Contradiction with Genesis 9:6
This verse states, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed," indicating a divine endorsement of capital punishment, which contradicts the commandment against killing.
Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Contradiction with Leviticus 24:17
This verse prescribes, "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death," thereby supporting the practice of capital punishment, contradicting the prohibition of killing.
Leviticus 24:17: And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. [killeth...: Heb. smiteth the life of a man]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
This verse commands the Israelites to "smite them, and utterly destroy them," referring to other nations, contradicting the commandment against killing.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with Joshua 6:21
Describes the Israelites’ complete destruction of Jericho, including men, women, and children, which stands in contrast to the commandment not to kill.
Joshua 6:21: And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3
God's directive to "go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not," contradicts the prohibition against killing.
1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Contradiction with Romans 13:4
It states, "he beareth not the sword in vain," suggesting that authorities are God's servants to administer punishment, including death, which contrasts with the commandment not to kill.
Romans 13:4: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Paradox #1
Some people argue there's a contradiction because, while this commandment advises against killing, other parts of the Bible describe situations where killing occurs, like in wars or punishments, and might seem permitted. This can seem inconsistent with the rule against killing.
Paradox #2
Exodus 20:13, which states "You shall not kill," might seem to contradict other parts of the Bible where killing occurs, such as divine commands for the Israelites to engage in battles or instances of capital punishment prescribed by law. This inconsistency arises from the complexity of defining and interpreting the context and circumstances under which taking a life may be deemed permissible, justified, or condemned.
Paradox #3
Some contradictions or inconsistencies might revolve around how this commandment has been interpreted regarding issues like war, the death penalty, or self-defense. Throughout history, different religious and cultural contexts have applied this rule in various ways, which can lead to conflicting interpretations and practices.
Paradox #4
Some people see a conflict because the Bible also describes instances where killing occurs, such as in wars or punishments, which seem to go against this command. This can create questions about when killing is considered acceptable in a moral or religious context.