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Most Bible contradictions may be dismissed as translation errors as we will prove throughout this article with the
assistance of lexicons. Other difficulties are resolved once we explore the context of the conflicting passages,
examine older manuscripts which verify some contradictions as simple scribal errors, and apply logic to solve
philosophical dilemmas.
One thing I find in common with those who distribute Bible contradictions is their use of the 1611 King James
Bible. However, this is a 400 year old English translation- not an original Biblical language. Linguistic scholars
have learned a lot in regards to how the Bible should more accurately translate into English. Although the KJV
sufficiently gets the point of salvation across to the reader (the fundamental purpose of th Bible), I strongly
suggest using a more modern and accurate translation and the use of lexicons when examining the Bible in
depth. We will now answer some common criticisms of those who have answered Bible contradictions in the past.
TRANSLATION ERRORS Many Biblical critics do not reference the original Hebrew and Greek texts when
searching for errors. In my opinion, this is poor, irresponsible scholarship. Such critics fail to realize translation
difficulties are not exclusive to the Bible. Any text translated into another language will contain errors due to the
use idioms, archaic terminology, and puns that do not translate properly into other languages. In order to finally
resolve such errors, links will be provided to the original Hebrew/Greek throughout this article. Using this
method, we will find most alleged contradictions do not even exist.
SCRIBAL ERRORS Few critics are satisfied when a contradiction is explained as being a scribal error. However,
the Bible was obviously written long before electronic methods of reproduction. Scribes had no choice but to hand
write new copies, thus allowing room for human error. Furthermore, though a newer manuscript may reveal
conflicts, older manuscripts reveal the original correct text and answer the apparent contraction.
Skeptic Interjection: If the Bible truly is the Word of God, why doesn't He protect it from human error?
Answer: As with any gift God has given to humans, we have found a way to misuse it. But this does not mean
God will stop giving to His children! God created this earth but we waste its natural resources and pollute its
atmosphere. God sent prophets to the people and many were stoned. God sent His Son to earth and we
crucified Him! Likewise, God gave us His Scriptures knowing we would distort them from their original integrity
(either accidentally through scribal errors or intentionally by those who use His Word to further their own
agendas). Consider this analogy: I am the mother of a two-year old. When I buy my child a new toy, I know
eventually it will be covered in crayon or broken- yet I still give my child gifts knowing they will not remain in
pristine condition for long! Likewise, God gives us His message knowing our own fallibility will somehow distort it.
CONTEXT Many contradictions are explained once we examine the context of the conflicting passages. This is
another explanation I have seen skeptics criticize. But context is extremely important when dealing with any
text. When one passage is isolated it becomes vulnerable to manipulation. Isolated verses may seem
contradictory but become clear once the context is taken into consideration. Years ago I remember watching a
television special where a comedian was poking fun at awful movies that receive raving reviews. To emphasize
the importance of context, his routine went something like this (this quote might offend some readers but it is
simply that- a quote from his act):
"Have you ever seen an awful movie that received a great review like, '...the best movie ever!' It makes me
wonder what the rest of the comment was but I have a good idea: 'I thought this movie downright sucked but my
blind, deaf, and retarded neighbor thought it was the best movie ever!'"
LITERALISM VS. METAPHORIC Some contradictions we will examine have erroneously been assigned literal
interpretations. When apologists explain such verses are actually poetic in context, their answer is not generally
accepted. However, critics fail to realize the Hebrew Tanakh (roughly the Christian Old Testament) is organized
into three divisions: The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings. Books such as Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and
Ecclesiastes are composed using poetic styles. Even Biblical books not classified as The Writings may still contain
literary styles just like The Writings may also contain prophecies. Don't automatically assume a literal
interpretation by default but instead use common sense and spiritual discernment.
DUALISM In some instances, two seemingly conflicting passages may both be correct. For instance, God is a
God of mercy but He is also a God of judgment. In a later section, we will explain how such terms are not
mutually exclusive.
HYPOCRITICAL BIAS I've heard it said Christians would dismiss any other text for containing the same errors
found within the Bible. Though this may be true to a point, (hopefully) they would take a less superficial
approach. One needs to take an impartial view when examining the facts. Many times a skeptic will point out a
verse to me as the ultimate proof that the Bible is a fraud. Unfortunately, they don't read the next two verses
that clearly explain their problem.
DEFENSIVENESS Some apologists have been accused of answering Bible contradictions because they feel
threatened. Though this is not true for everyone, I will expose my own humanity and admit that when I was a
"baby" Christian I was rather nervous when confronted with difficulties such as Bible contradictions and pagan
copy-cat allegations. I had to seriously consider the possibility my own beliefs were in error! I certainly didn't
want to be deceived so I did what any responsible investigator would do- I researched the claims for myself.
Hopefully the following information in this article will answer some nagging doubts for other believers.
Update October 31, 2007: Due to length, this article has been divided into chapters with each segment having
its own page. Simply click on the chapter you would like to read or start with the main page and follow the
arrows to read the article like a book. If you would rather read the article on one page (recommended for high
speed internet connections only), you may click here.
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Though the main purpose of the Bible is to reveal the plan of
salvation to mankind, under closer scrutiny there certainly appears
to be some problems within the text. In this section we will
examine these alleged Bible contradictions and difficulties.
The outline we will be following for this discussion is as follows:
1) Introduction (Current Page)
2) Translation Errors
3) Scribal Errors
4) Theological Conflicts
5) Literary Techniques
6) Contradictions Regarding Jesus
7) Messianic Genealogy Conflicts
8) Miscellany
9) Conclusion
salvation to mankind, under closer scrutiny there certainly appears
to be some problems within the text. In this section we will
examine these alleged Bible contradictions and difficulties.
The outline we will be following for this discussion is as follows:
1) Introduction (Current Page)
2) Translation Errors
3) Scribal Errors
4) Theological Conflicts
5) Literary Techniques
6) Contradictions Regarding Jesus
7) Messianic Genealogy Conflicts
8) Miscellany
9) Conclusion
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