Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 21:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 21:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 21:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, this verse means that when you are young, you can choose where to go and what to do, but when you are older, other people might need to help you and take you places you don't choose to go. It shows that life's changes can mean needing others to help us as we grow old.

John 21:18: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:9

This verse states that a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps, implying more personal agency than predestined circumstances as suggested in John 21:18.

Proverbs 16:9: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Contradiction with Matthew 16:25

This verse mentions that whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it, suggesting a contradiction in personal sacrifice versus the inevitability implied in John 21:18.

Matthew 16:25: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Contradiction with Philippians 4:13

This verse suggests empowerment ("I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me") rather than the lack of personal control over one's destiny as implied in John 21:18.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Contradiction with Proverbs 20:24

This verse indicates that a man's steps are of the Lord, questioning how a man can understand his way, implying reliance on divine guidance over predetermined future mentioned in John 21:18.

Proverbs 20:24: Man's goings [are] of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

Paradox #1

The verse in John 21:18 may seem to contradict the idea of free will and personal choice, as it suggests a lack of control over one's future circumstances. Some may see this as conflicting with the biblical message that people have the ability to make their own decisions. However, this interpretation depends on different theological viewpoints.

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