Contradiction with Genesis 11:4
This verse describes humans attempting to build a city and a tower to reach the heavens, representing human ambition and pride, which contradicts the divine perfection and order described in Revelation 21:16.
Genesis 11:4: And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20
These verses advise laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, contrasting with Revelation 21:16, which describes a physical city with specific earthly dimensions and treasures.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with Hebrews 11:10
This verse speaks of a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God, emphasizing faith over physical measurement, unlike the precise measurements in Revelation 21:16.
Hebrews 11:10: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
These verses explain that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human understanding, potentially contradicting the human-readable measurements given in Revelation 21:16.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction regarding Revelation 21:16 is the description of a city with a perfectly square shape, measuring equally in length, width, and height. Some people see a conflict in how such a city could physically exist or be built, given the construction methods and materials available in ancient times. However, others interpret this description as symbolic rather than literal.
Paradox #2
The description of a city being a perfect cube with equal length, width, and height of enormous size might not align with our understanding of city planning, architecture, or the structural integrity required for buildings on Earth. Such dimensions would be impractical and physically challenging to construct and maintain due to gravitational forces and material limitations.
Paradox #3
Revelation 21:16 gives measurements for the city described, stating it is as long as it is wide and tall, measuring 12,000 stadia (or furlongs) in each dimension. A possible contradiction lies in the geometry of a city being described as a perfect cube or having walls that stretch that high, which might seem impractical or difficult to visualize based on typical city structures.