Contradiction with Genesis 1:26
This verse indicates that humans were made in the image of God, suggesting a distinct and divine nature that contradicts the uncertainty about the human spirit in Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 12:7
This verse states that the spirit shall return unto God who gave it, providing a more certain outcome for the human spirit that contrasts with the question posed in Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Ecclesiastes 12:7: Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Contradiction with Luke 23:46
Jesus commits his spirit to God, reflecting confidence in the destination of the spirit, unlike the uncertainty expressed in Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Luke 23:46: And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Contradiction with Psalm 73:24
This verse suggests that God will guide and eventually receive the psalmist to glory, indicating assurance about the spirit's destination, contrary to Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Psalm 73:24: Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:8
This scripture expresses a preference for being absent from the body and present with the Lord, reflecting a certainty regarding the spirit's afterlife, unlike the doubt in Ecclesiastes 3:21.
2 Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Contradiction with Philippians 1:23
Paul is confident about departing and being with Christ, suggesting assurance about the human spirit's journey, contradicting Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Philippians 1:23: For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Contradiction with John 14:2-3
Jesus speaks of preparing a place for believers in his Father’s house, indicating certainty about the afterlife, differing from the uncertainty in Ecclesiastes 3:21.
John 14:2-3: In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Contradiction with Revelation 14:13
States that those who die in the Lord are blessed and their works follow them, providing assurance about the afterlife, contrary to Ecclesiastes 3:21.
Revelation 14:13: And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. [from henceforth...: or, from henceforth saith the Spirit, Yea]
Paradox #1
Ecclesiastes 3:21 raises questions about what happens to the human spirit versus the animal spirit after death. Some people see it as inconsistent with the clearer teachings in other parts of the Bible about the afterlife or the uniqueness of the human soul. This can create confusion or conflict with beliefs about human beings having a special spiritual destiny compared to animals.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction in how Ecclesiastes 3:21 seems to question whether the human spirit rises upward after death, whereas other parts of the Bible, like the New Testament, affirm beliefs in an afterlife and resurrection. This can be seen as inconsistent with the broader religious teachings on life after death.
Paradox #3
Ecclesiastes 3:21 raises a question about where the spirit of humans and animals go after death, suggesting uncertainty about the afterlife. The potential moral conflict could be the contradiction with other parts of the Bible that provide more definitive answers about the afterlife, like the promise of eternal life for believers. This could be seen as inconsistent in the message about what happens after death.