Contradictions and Paradoxes in Jeremiah 34:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Jeremiah 34:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Jeremiah 34:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the prophet Jeremiah, God is upset because the people broke their promise. They had set their servants free but then made them return and work as servants again, which was not right.

Jeremiah 34:16: But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

Contradiction with Leviticus 25:44-46

These verses provide laws for owning slaves and treating them as property, contrasting with the condemnation of re-enslaving freed persons in Jeremiah 34:16.

Leviticus 25:44-46: Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

Contradiction with Ephesians 6:5

Ephesians instructs servants to obey their masters, contradicting Jeremiah 34:16 where God criticizes re-enslavement, implying a preference for freedom.

Ephesians 6:5: Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Contradiction with Colossians 3:22

This verse directs servants to obey their earthly masters, which contrasts with the disapproval of returning freed individuals to servitude in Jeremiah 34:16.

Colossians 3:22: Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:18

Advises servants to submit to their masters, even harsh ones, which opposes the criticism of re-enslaving freed people in Jeremiah 34:16.

1 Peter 2:18: Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

Paradox #1

Jeremiah 34:16 highlights a situation where people go back on their word by re-enslaving those they had previously set free. The theological conflict here is with the biblical principles of justice, freedom, and keeping one's promises, which are emphasized throughout the scriptures. This behavior contradicts God's commands to uphold justice and maintain integrity, creating inconsistency with the overarching biblical message of righteousness and compassion.

Paradox #2

Jeremiah 34:16 might be seen as highlighting a contradiction or inconsistency when individuals don't keep their promises or agreements, which can conflict with the broader biblical principles of faithfulness and integrity. People in the verse released others as a show of obedience but then took them back, showing a conflict between actions and commitments. This inconsistency can reflect a broader moral struggle between doing what is right and reverting to previous behaviors or injustices.

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