Contradictions and Paradoxes in Jeremiah 23:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Jeremiah 23:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Jeremiah 23:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Jeremiah, God is upset with leaders who harm and confuse His people, like a shepherd who loses his sheep. God wants leaders to take good care of His people and keep them safe.

Jeremiah 23:1: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 34:2

This verse contradicts Jeremiah 23:1 as it also condemns the shepherds, reinforcing rather than contradicting the critique of irresponsible leaders.

Ezekiel 34:2: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Contradiction with John 10:11

This verse presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices for the sheep, contrasting with the neglectful shepherds described in Jeremiah 23:1.

John 10:11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:11

Here, emphasis is placed on servitude among leaders, which contrasts with the negligent leaders criticized in Jeremiah 23:1.

Matthew 23:11: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 5:2-3

This instruction for shepherds to care for the flock willingly and eagerly contradicts the neglectful shepherds in Jeremiah 23:1.

1 Peter 5:2-3: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [which...: or, as much as in you is]

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:17

Encourages submission to leaders who watch over souls with care, contrasting with those in Jeremiah 23:1 who lead the flock to destruction.

Hebrews 13:17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you. [have...: or, guide]

Paradox #1

This verse warns leaders who harm their people rather than caring for them. A moral conflict could arise if someone questions why a loving God would allow destructive leaders to exist in the first place. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent deity.

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