Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 3:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 3:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 3:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Nicodemus is confused and asks Jesus how a grown-up can be born again because he thinks Jesus is talking about being a baby again. Jesus is actually talking about a new start with God's help, not being a baby all over.

John 3:4: Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Contradiction with John 3:12

Contradicts John 3:4 by emphasizing understanding and believing in heavenly things, whereas John 3:4 reflects a literal understanding of being 'born again.'

John 3:12: If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14

Highlights the spiritual discernment required to understand spiritual matters, which contrasts with John 3:4's literal interpretation of being 'born again.'

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 Matthew 16:11-12

Shows Jesus addressing the disciples' misunderstanding of literal vs. metaphorical language, similar to Nicodemus's misunderstanding in John 3:4.

Matthew 16:11-12: How is it that ye do not understand that I spake [it] not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

Contradiction with Romans 6:3-4

Describes a spiritual rebirth symbolized by baptism, contrasting the literal confusion in John 3:4.

Romans 6:3-4: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [were: or, are]

Contradiction with John 6:63

Emphasizes the spirit giving life, as opposed to a physical interpretation like in John 3:4.

John 6:63: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:17

Speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ, a spiritual transformation contrasting the physical rebirth questioned in John 3:4.

2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [he is: or, let him be]
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