Contradiction with Leviticus 21:11
This verse contradicts Numbers 19:16 by instructing priests, particularly the high priest, not to come into contact with any dead bodies, irrespective of the circumstances, emphasizing complete avoidance of defilement associated with death.
Leviticus 21:11: Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;
Contradiction with Matthew 22:32
This verse contradicts Numbers 19:16 by depicting God as the God of the living, implying a doctrinal focus on life rather than associated rituals of purification from death.
Matthew 22:32: And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.
Contradiction with Luke 24:5
This verse contradicts Numbers 19:16 since it challenges the association or dealings with the dead, pointing towards seeking the living rather than engaging with the dead.
Luke 24:5: And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? [the living: or, him that liveth]
Contradiction with John 11:25-26
These verses contradict Numbers 19:16 by emphasizing eternal life and belief in Jesus, rather than being concerned with ceremonial impurity related to death.
John 11:25-26: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Paradox #1
The verse in question deals with ritual impurity related to contact with the dead, which is part of the purity laws in the Old Testament. One theological conflict some might point out is the contrasting views on purity and impurity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. While the Old Testament has detailed laws about ritual cleanliness, including what is considered unclean, the New Testament, especially through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes internal spiritual purity over external ritual practices. This difference can lead to perceived inconsistencies regarding the importance of ritual cleanliness in different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Numbers 19:16 mentions that touching a dead body makes a person unclean. A potential inconsistency is with the New Testament, where Jesus touches dead bodies to perform resurrections (e.g., in the case of Jairus's daughter) without concern for ritual impurity. This could be seen as a contradiction in practices regarding ritual cleanliness.
Paradox #3
The verse discusses becoming unclean by touching a dead body. Scientific views on cleanliness and disease transmission focus on germs and microbes, which were not understood in ancient times. The concept of "unclean" in the verse is more about religious or ritual purity, not about germs or hygiene in the modern scientific sense. This could be seen as a conflict between religious ritual practices and contemporary scientific understanding of cleanliness and health.
Paradox #4
Numbers 19:16 involves rules about ritual impurity associated with touching dead bodies. A contradiction or inconsistency might arise if these rules are viewed as conflicting with the idea of compassion and care for the dead or dying, especially if someone is aiding those in need or burying the dead out of respect or duty. This situation could create a conflict between following religious cleanliness laws and performing acts of kindness.