Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 16:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 16:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 16:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus's friends were confused when He said they wouldn't see Him soon but then would see Him again because He was going to be with God. They were trying to understand what Jesus meant by saying He would go away and come back.

John 16:17: Then said [some] of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

Emphasizes trusting in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding, contrasting the disciples' confusion about understanding Jesus in John 16:17.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding, conflicting with the disciples' focus on trying to understand Jesus' timeline in John 16:17.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14

Implies that spiritual matters are not understood by the natural man, highlighting the disciples' struggle to grasp Jesus' words in John 16:17.

1 Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Contradiction with Isaiah 40:31

Talks about renewal and strength for those who wait, contrasting the immediate confusion the disciples felt in John 16:17.

Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. [renew: Heb. change]

Contradiction with Matthew 24:36

States that no one knows the day or hour of divine events, conflicting with the disciples' attempt to understand the timing in John 16:17.

Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Contradiction with John 8:43

Questions why people do not understand Jesus' words, similar yet contrasting with the disciples’ confusion in John 16:17, pointing to a deeper issue of understanding.

John 8:43: Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.

Contradiction with Romans 11:33

Declares the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, highlighting how unfathomable God's plans can be, unlike the disciples' struggle for clarity in John 16:17.

Romans 11:33: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
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