Difficulties & Contradictions within the Bible
Genesis
- 1 & 2, Don't Genesis 1 and 2 present contradictory creation accounts?
- 1:26, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 3:9, Doesn't God saying, "Adam where are you?" show God didn't know something?
- 3:16, God multiplies the pain of women in child bearing.
- 3:22, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 4:17, Where did Cain get his wife?
- 5:1-31, Did people really live hundreds of years according to Genesis?
- 5:24, Did anyone ascend into heaven before Jesus or not?
- 6:2,5 Who were "Sons of God" in Genesis 6?
- 6:6,7, Does the Lord change or not?
- 6:19-20, How many kinds did Noah bring into the ark, two or seven?
- 7:1, Have all people sinned or not?
- 7:2-3, How many kinds did Noah bring into the ark, two or seven?
- 11:8-9, If God is not the author of confusion, what about the Tower of Babel?
- 17:1, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 18:1, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 19:8, Why did Lot give his daughters to the crowd of men?
- 22:1, Does God tempt people or not?
- 22:1-2, Why did God tell Abraham to kill his son Isaac?
- 22:2, How many children did Abraham have, one or two?
- 37:28, Who sold Joseph, the Midianites or the Ishmaelites?
- 37:36, Who sold Joseph, the Midianites or the Ishmaelites?
- 38:9, Why did God kill a man for spilling his seed on the ground?
- 39:1, Who sold Joseph, the Midianites or the Ishmaelites?
- 47:31, Did Jacob worship at the head of the bed or leaning on a staff?
- 6:2-3, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 9:1-7, Did all of Egypt's livestock die or not?
- 9:18-21, Did all of Egypt's livestock die or not?
- 15:3, Is the Lord a God of Peace or of war?
- 20:4-5, Should you make graven images or not?
- 20:5, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 20:8, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 20:12, Can we call anyone "father" besides God, including our parents?
- 20:24, Did God speak about sacrifices or not at the Exodus?
- 21:20-21, A slave is property?
- 23:12, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 24:9-11, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 25:18, Should you make graven images or not?
- 31:15, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 32:14, Does the Lord change or not?
- 33:20, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 34:6-7, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 37:7-8, Should you make graven images or not?
- 11:5-6, Do the badger and rabbit chew the cud?
- 11:13-19, Is a bat a bird?
- 25:44, You may buy slaves?
- 26:1, Should you make graven images or not?
- 26:2, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 12:6-8, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 15:32, Why was a man killed for gathering sticks on the Sabbath?
- 23:19, Can Jesus Be God if God is not a Man (Numbers 23:19)?
- 31:15-18, Why would God order the destruction of women and children?
- 31:17-18, Why were only the virgins left alive among the Midianites?
- 2:32-33, Why did the Israelites destroy cities and kill all of the people inside?
- 5:8, Should you make graven images or not?
- 5:9, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 5:12, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 6:4, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 17:1, Don't sacrifice an animal with a blemish
- 21:18-21, Stone a rebellious son
- 22:5, Women should not wear men's clothes
- 22:13-21, Stone a woman for not being a virgin?
- 24:16, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 27:15, Should you make graven images or not?
Judges 1 Samuel
- 15:2-3, Why would God order the destruction of men, women, and children?
- 16:19-23, Did or did not Saul know who David was?
- 17:50, Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan?
- 17:55-58, Did or did not Saul know who David was?
- 31:4, Who killed Saul, Saul or the Amalekite?
- 1:8-10, Who killed Saul, Saul or the Amalekite?
- 6:23, Did Michal have any children or not?
- 8:4, How many horsemen were captured, 1700, 7000?
- 10:18, How many charioteers were killed, 700 or 7000?
- 21:8, Did Michal have any children or not?
- 21:19, Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan?
- 24:1, Who incited David to count the men, God or Satan?
- 24:9, How many fighting men were found in Judah and Israel?
- 24:13, How many years of famine were threatened?
- 4:26, How many stalls of horses did Solomon really have?
- 5:16, How many supervisors were there, 3,300 or 3,600?
- 7:26, How many baths, 2,000 or 3,000?
- 22:22, Why did God send a lying spirit if God cannot lie?
- 2:11, Did anyone ascend into heaven before Jesus or not?
- 2:23-24, Why did God kill 42 lads merely for saying Elisha was bald?
- 8:26, How old was Ahaziah when he began to rule?
- 24:8, How old was Jehoiachin when he became king?
- 24:8, How long did Jehoiachin rule over Jerusalem?
- 18:4, How many horsemen were captured, 1700, 7000?
- 19:18, How many charioteers were killed, 700 or 7000?
- 21:1, Who incited David to count the men, God or Satan?
- 21:5, How many fighting men were found in Judah and Israel?
