God’s Word IS Truth - There Are NO Contradictions!

God desires for us to know Him, His love, which is everlasting, and His commandments. He would not give us anything that would confuse us, for He is not the author of confusion but of peace. He has created everything with order and simplicity. He is not a man that He should lie. He IS only truth!

Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that He should lie; nor the son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said something, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it happen?"

The Bible holds the Truth—God’s will in written form, given by Him to men whom He chose to share His will with His people. These men wrote and spoke as they were inspired by God’s power (the Holy Spirit), so that His will would be clear. As you study, you will see that God had His word written at least twice within it!

2 Peter 1:21
"For the prophecy did not come in old times by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

From the beginning of the Bible to the Revelation of Jesus to John, there were witnesses who saw God’s Word come to pass. As He said, it happened just as He spoke.

Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Where there seem to be contradictions, we must remember that men translated God's Word into their own language and may not have fully understood the culture or grammar of ancient times. Some words were added to supposedly help in our understanding. But this does not change the fact that the Bible contains God’s Word, His Truth. It also does not give us permission to argue or debate what might seem to be an error. God’s Word IS Truth. Where there is misunderstanding, God will guide us to understanding when we ask HIM for wisdom. Most importantly, For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)

1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as He is in all the churches of the saints."

James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

2 Timothy 2:23-25
"But avoid foolish and ignorant questions, knowing that they only stir up strife. And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth."

There are many other books that can explain this further, and I suggest you study them, as there is not enough room here to cover everything. I will, however, touch upon a few.

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Cultural and Contextual Understanding of God’s Word

There are customs and cultures from ancient times that we may misunderstand today because they are not like ours. Understanding these ancient customs will help us better understand what God is saying to us.

For example, consider the parable of the Ten Virgins, who were waiting for the bridegroom.

Matthew 25:1-12
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels along with their lamps. While the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, 'Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'There may not be enough for both of us. Go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later, the others came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he answered, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.'"

The custom: The ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise and prepared their lamps with oil, while the five foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom came, those who had not prepared were locked out. This parable shows the importance of being prepared for the return of the Lord.

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Misunderstandings About Jesus’ Words

Another misunderstanding comes from the conversation between Jesus and the malefactor on the cross.

Luke 23:39-43
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him, saying, 'Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him, 'Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"

Many translations place the comma in the wrong place here, suggesting the malefactor would be with Jesus on that very day. However, this is impossible because Jesus did not go to Paradise until after His resurrection. The correct understanding is that Jesus was telling him, "Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise."

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The New Commandment of Jesus

Another apparent contradiction arises when Jesus speaks of a “new commandment.” Some believe He was doing away with God’s commandments, but this is not the case.

John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Jesus' commandment to love one another does not replace the commandments God gave, but rather fulfills them. As Jesus said, all the law and the prophets depend on the commandment to love God and love others.

Matthew 22:35-40
"One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'"

By following these two commandments, we will naturally obey the Ten Commandments because love directs our actions.

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The Impact of Italicized Words and Added Passages

Whenever you see italicized words in the Bible, try reading the passage without them. These words were added by translators in 1610 to supposedly help clarify meaning, but they can sometimes cause confusion.

Additionally, there are spurious words and passages that were added later, not inspired by God but inserted by man. These additions were sometimes used to control people, making them believe they couldn’t understand God’s Word without these extra interpretations. This is why it’s so important to pray and seek God’s wisdom while studying His Word.

Misunderstandings of God’s Word often arise from incorrect translations, cultural differences, and human additions. But the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, will guide us into all truth and teach us all things.

John 14:26
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 16:13
"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come."

1 John 2:27
"But the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him."

By studying with a prayerful heart and seeking God’s wisdom, we can better understand His Truth. God’s Word is clear, and He will help us gain understanding when we seek Him.

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen  2025