Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 19:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 19:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 19:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God told the people to get ready because in three days, He would come down on a big mountain called Mount Sinai so everyone could see Him. It's like when you get ready for a special visitor to come to your house.

Exodus 19:11: And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

Contradiction with John 1:18

This verse states that no man has seen God at any time, which seems to contradict Exodus 19:11 where the people are to be prepared to meet God.

John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16

Describes God as dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen nor can see, contradicting the idea of God's appearance on Mount Sinai.

1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:12

Reiterates that no one has seen God, contradicting the depiction of a direct encounter with God as described in Exodus 19:11.

1 John 4:12: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Contradiction with Exodus 33:20

God tells Moses directly that no one may see Him and live, which seems at odds with the experience described in Exodus 19:11.

Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:12

Indicates that the Israelites heard God's voice but saw no form, which contrasts with the anticipation of God's visible appearance in Exodus 19:11.

Deuteronomy 4:12: And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only [ye heard] a voice. [only...: Heb. save a voice]

Paradox #1

The potential theological conflict in Exodus 19:11 could relate to the understanding of God's holiness and how He allows Himself to be approached by humans. Some might see a contradiction in God being both approachable and unapproachable, depending on different biblical texts about His nature and interaction with people. However, this tension reflects different aspects of God's relationship with humanity.

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