Contradiction with Psalm 51:5
This verse suggests that humans are inherently sinful from birth, implying impurity, unlike the notion in Job 14:4 that questions bringing clean from unclean.
Psalm 51:5: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. [conceive...: Heb. warm me]
Contradiction with Psalm 58:3
Indicates that wickedness is present from birth, contradicting the possibility of being clean from the unclean as expressed in Job 14:4.
Psalm 58:3: The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. [as soon...: Heb. from the belly]
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
States that all have sinned, which contradicts Job 14:4 by emphasizing universal impurity rather than any potential for being clean.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Paradox #1
The doctrinal conflict could arise from interpreting human nature and sin. Some might see this verse as suggesting that humans are inherently impure and cannot produce anything pure on their own, which might seem to contradict other biblical teachings that emphasize the possibility of righteousness and purity through faith and divine intervention.
Paradox #2
The verse questions the possibility of purity or cleanness coming from something impure. Scientifically, purity is often seen in terms of chemical or physical states, which can be changed or refined through various processes. This can conflict with the idea that something pure cannot originate from impurity, as science demonstrates that impurities can be removed to attain purity.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Job 14:4 could stem from the question of how purity or goodness can come from something impure or flawed. This might conflict with beliefs about inherent human sinfulness and the potential for redemption or goodness. It raises questions about how something good can emerge from something imperfect, which can be seen as inconsistent with ideas of inherent goodness or divine creation.