Contradiction with Matthew 1:18
This verse suggests that Mary was with child by the Holy Ghost before she met Joseph, contrary to her question in Luke 1:34, where it appears she is unaware of how she can conceive.
Matthew 1:18: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Contradiction with Genesis 18:14
This verse states that nothing is too hard for the Lord, implying that Mary's question in Luke 1:34 might demonstrate a lack of faith in God's power.
Genesis 18:14: Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Contradiction with Psalm 113:9
This verse describes God's ability to make a barren woman a joyful mother, seemingly in contradiction to Mary's questioning in Luke 1:34 of how she could bear a child as a virgin.
Psalm 113:9: He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. [to keep...: Heb. to dwell in an house]
Contradiction with Isaiah 7:14
This prophesy about a virgin conceiving implies an expectation of such a miracle, while Mary's surprise in Luke 1:34 suggests she was not expecting this.
Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. [shall call: or, thou, O virgin, shalt call]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 32:17
This verse refers to nothing being too hard for God, which could be seen as contrary to the doubt implied by Mary's question in Luke 1:34.
Jeremiah 32:17: Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee: [too...: or, hid from thee]
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction lies in the virgin conception of Jesus, which some people see as conflicting with the natural process of conception. This can lead to questions about how a virgin birth aligns with biological understanding.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction or inconsistency in how Mary responds in this verse about her future child, especially when compared to other biblical narratives regarding the birth of significant figures. Questions arise about whether she would have been surprised or unfamiliar with the concept of divine intervention in birth, given other stories in the Bible. This creates a tension for some readers when comparing her reaction to those stories.
Paradox #3
The verse describes Mary questioning how she can be pregnant since she is a virgin. The contradiction lies in the concept of virgin birth, which goes against biological principles of human reproduction where conception typically requires the fertilization of an egg by a sperm. In natural circumstances, a virgin birth (or parthenogenesis) does not occur in humans.
Paradox #4
Luke 1:34 describes Mary's reaction to the angel's message about her conceiving Jesus. A possible contradiction or conflict might arise from the idea of divine intervention in a human's life and the concept of free will. Some people could see a conflict between God's plan and Mary's autonomy in making personal choices, although religious teachings often emphasize her willing acceptance.