Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:28
This verse suggests that those who marry will face troubles, potentially contradicting the call to love sacrificially regardless of trials.
1 Corinthians 7:28: But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:37
This verse implies prioritizing love for Christ over familial love, which may contradict the absolute love a husband is expected to show.
Matthew 10:37: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:32-34
These verses highlight how unmarried men can focus on the Lord, suggesting marriage divides interests, potentially contradicting the selfless devotion described in Ephesians 5:25.
1 Corinthians 7:32-34: But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: [that belong...: Gr. of the Lord]
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse demands a form of hate for one's family compared to love for Christ, conflicting with the command for husbands to love their wives deeply.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:29
It advises those with wives to live as though they do not have them, contradicting the call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church.
1 Corinthians 7:29: But this I say, brethren, the time [is] short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
Paradox #1
Ephesians 5:25 emphasizes love and sacrifice within the context of marriage. A potential contradiction could arise when compared to other biblical passages that emphasize submission or authority within marriage, creating tension between mutual love and hierarchical structures. Some might see this as conflicting interpretations of roles within marriage according to different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
The contradiction might arise if this verse is viewed in the context of gender equality. Some people could argue that the expectation placed on one gender to love or behave in a specific way could be seen as inconsistent with modern views on equal partnerships and individual autonomy in relationships.