Contradiction with Leviticus 20:10
This verse commands that adulterers should be put to death, while Ezekiel 23:44 describes men committing adultery without immediate consequence.
Leviticus 20:10: And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Contradiction with Proverbs 6:32
This verse states that anyone who commits adultery lacks understanding and destroys his own soul, contradicting the apparent acceptance of such actions in Ezekiel 23:44.
Proverbs 6:32: [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul. [understanding: Heb. heart]
Contradiction with James 4:4
This verse warns against friendship with the world and spiritual adultery, advocating for purity that contrasts with the behavior described in Ezekiel 23:44.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:28
Jesus teaches that even looking at someone with lust is considered adultery, which contradicts the actual act of adultery described in Ezekiel 23:44.
Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:18
Advises believers to flee fornication, contrasting with the reckless pursuit of such acts in Ezekiel 23:44.
1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 23:44 can be seen as troubling because it uses explicit language to describe unfaithfulness, which some might find in conflict with the reverent tone expected in religious texts. The imagery used could be jarring compared to other parts of the Bible that focus on forgiveness and compassion. It underscores human sinfulness, which can feel inconsistent with messages of divine love and redemption.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 23:44 describes a situation using intense imagery that can be seen as conflicting with modern moral standards, especially regarding respect and dignity towards individuals. The language and actions described can be interpreted as objectifying and degrading, which contradicts principles of human dignity and respect in many contemporary moral frameworks.