Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Encourages love and prayer for enemies, contrasting with the plea for unpardoned sin in Nehemiah 4:5.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Instructs to do good to those who hate you, contradicting the call for no forgiveness.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Romans 12:14
Advises blessing persecutors, not seeking vengeance like implied in Nehemiah 4:5.
Romans 12:14: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Warns against rejoicing over an enemy's downfall, unlike the retributive request.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
Encourages repaying evil with blessing, contrasting with denial of forgiveness.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Luke 23:34
Jesus asks for forgiveness for his crucifiers, differing from the plea for retribution in Nehemiah 4:5.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Advises leaving vengeance to God, contrasting personal call for punishment.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32
Teaches kindness and forgiveness, opposing the sentiment for unpardoned sin.
Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Paradox #1
Nehemiah 4:5 might be seen as inconsistent with themes of forgiveness and mercy found elsewhere in the Bible. While this verse asks for the sins of enemies to not be forgiven, other parts of the Bible, like the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, emphasize forgiving others. This can seem like a contradiction in how to treat those who oppose or wrong us.
Paradox #2
Nehemiah 4:5 can seem to conflict with the New Testament teachings about forgiveness. In Nehemiah, there is a request for God not to forgive the enemies' sins, whereas in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus, there is a strong emphasis on forgiving others, even our enemies. This difference might appear as a contradiction in terms of how to treat those who oppose or wrong us.
Paradox #3
Nehemiah 4:5 expresses a strong desire for divine justice against enemies. Some may find a contradiction or inconsistency when comparing it to teachings of forgiveness found in other parts of the Bible, such as Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about loving and forgiving one's enemies. This can appear as a conflict between justice and forgiveness.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in Nehemiah 4:5 might arise from its focus on revenge and not forgiving enemies, which could conflict with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize forgiveness and loving one's enemies. This inconsistency is seen when comparing this verse to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where forgiveness is often highlighted.