Contradiction with John 9:5
John 9:4 emphasizes the urgency to work before night comes, whereas John 9:5 indicates that as long as Jesus is in the world, He is the light of the world, suggesting His presence counters the coming darkness.
John 9:5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:14-16
John 9:4 suggests a need to work before nightfall, but Matthew 5:14-16 encourages believers to be the light of the world continuously, implying the work does not cease with night.
Matthew 5:14-16: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:1
John 9:4 focuses on the urgency to work within a limited time, yet Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there is a time for everything, indicating a broader divine timing for all activities.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Paradox #1
A potential theological conflict with John 9:4 could be the implication of urgency in doing God's work while it's still "day," as it may raise questions about what happens after "night" comes. Some might see this as suggesting that there are limitations on God's ability to work through people after a certain time or circumstance, which could conflict with beliefs about God's omnipotence and eternal nature. Additionally, there's an interpretation issue of whether this applies only to Jesus' time on Earth or to all believers, which could create different understandings of the verse's relevance today.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency related to John 9:4 is that there are variations in the wording of this verse in different ancient manuscripts, particularly regarding who is described as doing the work. Some manuscripts suggest "we must do the works," while others say "I must do the works." This difference can lead to varying interpretations of the responsibilities of Jesus versus his disciples.
Paradox #3
One possible contradiction in John 9:4 could be the tension between the urgency of doing good works while there is still time and the belief that salvation is through faith, not works. Some might see a conflict between the emphasis on action in this verse and the emphasis on faith in other parts of the New Testament. This could lead to questions about what is most important for spiritual life.