Contradictions and Paradoxes in Lamentations 4:8

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Lamentations 4:8 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Lamentations 4:8. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to most Christian scholars, this verse talks about how hard life has become for the people, making them very thin and sick-looking. They look so different and sad that people don’t recognize them anymore.

Lamentations 4:8: Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick. [blacker...: Heb. darker than blackness]

Contradiction with Psalm 139:14

Lamentations 4:8 describes the visage of people as dark and withered, while this verse speaks of being fearfully and wonderfully made, suggesting beauty and divine craftsmanship.

Psalm 139:14: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. [right...: Heb. greatly]

Contradiction with Isaiah 61:3

Lamentations 4:8 describes physical downfall and mourning, whereas this verse speaks of giving beauty for ashes and joy for mourning, suggesting restoration and upliftment.

Isaiah 61:3: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Contradiction with Job 33:25

Lamentations 4:8 describes deteriorating physical appearances, while this verse speaks of flesh becoming fresher and returning to the days of youth, suggesting rejuvenation.

Job 33:25: His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: [a child's: Heb. childhood]

Contradiction with Song of Solomon 4:7

Lamentations 4:8 depicts decay and unattractiveness, opposite to this verse, which declares no blemish in beauty, suggesting undiminished beauty.

Song of Solomon 4:7: Thou [art] all fair, my love; [there is] no spot in thee.

Contradiction with Isaiah 52:1

Lamentations 4:8 focuses on affliction and loss of appearance, while this verse encourages clothed strength and beautiful garments, suggesting dignity and splendor.

Isaiah 52:1: Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction or conflict could be the tension between the description of people's suffering and the belief in a just and compassionate deity. It raises questions about why a compassionate God would allow such severe suffering.

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