Contradiction with 1 John 4:18
While Song of Solomon 8:6 describes love as strong as death, 1 John 4:18 states that perfect love casts out fear, suggesting that love is not associated with such overpowering force or terror.
1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:37
Song of Solomon 8:6 depicts love as a consuming force, while Matthew 10:37 emphasizes prioritizing love for Christ above earthly relationships, which could imply that love should not override spiritual commitments.
Matthew 10:37: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
Song of Solomon 8:6 portrays love as a powerful and unyielding force, yet Jeremiah 17:9 warns of the deceitfulness of the heart, suggesting caution against unrestrained emotional impulses.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Song of Solomon 8:6 speaks to the strength and jealousy of love, whereas 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 describes love as patient and not envious, indicating a more gentle and less possessive nature.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5: Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [vaunteth...: or, is not rash]
Paradox #1
The verse in question poetically celebrates intense love and passion, often seen as romantic and personal. There can be a perceived conflict with interpretations of other biblical texts that emphasize love for God above all and often caution against excessive worldly or romantic desires. This might lead to discussions about balancing human love and divine love within a faith context.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Song of Solomon 8:6 could relate to the intense and sometimes overwhelming nature of love described in the verse. The verse likens love to a powerful, consuming force, which might conflict with the idea of love being gentle and kind, as portrayed elsewhere in the Bible. This intensity could be seen as contradictory to teachings promoting moderation and self-control. Otherwise, it primarily celebrates love without explicit moral conflict.