Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
States there is neither bond nor free, contradicting the notion of owning foreigners as slaves.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with Exodus 21:16
Condemns the act of man-stealing, implying it is wrong to have captives to sell as slaves.
Exodus 21:16: And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:12
Teaches the Golden Rule to treat others as you would want to be treated, contradicting the act of enslavement.
Matthew 7:12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Contradiction with Isaiah 58:6
Calls for the breaking of every yoke and freeing of the oppressed, opposing the concept of maintaining slaves.
Isaiah 58:6: [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [the heavy...: Heb. the bundles of the yoke] [oppressed: Heb. broken]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 34:14
Reminds that Hebrew slaves were to be freed every seventh year, suggesting limits on servitude inconsistent with permanent slavery.
Jeremiah 34:14: At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. [hath been...: or, hath sold himself]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 1:10
Lists men-stealers (slave traders) among sinful behaviors, conflicting with the approval of slavery in Leviticus.
1 Timothy 1:10: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Contradiction with Philemon 1:16
Urges believers to welcome a returning slave as a beloved brother, potentially contradicting the notion of slavery.
Philemon 1:16: Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Contradiction with Luke 4:18
Proclaims liberty to the captives, which can be interpreted as opposing the institution of slavery.
Luke 4:18: The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Contradiction with Genesis 1:27
States all humans are created in God's image, implying equal value and dignity, conflicting with owning others as property.
Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Contradiction with John 8:36
Declares that if the Son makes you free, you are free indeed, offering a spiritual freedom that contrasts with literal enslavement.
John 8:36: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction in that this verse seems to allow owning foreigners as slaves, which appears inconsistent with other biblical teachings about love, kindness, and equality among all humans.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 25:45 deals with the laws about slavery, indicating that Israelites could buy slaves from surrounding nations. The potential doctrinal conflict lies in the contrast with New Testament teachings, such as the emphasis on love, equality, and freedom in Christ found in passages like Galatians 3:28, which states there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, but all are one in Christ Jesus. This contrast creates a tension between Old Testament laws and New Testament principles of equality and unity.
Paradox #3
Historical contradictions related to Leviticus 25:45 can arise from its laws on slavery, conflicting with modern views on human rights and freedom. These ancient practices differ significantly from today's ethical standards, creating tension between historical context and contemporary values.
Paradox #4
The verse is about owning foreigners as slaves and passing them onto descendants, which can conflict with modern views on human rights and equality. Owning people as property contradicts the moral belief that all humans should have freedom and equal rights.