Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 1:9
This verse refers to everlasting destruction away from the presence of the Lord, which contradicts Psalms 139:8's concept of God's omnipresence.
2 Thessalonians 1:9: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Contradiction with Matthew 7:23
This verse speaks of Jesus potentially declaring to some, "I never knew you: depart from me," suggesting separation from God, unlike the constant presence mentioned in Psalms 139:8.
Matthew 7:23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Contradiction with Isaiah 59:2
This verse states that iniquities separate people from God, which conflicts with Psalms 139:8's depiction of God's omnipresence regardless of circumstances.
Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. [have hid: or, have made him hide]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:6
This verse implies that to be in the body is to be absent from the Lord, indicating a form of separation, contrasting with the assertion of God's omnipresence in Psalms 139:8.
2 Corinthians 5:6: Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Contradiction with Job 23:3
Job expresses a desire to find God, suggesting difficulty in sensing God's presence, which contradicts the message of constant divine presence in Psalms 139:8.
Job 23:3: Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!
Contradiction with Hosea 5:6
This verse indicates that people can seek the Lord but not find Him because He has withdrawn Himself, contradicting the omnipresence described in Psalms 139:8.
Hosea 5:6: They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find [him]; he hath withdrawn himself from them.
Contradiction with John 9:31
This verse suggests that God does not listen to sinners, implying a lack of presence or attention, which differs from the omnipresence concept in Psalms 139:8.
John 9:31: Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Contradiction with Amos 8:11-12
These verses predict a famine of hearing the words of the Lord, implying a withdrawal of God's presence or communication, which contradicts Psalms 139:8.
Amos 8:11-12: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that God's presence is universal and inescapable, which might seem to contradict ideas that God is only present in certain holy places or specific situations. This could also raise questions about the presence of God in places or situations traditionally seen as devoid of God.
Paradox #2
Psalms 139:8 expresses the belief that God is present everywhere, even in the highest heavens or the depths of the earth. Some might see a contradiction with other passages that suggest God's presence is primarily in heaven, or others that depict hell as a place of separation from God. However, these interpretations can be reconciled by understanding the verse as emphasizing God's omnipresence, meaning God can be present in all places, whether perceived positively or negatively.
Paradox #3
Psalms 139:8 talks about God's presence in heaven and in the depths. Some people may see a contradiction with other biblical passages that suggest the dead are unconscious or separated from God, like in Ecclesiastes 9:5 or Psalm 6:5. This can lead to different interpretations about the afterlife and God's omnipresence.
Paradox #4
The verse suggests that a deity is present in all places, including in hypothetical or metaphysical realms like heaven and hell. A contradiction might arise because science relies on empirical evidence and currently cannot verify or measure supernatural presence or realms such as heaven and hell. These concepts fall outside the scope of scientific inquiry, which focuses on the natural and observable universe.
Paradox #5
The potential contradiction in this verse could arise from the idea that whether one is in heaven or in a place of suffering, God's presence is there. This might seem inconsistent with the belief that separation from God occurs in hell or places of suffering. The notion challenges the common view of punishment or distance from God in such states.