Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
This verse describes the making of idols as vanity, alluding to their uselessness, similar to Jeremiah 10:5. However, its argument that those who make idols are worth nothing can be seen as contradicting the implication in Jeremiah 10:5 that people can fear these idols despite their inherent powerlessness.
Isaiah 44:9-10: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with Habakkuk 2:18-19
These verses question the value of an idol, emphasizing that such a creation is deceitful. This contrasts the indication in Jeremiah 10:5 that idols can instill fear, posing a contradiction by highlighting their inherent uselessness.
Habakkuk 2:18-19: What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? [maker of...: Heb. fashioner of his fashion]
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
This passage notes that idols are the work of human hands and are lifeless, resembling Jeremiah 10:5's depiction. The contradiction arises in the sense that while Jeremiah describes them as entities to which people fearfully adhere, Psalms implies that by nature, idols are inherently impotent and should not invoke any fear.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4
This verse states that an idol is nothing in the world, which directly counters Jeremiah 10:5 by suggesting the nonexistence of any power or influence that idols may have, undermining the aspect of fearing them as mentioned in Jeremiah.
1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.
Paradox #1
Jeremiah 10:5 discusses the practice of creating and worshiping idols, describing them as lifeless and powerless. A potential conflict arises when considering other parts of the Bible where God instructs the creation of religious symbols, like the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. Some might see an inconsistency in condemning idol-making in one context while endorsing religious symbols in another. The key difference, however, is the intent and use: idols are worshiped as deities, while God-ordained symbols serve as reminders of His presence.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 10:5 might generate contradiction or inconsistency because some readers interpret it as a critique of idolatry, particularly pointing towards the use of decorated trees in worship, which some connect to customs similar to Christmas trees. However, Christmas trees became popular in Christian traditions much later, creating a potential anachronism or cultural mismatch if one tries to link this verse directly to such practices.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 10:5 criticizes idolatry by comparing idols to useless and powerless objects. A potential contradiction could arise when contrasting this verse with other parts of the Bible that depict God instructing the creation of elaborate religious artifacts, like the Ark of the Covenant, which could be seen as having similar attributes to idols. This might seem inconsistent to some because one practice is condemned, while another is divinely sanctioned.