- 21:12, How many years of famine were threatened?
- 2:2, How many supervisors were there, 3,300 or 3,600?
- 4:2, The diameter of a bowl is mathematically incorrect
- 4:5, How many baths, 2,000 or 3,000?
- 9:25, How many stalls of horses did Solomon really have?
- 11:20, Who was King Abijah's mother?
- 13:2, Who was King Abijah's mother?
- 22:2, How old was Ahaziah when he began to rule?
- 36:9, How old was Jehoiachin when he became king?
- 36:9, How long did Jehoiachin rule over Jerusalem?
Job
- 1:1, Have all people sinned or not?
- 1:1, 12, If Job was blameless, why did God allow Satan to afflict him?
- 1:21, Do Job 1:21 and Ecc. 5:15 teach reincarnation?
- 5:5, Does God hate people or love them?
- 11:5, Does God hate people or love them?
- 14:1, Can we call someone a fool or not?
- 14:3, Have all people sinned or not?
- 104:5, Does the earth abide forever or not?
- 137:9, Why does the Psalmist speak about killing children?
- 145:9, Is the Lord good or bad to people?
Isaiah
- 2:4, Is the Lord a God of Peace or of war?
- 7:14, In Hebrew the word translated "virgin" means maiden. This is not a prophecy.
- 13:15-16, Why does the Bible say houses will be plundered and wives ravished?
- 43:10, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 44:6, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 44:8, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 44:24, Is Jesus or God the creator of all things?
- 45:7, Is the Lord good or bad to people?
- 45:7, Does God create evil?
- 65:17, Does the earth abide forever or not?
- 7:22, Did God speak about sacrifices or not at the Exodus?
- 18:11, Is the Lord good or bad to people?
- 22:28-30, Did Coniah have children or not?
- 33:27, Is the Lord omnipotent or not?
- 18:20, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 20:25, 26, Is the Lord good or bad to people?
Matthew
- 1:16, Why are there different genealogies for Jesus in Matt. & Luke?
- 2:23, Did the OT prophecy Jesus coming from Nazareth?
- 4:5-8, Where did the devil take Jesus first?
- 4:18-19, Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew?
- 5:16, Should or should we not let our good works be seen?
- 5:17, Did Jesus abolish the Law or not?
- 5:22, Can we call someone a fool or not?
- 6:1-4, Should or should we not let our good works be seen?
- 6:9-13, Who did Jesus tell the Lord's Prayer to?
- 8:5-13, Who brought the Centurion's request to Jesus?
- 8:28, How many men came out to meet Jesus in Gerasene?
- 8:28, Did Jesus meet the demoniacs in Gerasene or Gaderene?
- 9:9, Was the tax collector named Matthew or Levi?
- 9:18, Was Jairus' daughter alive or dead when he came to Jesus?
- 10:2-4, Why are the lists of disciples different?
- 10:9-10, Did Jesus tell His disciples to take a staff or not?
- 10:34, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 11:2-3, When did John find out Jesus was the Messiah?
- 11:13-14, Was John the Baptist really Elijah?
- 12:31, Can you be forgiven of all sins or not?
- 12:40, How long was Jesus dead in the tomb?
- 13:31, Is the mustard seed the smallest of all seeds?
- 17:1, After how many days did Jesus take the three up the mountain?
- 19:16-21, Are we saved by grace or works?
- 20:20-21, Who made the request to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom?
- 20:29-30, How many blind men did Jesus meet when leaving Jericho?
- 21:2-7, Were one or two animals brought to Jesus?
- 21:12, Did Jesus cleanse the Temple once or twice?
- 21:19, Did the tree that Jesus cursed wither immediately or overnight?
- 23:3, 5, Should or should we not let our good works be seen?
- 23:9, Can we call anyone "father" besides God, including our parents?
- 23:17, Can we call someone a fool or not?
- 24:36, If Jesus is God why did He not know the hour of His return?
- 24:36, If the Holy Spirit is God, why didn't he know the time of Christ's return?
- 26:34-35, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 26:74-75, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 26:47, Who arrested Jesus?
- 26:57, Who did Jesus see first upon his arrest, Annas or Caiaphas?
- 27:3-8, How did Judas die, by hanging or falling?
- 27:7, Who bought the Potter's Field, Judas or the Jews?
- 27:28,31, Was the robe of Jesus scarlet or purple?
- 27:31-32, Did Jesus or Simon of Cyrene carry the cross?
- 27:34, Was the vinegar given to Jesus mingled with gall or myrrh?
- 27:37, What was written on the sign on the cross?
- 27:46, What are the last words of Jesus on the cross?
- 27:55-56, Were the women close or far from the cross?
