Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 8:44

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 8:44 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 8:44. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus is saying that some people act like the devil because they tell lies and do bad things, just like the devil does. The devil has been doing wrong things from the start and never tells the truth.

John 8:44: Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. [of his own: or, from his own will or disposition]

Contradiction with Genesis 1:31

This verse describes God's creation as very good, implying that everything made, including any beings that later become evil, was originally good.

Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:16

This verse commands not to bear false witness, suggesting that truth is an expected standard from God, contrary to the devil's nature as a liar.

Exodus 20:16: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:7-8

This passage declares that everyone born of God loves, as God is love, contrasting with the passage in John 8:44 depicting the devil’s nature of deceit and hate.

1 John 4:7-8: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. [is born: Gr. has been born]

Contradiction with James 1:13

This verse states that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone, opposing the notion that He would create or align with a being whose main feature is lying.

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

This verse declares that God is not a human that He should lie, contrasting with John 8:44’s depiction of the devil as the father of lies.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict with this verse might revolve around the perception of Jewish people, as it has been interpreted to contribute to anti-Semitic views. Historically, this has been used as a basis for negative stereotypes and accusations against Jews, contradicting the broader message of love and unity in the Bible. This has caused tension and conflict in interpreting the text in a historical and religious context.

Paradox #2

John 8:44 could present a contradiction when considering the broader biblical message of love and forgiveness. The verse is very confrontational, as it strongly condemns and labels some people in a negative light. This might conflict with teachings that emphasize compassion, understanding, and loving one's enemies. The challenge is reconciling such harsh language with the call to love all people.

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