Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
This verse advocates honoring one's father and mother, suggesting a positive relationship and respect, whereas Exodus 21:15 prescribes severe punishment for striking a parent, focusing on the negative action and consequence.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:1-3
These verses emphasize obedience and respect towards parents along with a promise of well-being and longevity, contrasting the punitive measure in Exodus 21:15 for physical harm against parents.
Ephesians 6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Contradiction with Proverbs 13:24
This verse discusses disciplining children out of love, contrasting with Exodus 21:15 which deals with a child's violent act against a parent and its severe consequences.
Proverbs 13:24: He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
This verse encourages turning the other cheek in response to violence, which contrasts with the severe punishment prescribed in Exodus 21:15 for striking a parent.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:20
This verse encourages children to obey their parents in everything, which contrasts with the focus on punishment in Exodus 21:15 for violent disobedience.
Colossians 3:20: Children, obey [your] parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Paradox #1
Exodus 21:15 talks about the severe punishment for striking a parent, which may raise questions when compared to other parts of the Bible that emphasize forgiveness, like Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. This could create a perceived inconsistency between the strict justice of the Old Testament and the mercy and forgiveness highlighted in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
Exodus 21:15 states a severe punishment for striking one's parents, which might seem contradictory when considered alongside other biblical themes of forgiveness and mercy. The strictness of the punishment could appear inconsistent with New Testament teachings that emphasize forgiveness, loving one's enemies, and turning the other cheek, as seen in the teachings of Jesus. This contrast between Old Testament laws and New Testament teachings could be seen as a doctrinal inconsistency.
Paradox #3
Historical contradictions or inconsistencies related to Exodus 21:15 could stem from differences in cultural values or legal codes between ancient times and modern perspectives. In ancient societies, the laws reflected in such verses were common and aligned with societal norms. However, from a contemporary viewpoint, these laws can seem harsh or incompatible with modern human rights standards and values, which often emphasize forgiveness and rehabilitation over strict punitive measures. Thus, the conflict arises from differing interpretations of justice and morality over time.
Paradox #4
Exodus 21:15 discusses the punishment for striking one's parents, which, according to the verse, is death. The contradiction or inconsistency here could be related to modern understandings of ethics, psychology, and law. In contemporary society, legal systems and psychological sciences advocate for rehabilitation and understanding over such severe punishments. There's an emphasis on understanding the causes of such behavior and treating underlying issues, which contrasts with the literal application of capital punishment for such an act.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in Exodus 21:15 comes from the fact that this verse prescribes a severe punishment for striking one's parents, which can seem harsh compared to other biblical teachings of forgiveness and compassion. It raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy.