Contradictions and Paradoxes in Jeremiah 1:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Jeremiah 1:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Jeremiah 1:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Jeremiah, God is telling him to be brave and ready to tell people what God says, without being scared. If Jeremiah gets scared and doesn't do it, God might make him feel confused or embarrassed.

Jeremiah 1:17: Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. [confound: or, break to pieces]

Contradiction with Exodus 4:10

Moses expresses reluctance and inadequacy to speak, which contrasts with the command to be unafraid and speak boldly in Jeremiah 1:17.

Exodus 4:10: And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. [eloquent: Heb. a man of words] [heretofore: Heb. since yesterday, nor since the third day]

Contradiction with Matthew 10:19

Jesus instructs not to worry about how or what to speak in challenging situations, differing from the directive in Jeremiah 1:17 to prepare and be unafraid.

Matthew 10:19: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 3:7

Solomon admits his inexperience and inability to lead, contrasting Jeremiah 1:17's call to strengthen and prepare oneself.

1 Kings 3:7: And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Paul speaks of finding strength in weakness, contrasting the directive in Jeremiah 1:17 to "gird up" and show strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Contradiction with Jonah 1:3

Jonah flees from God's command due to fear, contradicting the instruction in Jeremiah 1:17 to not be dismayed before them.

Jonah 1:3: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Paradox #1

The potential moral conflict in this verse could arise from the expectation of unwavering obedience and strength in the face of fear or opposition. The demand for courage and firmness could clash with personal feelings of doubt or compassion, leading to an internal struggle between following a command and responding to human emotions. Additionally, the consequences of not being bold might seem harsh, leading to questions about fairness or compassion.

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