Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 5:37

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 5:37 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 5:37. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus is saying that God, who sent him, is telling everyone that Jesus is special and from Him. But people haven’t actually heard God's voice or seen what He looks like.

John 5:37: And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

Contradiction with Genesis 32:30

Jacob says he has seen God face to face, which contradicts John 5:37 where it states that no one has seen God's shape.

Genesis 32:30: And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. [Peniel: that is, The face of God]

Contradiction with Exodus 33:11

It mentions the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, contrary to John 5:37's indication of never hearing His voice or seeing His form.

Exodus 33:11: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Contradiction with Exodus 33:20

States that no man can see God and live, which aligns with John 5:37's claim that no one has seen His shape, yet again raises questions with other verses suggesting direct encounters.

Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Contradiction with Isaiah 6:1

Isaiah describes seeing the Lord, which conflicts with John 5:37's assertion that no one has seen God.

Isaiah 6:1: In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. [his...: or, the skirts thereof]

Contradiction with Matthew 17:5

God speaks from a cloud during the Transfiguration, suggesting His voice has been heard, which contradicts John 5:37's claim that His voice has not been heard.

Matthew 17:5: While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Contradiction with Acts 7:56

Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, suggesting a vision of God, contrary to John 5:37 about not seeing or hearing God.

Acts 7:56: And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Paradox #1

John 5:37 might present a contradiction or inconsistency concerning the differing portrayals of God's voice in the Bible. In some instances, the Bible describes God speaking audibly to people (like during Jesus's baptism), while other passages, such as this one, suggest people have not heard His voice. This can lead to confusion about whether people have actually heard God or not.

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