Contradiction with Matthew 22:30
In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven, which contrasts the union of husband and wife in Ephesians 5:31.
Matthew 22:30: But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:8
Paul suggests that it is good for the unmarried and widows to remain single, differing from the ideal of leaving family to join to a spouse as outlined in Ephesians 5:31.
1 Corinthians 7:8: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:29
Paul mentions the time is short, and those who have wives should live as though they have none, which contrasts with the call to union in Ephesians 5:31.
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;
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
Jesus says that one must hate his own family to be His disciple, which contrasts with the uniting of a man to his wife as described in Ephesians 5:31.
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.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 5:31 references the idea of a man leaving his parents to unite with his wife as one flesh, a concept originating from Genesis 2:24. Some point out that this contradicts certain cultural practices from biblical times where family ties and parental authority were central, and marriages often involved arrangements focusing on family benefit rather than individual union.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Ephesians 5:31 might arise when considering different cultural and religious beliefs about marriage. Some people may see this verse as promoting a traditional view that doesn't align with modern or more inclusive perspectives on relationships and marriage. Additionally, the emphasis on leaving parents and uniting with a spouse could conflict with cultures that prioritize extended familial ties and duties. This conflict is more about differing interpretations and values rather than a direct contradiction within the text itself.