Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 16:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 16:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 16:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus' friends were confused because they didn't understand what "a little while" meant when Jesus was talking about going away and then coming back. They were puzzled and asked each other what He was trying to tell them.

John 16:18: They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

Encourages trust in the Lord without reliance on one's own understanding, while John 16:18 reflects the disciples' lack of understanding.

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

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

States that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts, which contrasts the disciples questioning Jesus in John 16:18.

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

Contradiction with Matthew 11:25

Highlights that God has hidden certain things from the wise and revealed them to babes, whereas John 16:18 shows the disciples' confusion and lack of revelation.

Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14

Explains that spiritual things are foolishness to the natural man, which contradicts the disciples' inability to comprehend in John 16:18.

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 1 John 2:20

States believers have an anointing from the Holy One and know all things, whereas the disciples express a lack of understanding in John 16:18.

1 John 2:20: But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
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