Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:39
It suggests that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, which contradicts the idea in Mark 12:19 that brothers should marry a widow to raise seed for a deceased brother.
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.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:9
This speaks against remarriage after divorce except for infidelity, potentially conflicting with the Levirate marriage concept in Mark 12:19.
Matthew 19:9: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Contradiction with Romans 7:2-3
Emphasizes the idea that a woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives, which complicates the idea of marrying a brother solely to bear children for the deceased.
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 Timothy 5:14
Encourages young widows to marry and bear children more generally, without the specific obligation to a deceased husband's brother as in Mark 12:19.
1 Timothy 5:14: I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [to speak...: Gr. for their railing]
Paradox #1
Mark 12:19 discusses the practice of levirate marriage, where a man is expected to marry his brother's widow if the brother dies without children. The potential contradiction arises when this practice is compared to the New Testament's portrayal of marriage as a union between two individuals based on love and mutual consent, rather than obligation. This could create tension with modern Christian views on marriage and individuality.
Paradox #2
Mark 12:19 could seem to contradict other biblical teachings on marriage and divorce. While this verse might imply a specific practice concerning marriage responsibilities, other parts of the Bible emphasize the permanence and sanctity of marriage, suggesting that marriage should ideally not be broken. This difference in expectations can appear as a conflict or inconsistency regarding the conditions under which remarriage is considered acceptable.
Paradox #3
Historical contradictions or conflicts related to Mark 12:19 might involve differences in cultural or legal practices regarding marriage and levirate marriage during biblical times versus modern interpretations. These inconsistencies can arise when the customs described do not align with contemporary views or legal frameworks, leading to misunderstandings about the intentions or applications of these ancient practices.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the idea of a man marrying his brother's widow, which could be seen as conflicting with modern views on autonomy and consent in marriage. Contemporary perspectives may be at odds with this directive, considering it could pressure individuals into marriage for obligations rather than personal choice.