Can God create an unliftable rock?

1. Defining the Question

The question “Can God create an unliftable rock?” is often used to challenge the idea of divine omnipotence. It poses a scenario in which God, who is said to be all-powerful, is asked to create something that God subsequently cannot move. At first glance, this might seem to present a paradox. However, exploring scriptural teachings and logical considerations reveals deeper insights into the nature of power and the character of the Creator.

2. Understanding God’s Omnipotence

Scripture teaches that God possesses limitless power: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). However, the same Scriptures also tell us there are certain things God does not do, such as lie: “It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). These verses together demonstrate that divine omnipotence includes the power to do all things consistent with God’s nature—not contradictions of logic or morality.

In philosophical terms, creating an “unliftable rock” is not an expression of power but a contradiction in terms. It is akin to asking if God can dethrone His own omnipotence. Since Scripture testifies that God is “the King of glory… the LORD strong and mighty” (Psalm 24:8), any scenario suggesting He could be made weak or subject to a contradiction does not align with what Scripture discloses about His nature.

3. Logical Paradox vs. True Power

A rock that even an all-powerful deity cannot lift is a logically impossible construct. If the rock exists within the universe God spoke into being (see Genesis 1:1), then it cannot surpass the Creator’s power over creation (see Acts 17:24). The proposition itself introduces an absurdity rather than revealing a legitimate limitation.

Throughout biblical narratives, God demonstrates power over nature—whether parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22), calming a storm (Matthew 8:26), or resurrecting Christ (Matthew 28:5–7). None of these acts suggest that He takes on tasks containing an inherent contradiction. Instead, they illustrate His perfect sovereignty within the realm of genuine possibility.

4. The Purpose of Omnipotence

God’s power is always exercised in a way that is consistent with righteousness and truth. As proclaimed in Psalm 147:5, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” This power flows from His unchangeable character and perfect wisdom. If God were to act against His own nature—such as creating a logical impossibility—it would cease to be consistent with who He is.

The real question behind the “unliftable rock” puzzle often springs from a misunderstanding of unlimited power. True omnipotence means the capacity to accomplish all that is within the scope of God’s holy and coherent will, not the power to violate logical consistency.

5. Historical and Philosophical Considerations

Early theologians, such as Augustine and Aquinas, addressed similar paradoxes. They concluded that nonsense questions do not undermine God’s omnipotence. Rather, they highlight the fact that an all-powerful being is not bound to fulfill contradictory requests.

Within theological manuscripts and historical church writings, there is a consistent thread: God’s actions reflect His nature. From the earliest creeds to modern scholarship, believers and researchers alike note that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) must be read within the broader context of His unchanging holiness, wisdom, and logical consistency.

6. Scriptural Foundations for God’s Sovereignty

• Creation: Genesis 1:1 affirms that God created all things. Because He is the source of existence, nothing in creation can surpass His might.

• Sustaining Power: Colossians 1:17 declares that “in Him all things hold together.” This reveals an ongoing act of sustaining. If He upholds the universe, He exercises authority over every part of it.

• Divine Self-Consistency: James 1:17 describes how “the Father of the heavenly lights” does not change “like shifting shadows.” Because God remains consistent, He does not engage in self-contradictory acts.

7. Addressing Common Objections

1. “Omnipotence should have no limits.”

True omnipotence does not entail performing contradictions. Instead, it means having the power to do everything that is feasible and aligns with God’s nature.

2. “The question exposes a weakness in God’s power.”

The limitation lies in the nature of the request, not in God’s power. A nonsensical action does not reflect divine weakness; it merely shows that illogical scenarios do not fit into God’s coherent nature.

3. “Could God limit Himself?”

Even when Scripture speaks of God’s self-imposed limitations, such as choosing humility in the Incarnation (Philippians 2:6–8), this is consistent with His character and purpose. It does not enable an internally contradictory act like creating an object that thwarts His own power.

8. Practical and Theological Implications

This question underscores the importance of approaching theological topics with careful reasoning. Believers are encouraged to love God “with all your mind” (Luke 10:27). By recognizing that God’s power is grounded in flawless wisdom, one avoids misconceptions that paint divine attributes in contradictory lights.

Moreover, understanding omnipotence correctly builds faith. When Scripture assures that God is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1), it is speaking of real power at work in events such as the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15). This reflects the heart of faith—that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is more than capable of acting consistently within God’s nature to redeem creation.

9. Conclusion

“Can God create an unliftable rock?” is a paradoxical question that misunderstands the nature of omnipotence. Scripture affirms that God’s power is without limit in terms of righteous and logical possibilities. Rather than pointing to a deficiency in divine ability, the question highlights a misconception about what omnipotence encompasses.

God’s power is not a magic trick that produces contradictions but a limitless authority aligned with His holy and logical nature. For believers and seekers alike, an accurate view of omnipotence enriches one’s understanding of God’s character and trustworthiness. As Psalm 24:8 declares: “Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Such verses direct us to a God whose power is supreme yet always coherently and lovingly exercised.