Contradiction with Matthew 5:32
Malachi 2:16 states that God hates divorce, while Matthew 5:32 permits divorce under certain circumstances, such as marital unfaithfulness.
Matthew 5:32: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:1
Malachi 2:16 emphasizes God's distaste for divorce, whereas Deuteronomy 24:1 provides a process for a man to divorce his wife if he finds something indecent about her.
Deuteronomy 24:1: When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house. [some...: Heb. matter of nakedness] [divorcement: Heb. cutting off]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:15
Malachi 2:16 suggests divorce is undesirable, yet 1 Corinthians 7:15 implies that if an unbelieving partner leaves, the believing partner is not bound, indirectly permitting separation.
1 Corinthians 7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace. [to peace: Gr. in peace]
Paradox #1
Malachi 2:16 is sometimes seen as inconsistent because some translations of the Bible suggest that God hates divorce, while other translations focus on condemning the harm caused by breaking a marriage covenant. This difference in translation can lead to confusion about God's stance on divorce and whether it is always disapproved or just the negative consequences that arise from it.
Paradox #2
Malachi 2:16 has been interpreted differently in various translations, where some suggest God hates divorce while others focus on unfaithfulness. This can lead to confusion about whether the emphasis is on the act of divorce itself or the harmful intentions behind it. This inconsistency might impact how people view marital separation in a religious context.
Paradox #3
Malachi 2:16 has a translation issue. Some versions say God hates divorce, while others focus on a man covering his garment with violence. The inconsistency arises from different interpretations of the original Hebrew text.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could arise from the idea that while the verse condemns divorce as something God dislikes, there are other parts of the Bible where divorce is permitted under certain circumstances, creating an inconsistency in the perceived acceptability of divorce.