Contradiction with Psalm 126:5
While Jeremiah 8:20 speaks of missing the harvest, this verse expresses hope that those who sow with tears will reap with joy, suggesting successful harvest.
Psalm 126:5: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. [joy: or, singing]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:2
Jeremiah 8:20 implies a missed opportunity, whereas this verse acknowledges a time for everything, including a time to reap, suggesting an inevitable harvest time.
Ecclesiastes 3:2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; [to be...: Heb. to bear]
Contradiction with Matthew 9:37-38
Contradicts Jeremiah 8:20's implication of a lost harvest, as this verse indicates the harvest is plentiful, highlighting the need for laborers, not a missed opportunity.
Matthew 9:37-38: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few;
Contradiction with Galatians 6:9
Jeremiah 8:20 reflects on the missed harvest, yet this verse encourages perseverance in doing good with the promise of reaping in due season, implying a successful harvest is forthcoming.
Galatians 6:9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Contradiction with John 4:35
Contrasts with Jeremiah 8:20 by implying that the fields are ready for harvest, suggesting an opportunity to reap rather than lamenting a missed harvest.
John 4:35: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Paradox #1
One possible theological conflict with this verse is about the apparent absence of hope or salvation, which can seem to contradict the broader biblical message of God's willingness to save and redeem His people. While many other parts of the Bible emphasize God's continual offer of grace and redemption, this verse might appear to convey a sense of finality or despair, raising questions about the balance between divine judgment and mercy.
Paradox #2
Jeremiah 8:20 could be seen as highlighting a sense of missed opportunity and unfulfilled hope, which might seem inconsistent with themes of salvation and redemption often found elsewhere in the Bible. While many passages emphasize God's constant readiness to save and forgive, this verse might feel more pessimistic, suggesting that times for grace and harvest are finite. This could create a tension with the overall message of perpetual divine mercy.