Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands to have no other gods, reinforcing monotheism, not explicitly fear or serve God.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
Jesus states to worship and serve God only, focusing on worship rather than fear.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Contradiction with 1 John 4:18
States that there is no fear in love and perfect love casts out fear, contrasting with the instruction to fear God.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Contradiction with Romans 8:15
Speaks of receiving the Spirit of adoption rather than a spirit of bondage leading to fear, opposing the idea of fearing God.
Romans 8:15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
Mentions God has given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not of fear, opposing the instruction to fear God.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a potential contradiction or inconsistency with Deuteronomy 6:13 in light of other verses in the Bible that advocate for a more personal and internalized expression of faith, rather than fear. While Deuteronomy 6:13 emphasizes serving and fearing God, others argue that the New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, stresses love and a personal relationship with God. This difference in emphasis—fear versus love—can seem inconsistent to some readers.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 6:13 emphasizes fearing and serving God alone. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing it to verses that suggest service or fear of other beings, like instances involving angels (e.g., Revelation 22:8-9, where worship of angels is rejected). Some might see inconsistencies in Old Testament commands versus later New Testament teachings emphasizing love and grace over fear. However, many see these as complementary rather than contradictory.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 6:13 instructs people to fear and serve only one God. A historical inconsistency could arise when considering ancient Israelite history, where archaeological evidence suggests that neighboring cultures and some Israelites practiced polytheism, worshipping multiple gods. This could contradict the expectation of exclusive worship of one God as stated in this verse.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict with this verse comes from its emphasis on exclusive devotion to one deity, which can be seen as conflicting with the beliefs of those who follow different religions or who advocate for religious pluralism and inclusivity. This exclusivity might contradict the idea of respecting and accepting diverse beliefs and practices.