Revealed Word of God? A Sample of Biblical Contradictions

by Abu Saeema

The Islamic Guardian (UK), July to September 1981 Issue (Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 21–22)

“Jesus … son of Joseph which was the son of Heli” (Luke 3:23);

whereas Matthew (1:16) says:

“And Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus.”


“And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth” (Luke 2:39);

whereas Matthew (2:14–15) says:

“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod.”


“No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven” (John 3:13)

whereas 2 Kings (2:11) says:

“And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”


“And it was the third hour when they crucified him” (Mark 15:25);

whereas John (19:14–15) says:

“About the sixth hour … they cried out, away with him, crucify him.”


“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16);

whereas Romans (3:10) says:

“There is none righteous, no, not one.”


“For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without law” (Romans 2:12);

whereas Romans (4:15) says:

“For where no law is, there is no transgression.”


This small sample raises some questions:

  1. Can contradictions be expected in the inspired or revealed writings?
  2. Is the Bible authentic in spite of these and many other contradictions?

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