Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 14:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 14:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 14:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, John told the king that he should not be married to his brother's wife because it was not the right thing to do. John was trying to help the king follow God's rules.

Matthew 14:4: For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:5

Represents the levirate marriage law, where a brother is encouraged to marry his brother's widow, which could be seen as conflicting with condemning Herod marrying his brother's wife.

Deuteronomy 25:5: If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. [her husband's...: or, her next kinsman]

Contradiction with Genesis 38:8

Similar to Deuteronomy 25:5, it discusses the cultural expectation of marrying a brother's widow, which contrasts with John's rebuke of Herod.

Genesis 38:8: And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 12:7-8

Nathan points out God's giving of Saul's wives to David, implying divine sanction of such unions, a potential contrast to the condemnation in Matthew 14:4.

2 Samuel 12:7-8: And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Contradiction with Genesis 20:12

Abraham marries his half-sister, a union that might be considered inappropriate by other standards, yet is presented without condemnation.

Genesis 20:12: And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
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