principle of not bearing false witness in Deuteronomy 5:20.

1 Samuel 21:2: And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 10:18-19

Jehu pretends to worship Baal to expose Baal's followers, a deceitful act that contrasts with the straightforwardness required in Deuteronomy 5:20.

2 Kings 10:18-19: And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; [but] Jehu shall serve him much.

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22

This verse states that lying lips are an abomination, aligning with Deuteronomy 5:20's prohibition of false witness, yet the context of other verses may imply situational discrepancies.