Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 56:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 56:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 56:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, some leaders act like greedy dogs who always want more and never have enough. They are like shepherds who don't understand or care for others because they only think about getting things for themselves.

Isaiah 56:11: Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. [greedy: Heb. strong of appetite] [can...: Heb. know not to be satisfied]

Contradiction with Matthew 7:15

This verse warns against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, contrasting with Isaiah 56:11’s depiction of shepherds directly as incapable rather than deceptive.

Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Contradiction with John 10:11

Here, Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd who gives His life for the sheep, contradicting Isaiah 56:11’s portrayal of shepherds as self-serving and neglectful.

John 10:11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 34:2

This verse calls out the shepherds of Israel for taking care of themselves instead of their flock, similar to but expanding upon Isaiah 56:11’s criticism of shepherd behavior.

Ezekiel 34:2: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:1

Warns of distress for shepherds destroying and scattering the sheep, pointing out deliberate harm which contrasts Isaiah 56:11’s depiction of neglect and greed rather than active destruction.

Jeremiah 23:1: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Paradox #1

The verse you mentioned may appear to criticize leaders as being selfish and greedy. A potential contradiction could arise when comparing this with teachings elsewhere in the Bible that emphasize the goodness or divinely appointed nature of leaders. This could be seen as inconsistent if one interprets the Bible as always portraying leaders positively.

Paradox #2

Isaiah 56:11 talks about leaders being selfish and greedy, only caring for themselves. A moral conflict here could be the expectation that leaders should serve and care for others selflessly, but instead, they act with self-interest. This goes against the idea of leadership as a form of service and guardianship.

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