Contradictions and Paradoxes in Hosea 9:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Hosea 9:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Hosea 9:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the prophet Hosea, the people of Ephraim are in trouble because they haven't listened to God, so they won't have any good things happening to them. Even if they try to have children, God will not let them grow up happy or healthy.

Hosea 9:16: Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay [even] the beloved [fruit] of their womb. [the...: Heb. the desires]

Contradiction with Isaiah 65:23

This verse states that God's people will not labor in vain nor bring forth for trouble, which contradicts Hosea 9:16 where the people's womb shall be barren and produce no offspring.

Isaiah 65:23: They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

Contradiction with Psalm 127:3

This verse describes children as a heritage from the Lord and as a reward, which contradicts Hosea 9:16 where children are not a blessing but are destined for destruction.

Psalm 127:3: Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Contradiction with Genesis 1:28

This verse commands humans to be fruitful and multiply, which contradicts Hosea 9:16 where the directive is essentially reversed with a curse of childlessness.

Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:13

In this verse, God promises to bless the fruit of the womb, which is in direct opposition to Hosea 9:16 where the womb is cursed to be barren.

Deuteronomy 7:13: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Contradiction with Exodus 23:26

This verse promises that there shall be no one barren in the land, which contradicts Hosea 9:16's declaration of barrenness among the people.

Exodus 23:26: There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

Contradiction with Psalm 113:9

This verse transforms the barren woman into a joyful mother, which contradicts Hosea 9:16 that prophesies barrenness and bereavement.

Psalm 113:9: He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. [to keep...: Heb. to dwell in an house]

Contradiction with Isaiah 54:1

This verse speaks to the joy and abundance promised to the barren woman, which contrasts with the desolation foretold in Hosea 9:16.

Isaiah 54:1: Sing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Hosea 9:16 could relate to the idea of God pronouncing destruction on Israel while also being a loving and forgiving deity. This can be seen as inconsistent with the notion of a compassionate God who offers mercy and opportunities for repentance. The tension lies in reconciling God's justice with His love and forgiveness.

Paradox #2

Hosea 9:16 might be seen as a contradiction or conflict when considering the broader biblical message of hope and redemption. This verse speaks starkly about punishment and destruction, which might seem contradictory to other parts of the Bible that emphasize forgiveness and salvation for those who repent. The tension between judgment and mercy can be seen as inconsistent within the broader narrative.

Paradox #3

The contradiction or conflict might arise from the harshness and severity of the consequences described, which can seem contradictory to the themes of forgiveness and compassion found elsewhere in religious teachings. It might be challenging to reconcile the idea of a loving deity with the harsh punishments described.

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