In the context of biblical studies, the term "contradict" refers to instances where statements, teachings, or events appear to be in opposition or conflict with one another. The Bible, as a collection of texts written over centuries by various authors, sometimes presents challenges in harmonizing certain passages. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, these apparent contradictions are often resolved through careful exegesis, understanding of historical and cultural contexts, and the belief in the divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.

Apparent Contradictions in Scripture

1. Creation Accounts: One of the most frequently discussed apparent contradictions is found in the creation accounts of Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. Genesis 1 provides a structured, day-by-day account of creation, while Genesis 2 offers a more detailed narrative focusing on the creation of man and woman. Critics argue these accounts contradict each other, but many scholars suggest they serve different theological purposes and complement rather than contradict each other.

2. Genealogies of Jesus: The genealogies of Jesus presented in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 differ in several respects, including the lineage from David to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus' legal lineage through Joseph, emphasizing Jesus' royal descent, while Luke is believed to trace Jesus' biological lineage through Mary, highlighting His humanity. These differences are seen as complementary, providing a fuller picture of Jesus' heritage.

3. The Death of Judas: The accounts of Judas Iscariot's death in Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18 appear contradictory. Matthew states that Judas hanged himself, while Acts describes him falling headlong and his body bursting open. A harmonized interpretation suggests that both events occurred, with Judas hanging himself and subsequently falling, possibly due to the decay of his body or the breaking of the rope.

4. Faith and Works: The relationship between faith and works is another area where apparent contradictions arise, particularly between Paul and James. Paul emphasizes justification by faith apart from works (Romans 3:28), while James states that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). These teachings are reconciled by understanding that Paul addresses the means of salvation, while James focuses on the evidence of genuine faith.

Resolving Apparent Contradictions

Conservative scholars often employ several methods to resolve apparent contradictions:

· Contextual Analysis: Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of a passage can clarify its meaning and resolve apparent discrepancies.

· Harmonization: By examining parallel accounts and considering the possibility of complementary details, scholars can often harmonize seemingly contradictory passages.

· Theological Coherence: The belief in the unity and coherence of Scripture leads to interpretations that seek to reconcile difficult passages with the overall message of the Bible.

Scriptural References

· 2 Timothy 3:16-17 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."

· Proverbs 30:5 : "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

· 1 Corinthians 14:33 : "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints."

These verses underscore the belief in the divine inspiration and reliability of Scripture, encouraging believers to seek understanding and resolution of apparent contradictions through faith and study.1. (v. t.) To assert the contrary of; to oppose in words; to take issue with; to gainsay; to deny the truth of, as of a statement or a speaker; to impugn.

2. (v. t.) To be contrary to; to oppose; to resist.

3. (v. i.) To oppose in words; to gainsay; to deny, or assert the contrary of, something.

483. antilego -- to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose
... to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
antilego Phonetic Spelling: (an-til'-eg-o) Short Definition: I speak or say ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/483.htm - 8k

470. antapokrinomai -- to answer again
... to answer again. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: antapokrinomai Phonetic Spelling:
(an-tap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee) Short Definition: I contradict Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/470.htm - 6k

471. anteipon -- to speak against
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: anteipon Phonetic Spelling: (an-tep'-o) Short
Definition: I speak or say in opposition, I contradict Definition: I speak ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/471.htm - 7k

720. arneomai -- to deny, say no
... deny, refuse. Perhaps from a (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of rheo;
to contradict, ie Disavow, reject, abnegate -- deny, refuse. see GREEK a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/720.htm - 8k

Simon Tries to Show that the Scriptures Contradict Themselves.
... Homily XVI. Chapter IX."Simon Tries to Show that the Scriptures Contradict
Themselves. And Simon said: "I adduced clear passages ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter ix simon tries to show.htm

Session V.
... The most blessed bishops of Illyria said: Let those who contradict be made manifest.
Those who contradict are Nestorians. ... Those who contradict are Eutychians. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/session v.htm

He Removes the Silent Objection of Heretics who Want to Recant the ...
... childhood. But perhaps you say that you were a baby when you were regenerated,
and so were not then able to think or to contradict. ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xi he removes the.htm

How it was Brought About that the Greeks Speak of Three Hypostases ...
... through the mere necessity of speaking and reasoning to say three persons, not because
Scripture says it, but because Scripture does not contradict it: whereas ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 4 how it was brought.htm

We must Consider the Fact, which Comes First, and So in Order ...
... Origen is no fool, as I well know; he cannot contradict himself. ... Origen
is no fool, as I well know; he cannot contradict himself. ...
/.../12 we must consider the.htm

Honour Your Youthful Bishop.
... an example of the believers in word and in conduct." [654] It is becoming, therefore,
that ye also should be obedient to your bishop, and contradict him in ...
/.../chapter iii honour your youthful bishop.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... But then Codex B substitutes elthousai for for eiselthousai in Mark 16:5, in order
that the second Evangelist may not seem to contradict Matthew 28:2, 3. So ...
/.../chapter vii causes of corruption.htm

Opinions of Plato and Aristotle.
... opinions even of these sages. For we shall see whether each of these does
not manifestly contradict the other. But if we find that ...
/.../justins hortatory address to the greeks/chapter v opinions of plato and.htm

The Second Proposition. Concerning Immediate Revelation.
... Moreover, these divine inward revelations, which we make absolutely necessary for
the building up of true faith, neither do nor can ever contradict the outward ...
/.../the second proposition concerning immediate.htm

Sins of Parents visited
... Like the old puzzle of God's foreknowledge and our free will, which seem
to contradict each other. Like the puzzle that we must ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

Contradict (3 Occurrences)
...Contradict (3 Occurrences). Luke 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which
all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict. ...
/c/contradict.htm - 7k

Foreknow (1 Occurrence)
... If it meant simply prevision of faith or love or any quality in the objects of the
election, Peter would not only flatly contradict Paul (Romans 9:11 Ephesians ...
/f/foreknow.htm - 36k

Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences)
... If it meant simply prevision of faith or love or any quality in the objects of the
election, Peter would not only flatly contradict Paul (Romans 9:11 Ephesians ...
/f/foreknowledge.htm - 37k

Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... speak of the Philistines as being non-Semitic-and probably Aryan-invaders of the
country, arriving about 1200 BC, they appear not only to contradict the Bible ...
/p/philistines.htm - 75k

Parousia
... Thus, there are a number of indirect references (the title on the Cross, the
"Palm-Sunday" procession, etc.) that contradict all we know of later growths. ...
/p/parousia.htm - 36k

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)
... If so, we must take the names to be originally two places, apparently in Ephraim,
for the words "beyond Jordan" in 7:25 contradict 8:4, where it is said that ...
/z/zeeb.htm - 10k

Zeal (45 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:45 and the Jews having seen the multitudes, were filled with zeal, and did
contradict the things spoken by Paul -- contradicting and speaking evil. ...
/z/zeal.htm - 21k

Natural (49 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) A character [/] used to contradict, or to remove the effect of, a sharp
or flat which has preceded it, and to restore the unaltered note. Int. ...
/n/natural.htm - 42k

Oreb (4 Occurrences)
... If so, we must take the names to be originally two places, apparently in Ephraim,
for the words "beyond Jordan" in 7:25 contradict 8:4, where it is said that ...
/o/oreb.htm - 10k

Gainsay (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To contradict; to deny; to controvert; to dispute;
to forbid. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GAINSAY. ...
/g/gainsay.htm - 8k

Did Jesus contradict the Law in Matthew 5:21-22? | GotQuestions.org

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Contradict: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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