Contradiction with Matthew 6:16
This verse contradicts Isaiah 58:3 by advising against making a public display of fasting, while in Isaiah 58:3 the people express that their fasting is being ignored by God, implying an expectation of outward recognition.
Matthew 6:16: Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Contradiction with Zechariah 7:5
This verse questions the sincerity of fasting when it is performed for oneself rather than for God, contrasting with Isaiah 58:3 where people accuse God of not noticing their sincere fasting.
Zechariah 7:5: Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?
Contradiction with Matthew 9:14-15
This verse explains that fasting has its appropriate time, which is different from the expectation of immediate recognition in Isaiah 58:3.
Matthew 9:14-15: Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Contradiction with Isaiah 58:6
This verse outlines the kind of fasting that God desires, focusing on justice and helping others rather than external practices, contrasting with the complaint in Isaiah 58:3 about God not seeing their fasts.
Isaiah 58:6: [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [the heavy...: Heb. the bundles of the yoke] [oppressed: Heb. broken]
Contradiction with Luke 18:12
This verse shows a Pharisee’s boastful fasting as part of self-righteousness, which contradicts the lament in Isaiah 58:3 where the people expect God’s favor for fasting.
Luke 18:12: I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Contradiction with James 4:3
This verse suggests that asking with wrong motives results in unfulfilled desires, contrasting with the expectation in Isaiah 58:3 that fasting ensures God's attention regardless of motive.
James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. [lusts: or, pleasures]
Paradox #1
The verse might seem contradictory if viewed alongside other biblical passages about fasting. While Isaiah 58:3 discusses people complaining that God hasn't noticed their fasting, other scriptures indicate that true fasting should be done with sincerity and humility, not for seeking attention or performing for God. The inconsistency lies in people expecting rewards or recognition for fasting, whereas the broader biblical teaching emphasizes the importance of the heart and intentions behind the act, not just the act itself.
Paradox #2
In Isaiah 58:3, the people complain that God does not notice their fasting and afflictions, yet they continue to pursue their own interests and exploit workers. The contradiction might seem to lie in their belief that simply performing rituals like fasting is enough to gain God's favor, while ignoring the ethical and compassionate behavior God truly values. This reflects a conflict between ritualistic practice and genuine moral conduct.
Paradox #3
Isaiah 58:3 can present a contradiction if people are observing religious practices like fasting but behaving unkindly or unjustly toward others at the same time. This suggests a conflict between outward religious actions and personal morality, highlighting inconsistency between external rituals and internal values.