Contradictions and Paradoxes in Nehemiah 11:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Nehemiah 11:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Nehemiah 11:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Nehemiah, there were 284 Levites living in the holy city. Levites were special helpers in the temple who helped with worship and taking care of the temple.

Nehemiah 11:18: All the Levites in the holy city [were] two hundred fourscore and four.

Contradiction with Nehemiah 11:1

Nehemiah 11:18 claims that the Levites in the holy city are 284, while Nehemiah 11:1 suggests a different process for determining inhabitants, implying potential differences in numbers.

Nehemiah 11:1: And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 9:2

This verse provides an account of dwellers in Jerusalem, including priests and Levites, which can appear contradictory in numbers or clarification of roles compared to Nehemiah 11:18.

1 Chronicles 9:2: Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.

Contradiction with Ezra 2:40

The number of Levites here differs from Nehemiah 11:18, which could lead to confusion or perceived contradiction about the count of Levites during similar periods or records.

Ezra 2:40: The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. [Hodaviah: also called, Judah or Hodevah]

Contradiction with Nehemiah 7:43

Lists the sons of Levi, the sons of Jeshua, and the sons of Kadmiel with a different number, which can be seen as conflicting with Nehemiah 11:18's number of 284 Levites.

Nehemiah 7:43: The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. [Hodevah: also called, Hodaviah or Judah]
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