Contradiction with Exodus 31:14
John 7:23 allows breaking the Sabbath for circumcision, whereas Exodus 31:14 states that violating the Sabbath is punishable by death.
Exodus 31:14: Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Contradiction with Numbers 15:32-36
John 7:23 suggests circumstances where the Sabbath law can be set aside, in contrast to Numbers 15:32-36 where picking up sticks on the Sabbath leads to execution.
Numbers 15:32-36: And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:21-22
John 7:23 implies exceptions to the Sabbath, while Jeremiah 17:21-22 strictly prohibits carrying burdens on the Sabbath with no exceptions stated.
Jeremiah 17:21-22: Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;
Contradiction with Ezekiel 20:12-13
John 7:23 notes an exception to Sabbath observance, but Ezekiel 20:12-13 emphasizes the Sabbath as a sacred sign that was profaned by Israel, indicating strict observance.
Ezekiel 20:12-13: Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:15-18
John 7:23 suggests a justified Sabbath work (circumcision), whereas Nehemiah 13:15-18 condemns any form of work on the Sabbath, such as trading, without exceptions.
Nehemiah 13:15-18: In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.
Paradox #1
The contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict in John 7:23 might arise from differing interpretations of religious laws, particularly regarding what activities are permissible on the Sabbath. Some people might see Jesus healing on the Sabbath as breaking the law, while others argue it upholds a higher moral standard of doing good. This tension reflects broader debates about the letter versus the spirit of religious laws.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in John 7:23 could be seen in how it addresses the issue of performing work on the Sabbath. The verse highlights a debate about healing on the Sabbath, which breaks strict Sabbath rules. Some might see it as contradicting the command to rest on the Sabbath, while others view it as showing that doing good, like healing, is more important than strict rule-following. This can be seen as a conflict between following religious laws and prioritizing compassion and human need.