Contradiction with Genesis 1:27
Exodus 21:22 suggests a specific penalty for injury to a pregnant woman, implying the fetus's value is less than a person's, while Genesis 1:27 affirms all humans are created in God's image, suggesting equal value.
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 Jeremiah 1:5
Exodus 21:22 outlines a penalty based on the outcome after birth, potentially contradicting Jeremiah 1:5, which speaks of God knowing us before birth, implying a fetus's intrinsic value.
Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. [ordained: Heb. gave]
Contradiction with Psalm 139:13-16
Exodus 21:22 implies a distinction in the value of life before birth, which may contrast with Psalm 139:13-16 that speaks of God's involvement and care in the womb, suggesting the fetus is fully valued from the start.
Psalm 139:13-16: For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Paradox #1
Exodus 21:22 can lead to debates regarding the status of an unborn child because it addresses a situation involving injury to a pregnant woman and her resulting miscarriage. The theological conflict arises over differing interpretations about the value and personhood of the fetus, which can impact discussions on the morality of abortion. Some argue that the passage implies a distinction between the life of the unborn and the life of the mother, while others believe it affirms the unborn child’s personhood. This can lead to inconsistency in how biblical teachings are applied to modern ethical issues.
Paradox #2
Exodus 21:22 can lead to differing interpretations regarding the status and value of an unborn child. Some people see it as implying that the loss of a fetus is not equivalent to the loss of a fully-born human life, which can contrast with biblical passages that emphasize the sanctity and value of all human life, including the unborn. This can create a conflict in debates about issues like abortion, with some arguing that the passage suggests a differing level of judicial consequence for harm to a fetus compared to harm to a born person.
Paradox #3
Exodus 21:22 can be seen as controversial because it raises questions about how it values unborn life compared to born life. Different interpretations of this verse can lead to conflicting views on issues like abortion and the legal status of the fetus. Some see it as not recognizing the fetus as having the same status as a born person, while others interpret it differently, leading to debates and inconsistencies in its application and understanding.
Paradox #4
The verse could create a conflict with modern scientific understanding by suggesting different consequences for a fetus depending on the situation, which might not align with current views on fetal development and personhood. It highlights differing views on when life begins, which can contradict scientific perspectives or current ethical standards.
Paradox #5
Exodus 21:22 could be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency because it implies different values for the life of an unborn child compared to the life of a fully born person. It suggests a lesser penalty for harm to an unborn child than for harm to a person outside the womb, which could be viewed as inconsistent if one believes that all human life holds the same value, regardless of the stage of development.