Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:26
This verse speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit to His people, contrasting with Matthew 13:15, where people's hearts have grown dull.
Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:16
God promises to write His laws in people's hearts and minds, differing from the hardened hearts in Matthew 13:15.
Hebrews 10:16: This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 3:16
Flipping away the veil of blindness when one turns to the Lord, contrary to the closed perception in Matthew 13:15.
2 Corinthians 3:16: Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 24:7
God grants a heart to know Him here, as opposed to the dull hearts in Matthew 13:15 that resist understanding.
Jeremiah 24:7: And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.
Contradiction with Romans 11:8
God giving a spirit of slumber in judgment is akin but in opposition, as Matthew 13:15 alludes to willful closing of ears and eyes.
Romans 11:8: (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. [slumber: or, remorse]
Contradiction with John 6:44
This verse emphasizes God's active role in drawing people to Him, contrasting with the passive hardening in Matthew 13:15.
John 6:44: No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Paradox #1
Matthew 13:15 could be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency when compared to other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's desire for everyone to understand, be healed, and come to salvation. This verse suggests that people's hearts have become dull, and they won't understand unless they turn to see and hear. It may seem conflicting with passages that highlight God's willingness to directly intervene in bringing understanding and salvation to all people.
Paradox #2
Some people see a conflict in the idea that this verse suggests spiritual blindness is self-chosen. It can seem inconsistent with the belief that everyone should be able to hear and understand spiritual truths equally. Others might find it at odds with the idea of a loving and forgiving God, questioning why some people’s hearts are "closed" and not given a chance to understand.