Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 20:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 20:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 20:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the people were scared when they saw the loud noises and bright lights coming from the mountain, so they moved back and stood far away. They felt nervous because it was a very powerful and unusual sight.

Exodus 20:18: And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 19:12

This verse describes God speaking in a "still small voice," contrasting with the dramatic display of thunder and lightning in Exodus 20:18.

1 Kings 19:12: And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Contradiction with John 1:18

States that no one has seen God at any time, which contradicts the Israelites' perception of God's presence in Exodus 20:18.

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 Matthew 5:48

Calls for perfection in God's followers, while Exodus 20:18 shows fear and imperfection in handling His presence.

Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Contradiction with Hebrews 12:18-19

Suggests a new covenant where God's approachability contrasts with the fearsome experience at Sinai in Exodus 20:18.

Hebrews 12:18-19: For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:31

Condemns practices of fearing God through sights like fire, which contradicts the Sinai encounter in Exodus 20:18.

Deuteronomy 12:31: Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. [to the: Heb. of the]
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