Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:24
This verse states that if a righteous person turns away from righteousness and commits iniquity, they will die for their sins, similar to Ezekiel 3:20; however, it emphasizes accountability for one's own actions without the implication of the watchman's responsibility.
Ezekiel 18:24: But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:5-6
These verses suggest that God punishes children for the iniquity of their parents to several generations, which contrasts with the individual responsibility emphasized in Ezekiel 3:20.
Exodus 20:5-6: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:30
This verse promises that everyone will die for their own sin, which complements rather than contradicts Ezekiel 3:20, but still challenges the communal responsibility seen in other verses.
Jeremiah 31:30: But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
This verse states that the wicked will not go unpunished, reinforcing the personal accountability theme but contradicting communal effects seen in Ezekiel 3:20's context of the watchman's duty.
Proverbs 11:21: [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Contradiction with Romans 5:18
This offers a contrast by illustrating universal justification through Christ opposed to individual accountability for sin as stipulated in Ezekiel 3:20.
Romans 5:18: Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life. [by the offence...: or, by one offence] [by the righteousness...: or, by one righteousness]
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 3:20 could raise questions about the fairness of divine justice, especially regarding the responsibility and punishment of individuals for their actions. Some may see a potential inconsistency with the idea of God being forgiving and giving chances to repent, as this verse suggests a more immediate and definitive consequence for turning away from righteousness. This can seem at odds with other parts of the Bible that emphasize mercy and redemption.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 3:20 might raise questions about free will and responsibility. It suggests that a righteous person's previous good deeds won't save them if they sin, which some might see as inconsistent with the idea of grace and forgiveness in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
The potential issue with Ezekiel 3:20 could relate to the concept of individual responsibility versus collective punishment, as the Old Testament has instances where entire groups are punished for the sins of individuals, which might seem inconsistent with the idea that each person is responsible for their own actions.
Paradox #4
Ezekiel 3:20 can present a contradiction or conflict because it suggests that a righteous person can face negative consequences if they turn away from their good behavior, and someone else does not warn them. This can raise questions about personal responsibility versus the responsibility of others to keep someone on the right path, potentially conflicting with the idea of personal accountability.