Contradictions and Paradoxes in Leviticus 19:33

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Leviticus 19:33 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Leviticus 19:33. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this verse means that if someone from another place comes to live with you, you should be kind and not be mean to them. You should treat them nicely and make them feel welcome.

Leviticus 19:33: And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. [vex: or, oppress]

Contradiction with Exodus 23:31-33

This verse instructs the Israelites not to make covenants with foreigners, which can contradict the welcoming attitude of Leviticus 19:33.

Exodus 23:31-33: And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2-3

It commands the Israelites to not show mercy or make marriages with certain foreign nations, contrasting with the command to treat strangers kindly.

Deuteronomy 7:2-3: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 23:3-4

It states certain foreigners should not enter the congregation, which can contradict the inclusive stance of welcoming strangers.

Deuteronomy 23:3-4: An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

Contradiction with Ezra 9:1-2

The verses express disapproval of intermingling with foreigners, which contrasts with the acceptance of strangers.

Ezra 9:1-2: Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:25-27

These verses describe the rejection of foreign influence, conflicting with the command to do no wrong to strangers.

Nehemiah 13:25-27: And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. [cursed: or, reviled]

Paradox #1

Leviticus 19:33 emphasizes fair treatment and kindness to foreigners living among the Israelites. A perceived contradiction may arise with other Old Testament passages where Israelites are instructed to conquer foreign lands and at times show hostility towards certain groups. This could create a tension between commands to care for foreigners and actions that involve conflict with them.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict might arise from how ancient Israelites sometimes treated foreigners differently than the guidance given in the verse. While the verse calls for fair treatment and love toward strangers, historical accounts suggest instances where foreigners were not always treated equally or justly in ancient times.

Paradox #3

The contradiction or conflict that might arise from Leviticus 19:33 is when people use other parts of the Bible to justify exclusion or mistreatment of foreigners. Leviticus 19:33 encourages kindness and fairness towards strangers living among you, but some might find inconsistencies when other biblical passages or interpretations are used to support opposing actions.

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