Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14
This verse states that the natural man cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned, whereas John 3:9 reflects Nicodemus’s questioning implying a lack of understanding.
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 Proverbs 28:5
This verse mentions that evil men do not understand judgment, but they that seek the Lord understand all things, suggesting a contradiction to the lack of understanding shown by Nicodemus in John 3:9.
Proverbs 28:5: Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all [things].
Contradiction with James 1:5
This verse promises that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask God and receive generously, which suggests that Nicodemus could gain understanding whereas John 3:9 shows he was currently baffled.
James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Contradiction with Matthew 13:13
Here, Jesus speaks of people seeing but not perceiving, and hearing but not understanding, which contrasts with Nicodemus's inability to understand in John 3:9.
Matthew 13:13: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Contradiction with Hosea 4:6
This verse states that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, implying that understanding should be achieved, unlike the confusion expressed in John 3:9.
Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [destroyed: Heb. cut off]