Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 5:36

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 5:36 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 5:36. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus is teaching that we shouldn't make promises based on things we can't control, like changing the color of our hair. It's a reminder to be honest and simple with our words.

Matthew 5:36: Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Contradiction with Leviticus 19:12

This verse in Leviticus instructs people to not swear falsely, but does not explicitly forbid swearing by one’s own head, unlike Matthew 5:36 which discourages swearing oaths at all.

Leviticus 19:12: And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Contradiction with Numbers 30:2

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling oaths to the Lord, which suggests that making oaths is permissible, whereas Matthew 5:36 discourages swearing oaths.

Numbers 30:2: If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. [break: Heb. profane]

Contradiction with Hebrews 6:16

This verse acknowledges that people swear by something greater than themselves for confirmation, suggesting it’s a common and accepted practice, while Matthew 5:36 advises against swearing oaths altogether.

Hebrews 6:16: For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.

Contradiction with James 5:12

While this verse reiterates not to swear, it focuses on avoiding swearing by heaven or earth, but does not specifically mention one's own head as in Matthew 5:36, thus suggesting a different focus.

James 5:12: But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction in Matthew 5:36 could be with the practice of making oaths. In this verse, the guidance is to avoid swearing oaths by things over which one has no control, as a person's control is limited. However, in other parts of the Bible, people, including God, are depicted as making oaths. This could seem inconsistent with the directive in this verse.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in Matthew 5:36 is the idea that humans cannot change the color of their hair. Today, we know that people can change their hair color using chemical dyes.

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