Contradiction with Matthew 13:15
This verse states that people's hearts have grown dull and their inability to understand is a result of their own choices, implying free will, in contrast to John 12:40 which implies a divine action of blinding and hardening hearts.
Matthew 13:15: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse expresses God's desire for everyone to turn from their evil ways and live, contradicting the notion in John 12:40 that God intentionally blinds and hardens hearts to prevent understanding and repentance.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse emphasizes that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance, contrasting with the implication in John 12:40 of God preventing understanding and conversion.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Romans 11:32
This verse suggests that God desires to show mercy to all, opposing the idea in John 12:40 of God actively hardening people’s hearts to prevent them from returning and being healed.
Romans 11:32: For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. [concluded...: or, shut them all up together]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
This verse states that God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, which contradicts the implication in John 12:40 of God blinding and hardening hearts to prevent understanding and healing.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction in this verse because it suggests that God actively hardens people's hearts, preventing them from understanding and turning to Him for healing. This seems to conflict with the idea that God wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. It raises questions about human free will and God's desire for universal salvation.
Paradox #2
John 12:40 may seem like a contradiction or conflict because it talks about God hardening people's hearts, which might seem unfair since it doesn't align with the idea of free will or a loving God who wants everyone to come to Him. This might be seen as inconsistent with other teachings about God wanting all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
Paradox #3
The verse suggests that a higher power causes people's hearts to become hard and their minds to be unable to understand. This seems to contradict the scientific understanding of free will and cognitive function, where people learn and change their views based on personal experiences and information processing, rather than being influenced by an external force in this way.
Paradox #4
John 12:40 could be seen as presenting a contradiction or conflict because it suggests that some people's hearts are intentionally hardened, preventing them from understanding and accepting certain truths. This presents a tension with the idea of free will or the notion that individuals are fully responsible for their choices, as it implies some lack the ability to change their state due to an external influence on their understanding or beliefs.