Contradiction with Job 10:18
This verse questions why Job was brought out of the womb, expressing a desire to have been hidden and not seen misery, similar to Jeremiah’s lamentation of being born, thus contradicting the idea of life as a gift.
Job 10:18: Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me!
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:1
This verse states that the day of death is better than the day of birth, presenting a perspective that affirms Jeremiah’s lament about his birth being sorrowful.
Ecclesiastes 7:1: A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Contradiction with Psalm 139:14
This verse expresses praise for being wonderfully made, contradicting Jeremiah’s view of life as void of purpose and filled with sorrow.
Psalm 139:14: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. [right...: Heb. greatly]
Contradiction with Isaiah 49:1
This verse emphasizes a purpose and calling from birth, which contradicts Jeremiah’s expression of regret about being born.
Isaiah 49:1: Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This passage encourages rejoicing and giving thanks in all circumstances, contradicting the lamentation and despair expressed in Jeremiah 20:18.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice evermore.
Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
This verse talks about God's blessing of life and His command to be fruitful, contrasting Jeremiah's view of birth as a source of woe.
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]
Contradiction with John 10:10
This verse speaks of having life and having it more abundantly, contradicting Jeremiah's lamentation about life's futility.
John 10:10: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
Paradox #1
The verse expresses a strong sense of lament and questioning about the purpose of life and suffering. This might seem to conflict with beliefs that life is inherently meaningful and guided by divine purpose. It could challenge the idea of trusting in a benevolent plan when facing hardships.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 20:18 might seem contradictory to some because it expresses a deep sense of despair and questioning of life's purpose, which can appear at odds with other parts of the Bible that emphasize hope, purpose, and faith in God's plan. However, this verse reflects the honest human struggle with suffering and is part of the broader biblical narrative that includes both moments of doubt and affirmation of faith.
Paradox #3
Jeremiah 20:18 could present a moral conflict because it questions the purpose and value of life when facing suffering and hardship. This might seem inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize hope, purpose, and trust in God's plan.