Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 11:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 11:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 11:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is saying that the city of Capernaum thinks very highly of itself, like it's reaching up to the sky, but it will be brought down because it did not listen and believe in Him. If the amazing things Jesus did in Capernaum had been done in a city long ago that was very bad, that city might have changed and been saved.

Matthew 11:23: And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:7-8

This verse explains that God will relent from disaster if a nation repents, which contradicts Matthew 11:23 where cities are rebuked for not repenting.

Jeremiah 18:7-8: [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

In Jonah, God spares Nineveh when it repents, contrasting Matthew 11:23 where impending judgment on unrepentant cities is emphasized.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:14-15

These verses show that turning from sin leads to life, whereas Matthew 11:23 highlights impending doom regardless of change.

Ezekiel 33:14-15: Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; [that...: Heb. judgment and justice]

Contradiction with Genesis 18:32

God agrees to spare Sodom for the sake of ten righteous people, contrasting with the uncompromising stance toward unrepentant cities in Matthew 11:23.

Genesis 18:32: And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 7:14

It promises healing if people repent, contrasting with Matthew 11:23's lack of opportunity for the cities mentioned.

2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [which...: Heb. upon whom my name is called]
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