Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 12:34

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 12:34 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 12:34. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, the people were confused because they thought the Savior would live forever, but Jesus talked about being lifted up, which made them wonder who He really was. They wanted to understand how He could be both the Savior and still say He would leave them.

John 12:34: The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Contradiction with Matthew 16:21

This verse contradicts John 12:34 by stating that Jesus must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, be killed, and be raised again on the third day, implying that he will not remain forever.

Matthew 16:21: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Contradiction with Mark 9:31

This verse contradicts John 12:34 because Jesus teaches his disciples that the Son of Man will be delivered, killed, and rise after three days, indicating he will not live forever without interruption.

Mark 9:31: For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Contradiction with Luke 24:7

This verse contradicts John 12:34 as it repeats the prediction that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, crucified, and rise on the third day, suggesting his earthly life will end temporarily.

Luke 24:7: Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Contradiction with John 2:19

This verse contradicts John 12:34 because it mentions Jesus saying he will destroy the temple and raise it again in three days, implying his death and resurrection, which conflicts with the permanence the crowd expects.

John 2:19: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Contradiction with Acts 2:31

This verse contradicts John 12:34 by asserting that David foresaw the resurrection of Christ, implying he would die and not remain physically forever.

Acts 2:31: He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction in John 12:34 could be the confusion between the crowd's understanding of the Messiah and Jesus' teachings. The crowd believed that the Messiah would remain forever, based on their interpretation of Scriptures. However, Jesus spoke about being "lifted up," which implies His death. This might seem inconsistent because it contrasts with their expectation of a timeless Messiah.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction in John 12:34 arises because people in the verse question how Jesus can say the Son of Man must be "lifted up" (suggesting death), when their understanding from the law is that the Messiah will remain forever. This seems inconsistent with their beliefs about the eternal nature of the Messiah.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in John 12:34 lies in the confusion about the Messiah's nature. People thought the Messiah would live forever, but Jesus talked about dying. This seemed inconsistent with their beliefs about the everlasting nature of the Messiah.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict in John 12:34 might arise from the people's confusion about the identity and role of the Messiah. They expected an eternal leader based on scripture, but they were hearing that the "Son of Man" would be "lifted up," suggesting death. This inconsistency between their expectations and Jesus's message could cause confusion about the true nature of salvation and leadership.

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