Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 8:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 8:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 8:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, God will be a safe place for some people but will also be something that others trip over or get caught by if they don't believe or trust in Him. This is like having a friend who helps you, but if you don't listen to them, you might fall or get stuck.

Isaiah 8:14: And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Contradiction with Isaiah 28:16

This verse presents the foundation stone as a source of hope and stability, contrasting with Isaiah 8:14, which describes God as a stone of stumbling and offense.

Isaiah 28:16: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Contradiction with Romans 9:33

Similar to Isaiah 28:16, it conveys the concept of a stumbling stone leading to salvation for those who believe, differing in the implication of hope rather than a snare.

Romans 9:33: As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [ashamed: or confounded]

Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:6-8

Emphasizes that the stone is precious and those who believe will not be ashamed, juxtaposed with Isaiah 8:14's notion of it being a stumbling block to many.

1 Peter 2:6-8: Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Contradiction with Psalm 118:22

Describes the stone the builders rejected as becoming the cornerstone, indicating triumph and fulfillment, contrasting the warning in Isaiah 8:14.

Psalm 118:22: The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

Contradiction with Matthew 21:42

Jesus refers to Himself as the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, symbolizing victory and acceptance, differing from the idea of becoming a snare.

Matthew 21:42: Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Paradox #1

Isaiah 8:14 can be seen as a potential contradiction because it describes God both as a sanctuary and a stumbling block. Some might find it difficult to understand how God can be a source of safety and, at the same time, cause people to fall. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of God being purely protective and loving.

Paradox #2

Isaiah 8:14 is associated with both being a sanctuary and a stone that causes people to stumble. Some see a contradiction in portraying the same entity as both a safe place and a source of stumbling, leading to confusion about its role or nature.

Paradox #3

One contradiction related to Isaiah 8:14 is how the verse is interpreted differently in Jewish and Christian traditions. In Judaism, it is viewed as referring to God as a sanctuary and a stumbling stone for both houses of Israel. In Christianity, it is often interpreted as a prophecy about Jesus, seeing Him as a cornerstone and a stumbling block to those who do not believe. These differing interpretations can lead to contrasting understandings of the prophecy's fulfillment and meaning.

Paradox #4

Isaiah 8:14 is sometimes seen as having a contradiction because it describes God as both a sanctuary for believers and a stumbling block for others. This can be confusing because it presents God as a source of safety and blessing but also as a cause of downfall for some people. This dual role might seem inconsistent with the idea of a wholly benevolent deity.

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