Contradiction with Genesis 1:27
This verse emphasizes that all humans are created in God's image, which contradicts the allowance of harsh treatment in Exodus 21:20.
Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:2
This verse stresses the commonality of all people under God, contrasting with the servant-master dynamic implied in Exodus 21:20.
Proverbs 22:2: The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This teaching to love your enemies contradicts the endorsement of physical punishment found in Exodus 21:20.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Luke 6:31
The Golden Rule of treating others as you would like to be treated contrasts with the treatment of servants in Exodus 21:20.
Luke 6:31: And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse promotes the equality of all in Christ, which contradicts the unequal treatment depicted in Exodus 21:20.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction with Exodus 21:20 is the apparent inconsistency between the Bible's teaching on the value of human life and the acceptance of slavery. This verse might seem to conflict with the belief that all people are made in God's image and deserve equal dignity and rights. Some people find it contradictory that the Bible includes laws that tolerate or regulate slavery rather than outright condemning it.
Paradox #2
Exodus 21:20 could be seen as inconsistent with the broader biblical messages of love, equality, and the inherent dignity of all people. This verse might seem contradictory because it involves laws about slavery, which conflicts with teachings about loving your neighbor and valuing each individual. The difference between rules for treatment in ancient times and modern values can create tension.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict around this verse comes from its implications about slavery, which conflict with modern views on human rights and equality. The verse deals with laws about how to treat slaves, and these laws can seem incompatible with the ethical standards and laws concerning human rights that many societies uphold today.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in this verse relates to ethics and human rights. Ethical standards today, based on scientific understanding of psychology and human rights, emphasize that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect. The acceptance of severe physical punishment in the verse conflicts with contemporary human rights principles that recognize the psychological and societal harm caused by such treatment.
Paradox #5
Exodus 21:20 presents a contradiction because it appears to permit the punishment of slaves, which conflicts with the broader moral values of equality, compassion, and non-violence promoted in other parts of the Bible and in modern human rights standards. This creates tension between the specific cultural norms of the time it was written and contemporary ethical beliefs.