Doesn’t the Bible Contradict Itself?

Critics often point to supposed contradictions as proof against the Bible’s reliability. But most can be explained through context, translation, or perspective.

• Historical Differences: In 2 Samuel 24:9, David’s army count differs from 1 Chronicles 21:5. Why? The books had different emphases and sources. One likely included only soldiers ready for battle, while the other counted all men of age. Different perspectives, not a contradiction.

• Chronological Discrepancies: John 19:14 places Jesus’ crucifixion at “about the sixth hour,” while Mark 15:25 says it was the “third hour.” John was likely using Roman time (starting at midnight), while Mark used Jewish time (starting at sunrise). Once you know the time systems, the difference makes sense.

• Theological Variations: Paul says we’re saved by faith apart from works (Romans 3:28). James says faith without works is dead (James 2:17). These aren’t contradictions but complements: Paul addresses how we’re made right with God (justification before God), while James addresses how real faith shows itself (justification before people).

• Common Alleged Contradictions:
  Genesis 1 vs 2: Two creation accounts? Genesis 1 is the wide-angle view of all creation; Genesis 2 zooms in on humanity. Different focus, same story.
  Judas’s Death: Matthew 27:5 says Judas hanged himself; Acts 1:18 says he fell and burst open. Likely both happened: he hung himself, and later his body fell and broke open.
  God’s Character: The Old Testament shows God’s wrath; the New Testament shows His love. In truth, both Testaments reveal the same God — just and merciful, holy and loving.

• How Scholars Respond:
  Context: Reading verses in isolation can distort meaning. Context often resolves apparent problems.
  Genre: Poetry, history, and apocalyptic use different styles — forcing them into literal sameness creates fake contradictions.
  Textual Transmission: Copyist differences in numbers or spelling exist but don’t affect doctrine or core truths. Careful study (textual criticism) resolves most.

• Inspiration and Unity:
  The Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40+ authors in different languages and cultures — yet it tells one unified story of God’s redemption. That coherence points not to human invention but to divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

Conclusion: What at first looks like contradiction usually reveals a deeper consistency once you understand context, purpose, and perspective. Far from being unreliable, the Bible’s unity across centuries and cultures is one of the strongest reasons to trust it.