Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 4:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 4:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 4:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, in this verse, God is telling the people that only certain priests can look at special holy things when they are not covered. If others try to see them, they might get hurt because those things are very special and they need to be respected.

Numbers 4:20: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

Contradiction with Exodus 33:20

This verse states that no man can see God's face and live, whereas Numbers 4:20 suggests that with proper procedures, the sons of Kohath can handle sacred items and survive, implying it's possible to see certain holy things without dying.

Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Contradiction with John 1:18

This verse says no one has seen God at any time, emphasizing the complete invisibility of God, contradicting Numbers 4:20 where a specific condition is set to avoid dying when approaching sacred objects.

John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16

This verse claims God dwells in unapproachable light that no one has seen or can see, which contrasts with Numbers 4:20 that involves prescribed access to sacred items without dying.

1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 6:19

This verse recounts that the LORD smote the men of Beth-shemesh for looking into the ark, showing that seeing forbidden holy things can indeed lead to death, contrasting the controlled view prescribed in Numbers 4:20.

1 Samuel 6:19: And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:24

This verse describes Israel seeing God's glory and greatness, which contradicts the principle in Numbers 4:20 that unseen handling of holy things prevents death when violating sacred boundaries.

Deuteronomy 5:24: And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

Paradox #1

Numbers 4:20 discusses a specific instruction about handling holy objects. Any perceived contradiction might arise when compared to other biblical guidelines about who is allowed to see or handle sacred items. In some places, the rules seem strict, while in others they might appear more lenient or different. This can lead to confusion or a sense of inconsistency regarding who has access to certain holy things and under what conditions.

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