Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
Emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, contrasting with the legalistic focus in Matthew 23:23.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Prioritizes mercy over sacrifice, which contradicts the neglect of justice and mercy in Matthew 23:23.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Micah 6:8
Highlights doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly, which opposes the Pharisees' neglect in Matthew 23:23.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-24
Criticizes empty ritual without justice, contrasting with the Pharisaic practices criticized in Matthew 23:23.
Amos 5:21-24: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11-17
Condemns empty sacrifices without justice and mercy, which contrasts with the focus on minor laws in Matthew 23:23.
Isaiah 1:11-17: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction could be that the verse suggests both the importance of following specific religious rules and emphasizing deeper values like justice and mercy. Some might see a conflict between focusing on detailed religious practices and the broader, more meaningful principles that religion also teaches. This could lead to a debate about whether external rituals or internal values hold more weight in religious life.
Paradox #2
Matthew 23:23 discusses the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness over strictly following minor laws. A perceived contradiction might occur when individuals or religious groups emphasize religious rituals and minor practices more than the core principles of justice and mercy, which might contradict the
Paradox #3
Matthew 23:23 discusses the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness over minor religious rules. A contradiction might arise if someone focuses too much on minor rules while neglecting essential values like justice and mercy. This could lead to being overly strict or judgmental without showing compassion and fairness.