Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 31:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 31:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 31:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God wants the people of Israel to always have a special day of rest called the Sabbath, which they are to celebrate forever as a promise between them and God. Christians often see this as a reminder of the importance of rest and spending time with God.

Exodus 31:16: Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.

Contradiction with Romans 14:5

This verse suggests that each person should be fully convinced in their own mind about which days to observe, indicating flexibility contrary to the strict observance commanded in Exodus 31:16.

Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured]

Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17

These verses advise not to let anyone judge you for observing special days, implying freedom from the mandatory Sabbath observance stated in Exodus 31:16.

Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]

Contradiction with Galatians 4:9-10

Paul questions why Christians turn back to observing special days, presenting it as a negative practice against the perpetual Sabbath observance commanded in Exodus 31:16.

Galatians 4:9-10: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [turn ye again: or, turn ye back] [elements: or, rudiments]

Contradiction with Mark 2:27

Jesus states that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, suggesting a purpose-focused rather than a rule-focused view, in contrast to the strict observance in Exodus 31:16.

Mark 2:27: And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Paradox #1

One possible theological inconsistency with Exodus 31:16 could be the differing views on the observance of the Sabbath. While the verse emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath as an everlasting covenant for the Israelites, some Christians believe that the strict observance of the Sabbath is no longer required due to the new covenant established by Jesus. This can lead to conflicting interpretations of Sabbath observance between different religious groups.

Paradox #2

Exodus 31:16 talks about keeping the Sabbath as a lasting covenant. Some see a contradiction with New Testament teachings, where Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 says not to let anyone judge you on religious festivals, new moons, or Sabbaths, implying these rules aren't as binding. The potential conflict is between the Old Testament's emphasis on observing the Sabbath and the New Testament's focus on freedom from strict religious laws.

Paradox #3

Exodus 31:16 talks about keeping the Sabbath as a lasting covenant. A contradiction might arise because other parts of the Bible suggest that Jesus and his followers did not strictly observe the Sabbath, which created debates about whether Sabbath laws still applied.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict with Exodus 31:16 could arise when considering the New Testament teachings. In the Old Testament, keeping the Sabbath is a strict requirement, while in the New Testament, the emphasis shifts toward faith in Jesus rather than strict adherence to the law. This could lead to confusion about whether following the Sabbath law is necessary for Christians.

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