Contradiction with Genesis 2:24
Emphasizes the union between a man and his wife, not specific familial restrictions as in Leviticus 20:21.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:5-6
Commands a man to marry his brother's widow, including conditions directly against Leviticus 20:21.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6: If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. [her husband's...: or, her next kinsman]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:1
Condemns a man for having his father's wife, showing a different context for familial relationships.
1 Corinthians 5:1: It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
Contradiction with Matthew 22:30
Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry, challenging earthly marriage laws like Leviticus 20:21.
Matthew 22:30: But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
Contradiction with Luke 20:35-36
Similar to Matthew 22:30, discussing a state beyond earthly marriage laws.
Luke 20:35-36: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Contradiction with Mark 10:6-9
Jesus speaks on the sanctity of marriage without specifying the same restrictions found in Leviticus 20:21.
Mark 10:6-9: But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Contradiction with Romans 7:2-3
Describes marriage laws in the context of death freeing a person from the law, which differs from the prescriptive laws in Leviticus.
Romans 7:2-3: For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:39
States a widowed woman is free to remarry, again contrasting with prohibitions in Leviticus 20:21.
1 Corinthians 7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Paradox #1
Leviticus 20:21 deals with a specific prohibition that might seem in conflict with other Old Testament passages where similar relationships are not explicitly condemned or are even practiced by prominent figures. This inconsistency can raise questions about the uniformity of biblical laws and practices across different contexts and times.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 20:21 deals with marrying a brother's wife. A potential contradiction is found in the practice of Levirate marriage described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man is encouraged to marry his deceased brother's widow to continue the family line. This could appear inconsistent with the prohibition stated in Leviticus.
Paradox #3
Leviticus 20:21 may present a contradiction or inconsistency because it imposes a specific moral rule regarding family relationships that may not align with modern views on personal freedom and marriage choices. While the verse reflects ancient cultural and religious norms, contemporary values often emphasize individual rights and may see such restrictions as outdated or overly strict.