Contradiction with Exodus 33:20
This verse states that no man can see God and live, which contradicts John 1:14 where God is described as the Word made flesh and dwelling among humans, implying that people saw Him.
Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Contradiction with Numbers 23:19
This verse says that God is not a man, which contradicts John 1:14's description of the Word (God) becoming flesh (a man).
Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16
This verse mentions that God dwells in unapproachable light whom no man has seen; this contradicts John 1:14 where the Word becomes flesh and was seen by people.
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.
Contradiction with Hosea 11:9
This verse says that God is not a man, which is a contradiction to John 1:14 asserting that the Word was made flesh.
Hosea 11:9: I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
Contradiction with John 4:24
This verse identifies God as a spirit, contrasting with John 1:14 where the Word is made flesh, implying a physical form.
John 4:24: God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.
Paradox #1
Theological discussions around John 1:14 might focus on the concept of the divine and human nature of Jesus. Some people find it challenging to understand how Jesus can be fully divine and fully human at the same time, as it seems like a contradiction to have both natures coexist without mixing or compromising. This can lead to debates about the nature of Jesus in Christian theology.
Paradox #2
Historical and theological discussions sometimes arise around the concept of "the Word becoming flesh." Some people question how a divine being could take on a human form, as this idea can seem inconsistent with certain philosophical or religious beliefs about divinity and humanity. Additionally, historical debates have occurred over how this concept fits within the context of Jewish beliefs at the time when the text was written.