Contradiction with Numbers 19:11
This verse outlines that anyone who touches a dead body shall be unclean for seven days, conflicting with Leviticus 21:11, which forbids a priest from coming near any dead body, not even for close relatives.
Numbers 19:11: He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. [man: Heb. soul of man]
Contradiction with Matthew 8:21-22
In these verses, Jesus tells a disciple to follow Him and let the dead bury their dead, suggesting a departure from Old Testament burial customs, including those prescribed in Leviticus 21:11.
Matthew 8:21-22: And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Contradiction with Luke 10:31-32
This parable describes a priest and a Levite who avoid a man left half dead on the road, implicitly contrasting with the Good Samaritan's actions and Leviticus 21:11's restriction against priests approaching dead bodies.
Luke 10:31-32: And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Contradiction with John 19:40
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus handle Jesus' dead body, illustrating cultural and religious allowances, even for those who may have been associated with priestly duties, which conflicts with Leviticus 21:11.
John 19:40: Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
Paradox #1
Some people may see a contradiction between Leviticus 21:11, which sets specific rules for priests, and the actions of Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus, considered the ultimate high priest in Christian theology, often associated with people who were considered unclean or ritually impure, which seems different from the restrictions placed on priests in Leviticus. However, others argue that Jesus' actions highlight a shift in focus from ritual purity to compassion and mercy.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 21:11 can be seen as conflicting with the teachings of compassion and empathy found elsewhere in the Bible. This verse sets strict rules for priests, prohibiting them from mourning in certain situations, which might seem inconsistent with the general biblical encouragement for expressing grief and supporting one another in times of sorrow.
Paradox #3
Leviticus 21:11 is about a high priest not being allowed to go near a dead body, even if it's a close family member. A possible historical inconsistency is that other parts of the Bible, like Exodus, show leaders or important figures, including Moses, involved in funerals or mourning processes, which seems different from this rule.
Paradox #4
This verse suggests a high priest must avoid becoming ritually unclean, even for close family members' funerals. The moral conflict arises when this rule is compared to the broader biblical teachings of compassion and family responsibility. It can seem inconsistent with the idea of caring for and honoring the deceased loved ones.