Hebrews 3:19 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of Hebrews, the people could not enter the special place promised to them because they didn’t trust God enough. It's a reminder that believing in God is really important to receive His blessings.

Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9

Hebrews 3:19 speaks to the unbelief of Israelites preventing entry to God's rest, while Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes salvation through faith, not works, suggesting belief offers salvation irrespective of past disbelief.

Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Contradiction with Romans 11:20-21

Hebrews 3:19 emphasizes unbelief preventing entry, whereas Romans 11:20-21 advises against arrogance toward those who fell due to unbelief, yet assures the possibility of being grafted back if belief is regained.

Romans 11:20-21: Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Contradiction with John 3:16

Hebrews 3:19 attributes failure to enter the rest to unbelief, while John 3:16 underscores that whoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life, presenting belief as an immediate assurance against failure.

John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Contradiction with James 2:17-19

While Hebrews 3:19 focuses on unbelief as the barrier, James 2:17-19 describes faith without works as dead, suggesting belief alone isn’t sufficient for achieving God’s promises without corresponding actions.

James 2:17-19: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]

Contradiction with Matthew 21:21-22

Hebrews 3:19 shows the consequence of unbelief, whereas Matthew 21:21-22 stresses the power of doubtless belief, that faith can achieve what seems impossible, suggesting belief alone overcomes substantial barriers.

Matthew 21:21-22: Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Contradiction with Mark 9:23-24

Hebrews 3:19 highlights failure due to disbelief, but Mark 9:23-24 shows that all is possible for one who believes, even if this belief coexists with disbelief, emphasizing the transformative potential of faith despite doubt.