Contradictions and Paradoxes in Mark 12:40

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Mark 12:40 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Mark 12:40. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Mark, some people pretend to be good by saying long prayers, but they are actually doing bad things like taking away homes from widows. Because of their fake goodness and bad actions, they will be punished more.

Mark 12:40: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:5

This verse criticizes those who pray to be seen by others, highlighting a different aspect of external religious displays, whereas Mark 12:40 criticizes devouring widows' houses and making long prayers as a form of exploitation.

Matthew 6:5: And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:14

It closely mirrors Mark 12:40, warning against scribes and Pharisees, but the critique here focuses also on them seeking attention in public places, contrasting with the emphasis on exploitation in Mark 12:40.

Matthew 23:14: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Contradiction with Luke 20:47

Similar to Mark 12:40, but in a different Gospel context, presents a similar criticism yet does not standalone in opposition, rather showing a consistent theme.

Luke 20:47: Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Contradiction with Romans 16:18

Discusses deceptive leaders, who serve themselves rather than Christ, contradicting by focusing on deceit for personal gain in a more general sense, rather than specifically exploiting widows or associating it with long prayers.

Romans 16:18: For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Contradiction with James 1:27

Stresses pure and faultless religion to include taking care of widows, which presents a positive command, potentially opposing the negative actions condemned in Mark 12:40.

James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Paradox #1

Mark 12:40 speaks about religious leaders who exploit others and put on a show of their piety. The moral conflict here could be that these leaders are supposed to guide others in the right way, but they are instead acting in a way that contradicts the values they are meant to uphold. This inconsistency between their words and actions is the moral issue.

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