Contradiction with Matthew 7:1
This verse, "Judge not, that ye be not judged," contradicts John 8:11, where judgment is seemingly suspended as Jesus forgives the woman, while Matthew advises against judgment altogether.
Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," contradicts the forgiveness offered in John 8:11 by emphasizing that all are sinners without exception, suggesting continued accountability.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:21
This verse, "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished," contradicts John 8:11 by implying that the wicked, such as the accused woman, will face punishment.
Proverbs 11:21: [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:7
This verse, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," contradicts the notion of forgiveness without consequence as seen in John 8:11.
Galatians 6:7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
This verse, "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty," suggests that guilt must be addressed, contrasting the immediate forgiveness in John 8:11.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction could be concerning the balance between justice and mercy. Some may argue that showing mercy without upholding justice might seem inconsistent with other parts of scripture that emphasize the importance of adhering to laws and commandments. This tension might be seen as a conflict in understanding how both principles are applied.
Paradox #2
The verse implies forgiveness and not condemning someone for their sins, which some see as conflicting with parts of the Bible that emphasize justice and punishment for sins. This could seem inconsistent to those who interpret the Bible as advocating for strict adherence to laws and consequences for breaking them.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from doubts about the authenticity of the text. John 8:11 is part of a passage often referred to as the "Pericope Adulterae" (John 7:53–8:11), which is absent from some of the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of John. This has led some scholars to believe it may not have been part of the original text. Additionally, its language and style differ somewhat from the rest of John's Gospel, suggesting it might have been added later.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in John 8:11 could be seen in the balance between justice and mercy. On one hand, the expectation for wrongdoing is punishment according to the law, while on the other hand, the verse highlights forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption. This can be seen as a conflict between upholding strict justice and offering compassion and a second chance.