Contradictions and Paradoxes in Exodus 34:30

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Exodus 34:30 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Exodus 34:30. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the author of this book, when Moses came down from the mountain after talking to God, his face was shining brightly and it scared everyone because they weren't used to seeing something like that. They were afraid because the bright light was a sign that Moses had been very close to God.

Exodus 34:30: And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 3:7

Exodus 34:30 describes Moses' face shining as a reflection of God's glory, causing fear among Israelites. In contrast, 2 Corinthians 3:7 refers to the glorious nature of the ministry that brought condemnation as fading, implying a temporary or lesser glory compared to the new covenant.

2 Corinthians 3:7: But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 3:13

Exodus 34:30 presents Moses' shining face as a direct outcome of his interaction with God, necessitating a veil to communicate with the Israelites, who feared to come near. Conversely, 2 Corinthians 3:13 suggests that the veil hid the fading glory, representing the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant.

2 Corinthians 3:13: And not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

Contradiction with Romans 5:1-2

Exodus 34:30 emphasizes Moses' radiant face from his time with God, instilling fear. In Romans 5:1-2, the focus shifts to grace and peace with God through faith, which contrasts with the fear induced by Moses' shining face.

Romans 5:1-2: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction lies in whether Moses’ face actually shone or if it was misunderstood as "horns" due to a translation error, leading to misconceptions and artwork depicting him with horns. The Hebrew word "qaran" can mean "shone" or "grew horns," and different translations and interpretations have resulted in this inconsistency.

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