Contradiction with Proverbs 20:1
Warns against wine's mockery, contradicting the joyous occasion in Judges 14:5.
Proverbs 20:1: Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Contradiction with Numbers 6:6-7
Nazarites must avoid corpses, contrasting Samson approaching the lion's carcass in Judges 14:5.
Numbers 6:6-7: All the days that he separateth [himself] unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:22
Advises against participating in another's sins, differing from Samson's actions in Judges 14:5.
1 Timothy 5:22: Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:32
Upholds calmness over physical power, contrasting Samson's display of strength in Judges 14:5.
Proverbs 16:32: [He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Contradiction with Genesis 9:4
Prohibits consuming blood, conflicting with the event leading from the lion encounter in Judges 14:5.
Genesis 9:4: But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
Paradox #1
Some people point out a possible inconsistency in the timeline of Judges 14, where Samson encounters a lion. The narrative suggests specific actions happening sequentially, but with little explanation of the time passing between them, which may not align perfectly with other events during that period or with the natural lifespan of a lion's carcass situation described later in the chapter. However, this is more about interpretation rather than a clear contradiction.
Paradox #2
The conflict in Judges 14:5 could arise from the mention of a lion, which some might argue is unlikely in the geographical area of ancient Israel during that time. Lions were largely not native to that region, leading to discussions about the historical accuracy of this detail.