Contradiction with Numbers 6:5
This verse explains the Nazirite vow prohibiting cutting hair, which contrasts with the idea of Samson revealing his secret that cutting his hair would cause his strength to leave him.
Numbers 6:5: All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
This verse emphasizes God's concern with the heart rather than physical appearance, contradicting the notion that Samson's strength relied on his uncut hair.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:9
This verse highlights how strength is made perfect in weakness through God's grace, contrasting with the idea that Samson's strength was due to his uncut hair.
2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:29-31
These verses emphasize that strength comes from the Lord, regardless of physical attributes like uncut hair, contradicting the premise set by Samson's declaration.
Isaiah 40:29-31: He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.
Paradox #1
The verse mentions Samson's source of strength being his hair, which might seem like it contradicts the belief that strength and abilities are granted by God rather than physical attributes. This could be seen as implying that power comes from a physical aspect rather than directly from God, which some might view as inconsistent with the idea that all power and strength ultimately come from God.
Paradox #2
Samson was known as a Nazirite, a person dedicated to God from birth, who followed special vows, including not cutting his hair. An inconsistency arises when considering whether cutting his hair alone was the reason for losing his strength, as other aspects of the Nazirite vow, like abstaining from wine and avoiding contact with the dead, don’t seem to have had the same direct impact on his strength in other parts of the story. Therefore, it's unclear if breaking this one vow was the sole cause of his weakness, given the broader context of his life and actions.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this context is the idea that cutting someone's hair could result in a loss of physical strength. In reality, hair does not physically contribute to a person's muscular strength or capabilities, as strength is determined by muscle biology and other physical factors, not by hair length or presence.