Contradiction with John 1:18
John 12:41 suggests Isaiah saw God's glory, but John 1:18 states that no one has seen God at any time.
John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
Contradiction with Exodus 33:20
John 12:41 implies seeing God's glory, while Exodus 33:20 says no one can see God's face and live.
Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16
John 12:41 indicates Isaiah saw God’s glory, which contradicts 1 Timothy 6:16 stating God dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.
1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Paradox #1
John 12:41 references both Isaiah’s vision and Jesus' glory. Some see a contradiction because it implies that Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory, linking Old Testament visions with New Testament revelation. This can be difficult for those who view the Old and New Testaments as completely separate entities. However, many interpret this as a consistent theme of Jesus being present throughout biblical history.