Contradiction with Matthew 6:19
This verse contradicts Revelation 18:11 by instructing people to not lay up treasures on earth where they can be destroyed, contrary to merchants mourning the loss of worldly wealth.
Matthew 6:19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with Luke 12:15
It contrasts with Revelation 18:11 by warning against covetousness and emphasizing that life is not about material possessions, contrary to merchants grieving over lost goods.
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:10
It contradicts Revelation 18:11 by stating that the love of money is the root of all evil, opposite to the focus on merchants' sorrow over economic loss.
1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [erred: or, been seduced]
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5
This verse instructs to be content with what you have, contrasting with Revelation 18:11 where merchants lament the loss of earthly riches.
Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:5
It contrasts with Revelation 18:11 by highlighting the fleeting nature of riches, whereas the merchants in Revelation mourn after such vanities.
Proverbs 23:5: Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. [set...: Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:10
This verse contradicts Revelation 18:11 by pointing out the dissatisfaction with wealth, while merchants lament over worldly losses, failing to see the void of wealth.
Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.
Paradox #1
Revelation 18:11 talks about merchants mourning because no one buys their goods anymore, referring to a fallen city. Historically, some people argue there’s a contradiction or inconsistency in how the wealth and trade of ancient cities are portrayed, as the locations believed to be the city (like Rome or Babylon) might not match the economic scale described in terms of global trade in ancient times. This could lead to conflicts in interpretation between symbolic and literal readings.
Paradox #2
Revelation 18:11 describes merchants mourning the fall of Babylon because their goods can no longer be sold. The contradiction or conflict might be seen in how the merchants' grief is focused on economic loss rather than human suffering or injustice. Their primary concern appears to be their own financial gain rather than the well-being of people affected by Babylon's fall. This could conflict with broader biblical teachings that emphasize compassion, justice, and the prioritization of people over material wealth.