- 28:8, Did or did not the women tell what happened about the tomb?
- 28:9, Who saw Jesus first after the resurrection?
- 28:1, How long was Jesus dead in the tomb?
- 28:2, How many men or angels appeared at the tomb?
- 28:6-7, What did the angels tell Mary at the empty tomb?
- 1:7-13, What did Jesus do after being baptized by John the Baptist?
- 2:14, Was the tax collector named Matthew or Levi?
- 3:13-19, Why are the lists of disciples different?
- 3:29, Can you be forgiven of all sins or not?
- 4:30, Is the mustard seed the smallest of all seeds?
- 5:1-2, How many men came out to meet Jesus in Gerasene?
- 5:1-2, Did Jesus meet the demoniacs in Gerasene or Gaderene?
- 5:23, Was Jairus' daughter alive or dead when he came to Jesus?
- 6:8, Did Jesus tell His disciples to take a staff or not?
- 9:2, After how many days did Jesus take the three up the mountain?
- 9:50, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 11:2-7, Were one or two animals brought to Jesus?
- 10:35-37, Who made the request to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom?
- 10:46-47, How many blind men did Jesus meet when leaving Jericho?
- 11:11-12, 15-16, On which day did Jesus cleanse the Temple?
- 11:14, 20, Did the tree that Jesus cursed wither at once or overnight?
- 13:32, If Jesus is God why did He not know the hour of His return?
- 13:32, If the Holy Spirit is God, why didn't he know the time of Christ's return?
- 14:30, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 14:43, Who arrested Jesus?
- 15:16, 20, Was the robe of Jesus scarlet or purple?
- 15:20-21, Did Jesus or Simon of Cyrene carry the cross?
- 15:23, Was the vinegar given to Jesus mingled with gall or myrrh?
- 15:25, At what hour was Jesus crucified?
- 15:26, What was written on the sign on the cross?
- 15:34, What are the last words of Jesus on the cross?
- 15:40, Were the women close or far from the cross?
- 16:2, How long was Jesus dead in the tomb?
- 16:5, How many men or angels appeared at the tomb?
- 16:6-7, What did the angels tell Mary at the empty tomb?
- 16:8, Did or did not the women tell what happened about the tomb?
- 16:9, Who saw Jesus first after the resurrection?
- 16:9-20, Is the ending of Mark scripture or not?
Luke
- 1:5-6, Have all people sinned or not?
- 3:23, Why are there different genealogies for Jesus in Matt. & Luke?
- 4:5-9, Where did the devil take Jesus first?
- 5:27, Was the tax collector named Matthew or Levi?
- 6:12-16, Why are the lists of disciples different?
- 7:2-10, Who brought the Centurion's request to Jesus?
- 7:18-22, When did John find out Jesus was the Messiah?
- 8:26-27, How many men came out to meet Jesus in Gerasene?
- 8:26-27, Did Jesus meet the demoniacs in Gerasene or Gaderene?
- 9:3, Did Jesus tell His disciples to take a staff or not?
- 9:28, After how many days did Jesus take the three up the mountain?
- 11:1-4, Who did Jesus tell the Lord's Prayer to?
- 13:19, Is the mustard seed the smallest of all seeds?
- 14:26, Are we supposed to hate or not?
- 18:35, How many blind men did Jesus meet when leaving Jericho?
- 19:30, Were one or two animals brought to Jesus?
- 19:45, Did Jesus cleanse the Temple on the first or second day?
- 22:34, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 22:36, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 23:26, Did Jesus or Simon of Cyrene carry the cross?
- 23:38, What was written on the sign on the cross?
- 23:46, What are the last words of Jesus on the cross?
- 22:47, Who arrested Jesus?
- 22:60-62, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 23:49, Were the women close or far from the cross?
- 24:1, How long was Jesus dead in the tomb?
- 24:4, How many men or angels appeared at the tomb?
- 24:5-7, What did the angels tell Mary at the empty tomb?
- 24:9, Did or did not the women tell what happened about the tomb?
- 24:15-18, Who saw Jesus first after the resurrection?
- 1:18, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 1:19-21, Was John the Baptist really Elijah?
- 1:27-40, What did Jesus do after being baptized by John the Baptist?
- 1:29-34, When did John find out Jesus was the Messiah?
- 1:42-43, Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew?
- 3:13, Did anyone ascend into heaven before Jesus or not?
- 3:16, Does God hate people or love them?
- 5:31, Was Jesus witness of Himself true or not?
- 5:37, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 6:46, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 7:8, 10, Did Jesus lie and go up to the feast or not?
- 8:14, Was Jesus witness of Himself true or not?
- 13:38, Did the cock crow once or twice before Peter's third denial?
