Contradiction with Genesis 3:16
These verses are contradictory because Genesis 3:16 speaks of childbirth as being associated with pain and sorrow, whereas John 16:21 notes the joy that follows after the birth.
Genesis 3:16: Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. [to thy...: or, subject to thy husband]
Contradiction with Psalm 127:3
This verse emphasizes children as a reward from God, contrasting with John 16:21 where the emphasis is on the initial sorrow.
Psalm 127:3: Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.
Contradiction with Matthew 24:19
While John 16:21 talks about childbirth leading to joy, Matthew 24:19 describes it as a woe during tribulation.
Matthew 24:19: And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:3
This verse mentions destruction coming suddenly like labor pains, while John 16:21 focuses on the joy post-birth.
1 Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Contradiction with Revelation 12:2
Revelation discusses pain and travail in childbirth, which contrasts with the subsequent joy in John 16:21.
Revelation 12:2: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the different experiences women have during childbirth. The verse speaks of joy overcoming pain, but some women may not feel this way due to traumatic or difficult childbirth experiences, leading to a conflict between expectation and reality.