Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
It states that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, indicating that even good deeds are tainted, unlike Haggai 2:14, which implies impurity comes from contact with the unclean.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Declares that nothing is unclean in itself, contradicting Haggai 2:14's assertion that impurity is conferred through contact.
Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]
Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
Jesus states that nothing from outside a man can defile him, which contradicts the idea in Haggai 2:14 of external impurity transferring through touch.
Mark 7:18-19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Claims the soul that sins shall die, stressing individual responsibility, differing from Haggai 2:14’s implication of collective impurity through interaction.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Acts 10:15
Proclaims that what God has cleansed should not be called common or unclean, opposing the notion of Haggai 2:14 that holiness does not transfer through contact but impurity does.
Acts 10:15: And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.
Paradox #1
Haggai 2:14 suggests that impurity or defilement can spread through contact, whereas holiness does not transfer in the same way. The potential contradiction arises with other biblical passages that emphasize the transformative power and spread of holiness. So, the inconsistency could be in how purity and impurity are described to spread differently in various parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Haggai 2:14 discusses how impurity can spread, using a metaphor about unclean things. Some might see a contradiction when compared to Jesus’ teachings that focus more on the internal state of the heart rather than external rituals for purity, like in the New Testament. The potential conflict lies in the emphasis on ritual purity in Haggai versus the later emphasis on moral and spiritual purity in the teachings of Jesus.
Paradox #3
Haggai 2:14 might present a contradiction or inconsistency regarding purity and defilement. It suggests that something pure can become defiled by contact with something impure, which can be seen as inconsistent with the belief that good should overcome evil. This perspective may pose a conflict for those who believe in the transformative power of purity and good actions.