- 14:27, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 16:33, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 17:3, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 18:12, Who arrested Jesus?
- 18:19, 24, Who did Jesus see first upon his arrest, Annas or Caiaphas?
- 18:20, Did Jesus lie about only speaking in synagogues and the temple?
- 18:20, Did Jesus never say anything in secret as he said?
- 19:2, 5, Was the robe of Jesus scarlet or purple?
- 19:14-16, At what hour was Jesus crucified?
- 19:17, Did Jesus or Simon of Cyrene carry the cross?
- 19:19-20, What was written on the sign on the cross?
- 19:25, Were the women close or far from the cross?
- 19:30, What are the last words of Jesus on the cross?
- 20:1, How long was Jesus dead in the tomb?
- 20:1-2, 12, How many men or angels appeared at the tomb?
- 20:13, What did the angels tell Mary at the empty tomb?
- 20:14, Who saw Jesus first after the resurrection?
- 20:18, Did or did not the women tell what happened about the tomb?
- 1:13-14, Why are the lists of disciples different?
- 1:16-19, How did Judas die, by hanging or falling?
- 1:18, Who bought the Potter's Field, Judas or the Jews?
- 2:38, Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
- 5:29, Shall we obey God's Law human law?
- 7:2, Has anyone seen God or not?
- 9:3-4, When Paul saw the light, did all fall to the ground or not?
- 9:7, Did the men with Paul hear the voice or not?
- 10:36, Did Jesus come to bring peace or not?
- 13:39, Can you be forgiven of all sins or not?
- 22:9, Did the men with Paul hear the voice or not?
- 22:16, Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
- 26:13-14, When Paul saw the light, did all fall to the ground or not?
Romans
- 3:10, Have all people sinned or not?
- 3:20, 28, Are we saved by grace or works?
- 5:1, Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
- 5:8, Does God hate people or love them?
- 9:17, God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Is that right?
- 13:1, Shall we obey God's Law or human law?
- 15:33, Is the Lord a God of Peace or of war?
- 14:5, Should we keep the Sabbath or not?
- 1:19, Should we acquire wisdom or not?
- 8:5, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 14:33, If God is not the author of confusion, what about the Tower of Babel?
- 15:3-5, Who saw Jesus first after the resurrection?
- 15:3-5, Did Paul receive the Gospel from man or not?
- 15:22, Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?
- 15:29, Is baptism for the dead really Christian?
- 1:11-12, Did Paul receive the Gospel from man or not?
- 2:16, Are we saved by grace or works?
- 4:22, How many children did Abraham have, one or two?
- 6:2, 5, Do we bear our own burdens or not?
- 2:8-9, Are we saved by grace or works?
- 2:8-9, Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
- 2:14-15, Did Jesus abolish the Law or not?
- Titus 1:2, Why did God send a lying spirit if God cannot lie?
- 2:13-14, Can you be forgiven of all sins or not?
Hebrews
- 11:17, How many children did Abraham have, one or two?
- 11:21, Did Joseph worship at the head of the bed or leaning on a staff?
- 2:12, Should or should we not let our good works be seen?
- 2:13, Shall we obey God's Law or human law?
- 2:16, Are we saved by grace or works?
- 3:21, Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
- 1:9, Can you be forgiven of all sins or not?
- 3:9, Can a true Christian sin or not?
- 3:15, Are we supposed to hate or not?
- 4:7-8, Does God hate people or love them?
- 5:7-8, How many Gods are there, one or many?
- 5:18, Can a true Christian sin or not?
Bibliography
- The New American Standard Bible. La Habra, California: The Lockman Foundation, 1977.
- Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. 7th ed. Stuttgart, Germany: German Bible Society, 1984.
- Bush, L. Russ, ed. Classical Readings in Christian Apologetics. A.D. 100-1800. Grand Rapids: Academie Books, 1983.
- Douglas, J. D. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.
- Frame, John. Apologetics to the Glory of God. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: PR Publishing, 1994.
- _____. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: PR Publishing, 1987.
- Geisler, Norman. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1976.
- _____. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1999.
- _____ and Thomas Howe. When Critics Ask. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2002.
- Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
- Harrison, E. F. ed. Bakers Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1960.
- Lewis, C. S. The Problem of Pain. New York: Simon Schuster, 1996.
- _____. Mere Christianity. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1960.
- McDowell, Josh. Evidence that Demands a Verdict. San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers, 1979.
- _____. More Evidence that Demands a Verdict. San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers, 1981.
- _____ and Don Stewart. Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics ask about the Christian Faith. San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers, 1983.
- Runes, Dagobert D., ed. Dictionary of Philosophy. Philisophical Library. New York, 1942.
- Van Till, Cornelius. Christian Apologetics. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: PR Publishing, 1976.