A Collection of Biblical Errors
A Detailed List of Biblical Errors and Contradictions

Introduction

Many people have asked me why I would bother to create a collection of Biblical errors. They correctly point out that it is like shooting fish in a barrel, yet it must be done for several reasons. While many people will academically point out that such errors exist, they rarely if ever can point to any examples. This leads “true believers” to conclude that such errors really don’t exist and that Biblical error is nothing but an evil conspiracy to discredit their religion.

This work is also necessary because many, many people in America accept the myth that the Bible is divinely inspired. They believe that either contradictions do not exist, or that there are only a couple that may have slipped in through mistranslation. Therefore I had to create this web page to demonstrate the shear volume of contradictions and logical errors that exist in what is purported to be divinely inspired book. From the evidence presented by this page, it should be obvious that the Bible contains many, many direct contradictions of logic, history, scientific and prophetic errors that occur in the original text and have nothing to do with mistranslation.

All references here are presented from the King James Version of the Bible. I agree that some of the errors presented here may be copy errors and mistranslations that go away once you go to a more modern translation. But I list them here anyway because the Christian fundamentalists that I grew up with are absolutely convinced that the King James is the only valid translation and that every word of it is literally true. The point of this entire web site is to aid recovering fundamentalists, so I view this as appropriate.

With this in mind, I present this web page with the intent of showing every obvious error and contradiction I could find. To be sure more exist that can be easily explained away or be seen as mistakes of omission, so I did not put them in this article. Instead I have tried to present the errors and contradictions that I believe to be most difficult to deny or explain away. I expect to add more over time, but you must be aware that this is a lot of work.

This collection is divided into four sections; Logical Contradictions, Historical Errors, Scientific Errors, and Prophecy Gone Wrong. Each of these sections will begin with a brief description of the type of error followed by a listing of examples. Enjoy…

Material Unchallenged

This list of biblical errors has been on the Internet for two years and has been viewed thousands of times, and I have not ever received a single email challenging the validity of this list.

Logical Contradictions

This type of error is the easiest to identify in that it is a single scripture that defies common sense or a simple contradiction between multiple scriptures. An example would be a pair of statements such as “Bob was eight feet tall” and another statement such as “No man has ever been greater than seven feet tall.”

Logical Errors 1-4

Differences between creation accounts

Genesis 1

Trees were created before man. (Genesis 1:11-12, 26-27)

Birds were created before man. (Genesis 1:20-21, 26-27)

Animals were created before man. (Genesis 1:24-27)

Man and woman were created together. (Genesis 1:26-27)

Genesis 2

Man was created before trees. (Genesis 2:4-9)

Man was created before birds. (Genesis 2:7, 19)

Man was created before animals. (Genesis 2:7,19)

Man was created before woman. (Genesis 2:7, 21-22)

Logical Error 5

Was creation good?

Yes it was…

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
(Genesis 1:31)

No, it was not…

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
(Genesis 6:6)

Repenting implies regret for a mistake or error. So if God was all-seeing when he created everything, he would have known he was making a mistake. Either God was wrong in Chapter 1 in his assessment that all creation was good, or he incorrectly felt that he had made a mistake in Chapter 6 because it really was good when he made it; either way God is mistaken.

Logical Error 6

Adam is punished unjustly

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
(Genesis 2:17)

In this verse Adam is commanded not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The story goes through great pains to inform us that this magical fruit causes anyone who eats it to know right from wrong (the knowledge of good and evil).

Yet if Adam did not know right from wrong (not having yet eaten from the forbidden tree) he could have not understood that it was wrong to eat of it. Punishing Adam under these circumstances was unjust.

Logical Error 7

Adam lived too long

He was supposed to die on the day he ate the fruit.

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
(Genesis 2:17)

He lives several hundred years after the day he ate the forbidden fruit.

And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
(Genesis 5:5)

Adam lived several hundred years after eating of the forbidden fruit, yet he was told he would die the day he ate it. Somebody lied somewhere…

Logical Error 8 - 10

Cain’s sentence and exile.

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.
(Genesis 4:15-17)

Earlier in Genesis 4, Cain kills his brother Abel leaving only three people alive on face of the Earth, yet he runs from his homeland, marries a wife and builds an entire city. That could not be possible if only three people were on the Earth at the time. Similarly God put a mark on him so that people who find him wouldn’t kill him, yet Adam and Eve are the only other people in the world at the time. What is the point?

Technically there are three errors here:

How could Cain get married when only three people existed?

Where did the inhabitants of Cain’s city come from when only three people existed?

And who was the “Mark of Cain” supposed to ward off?

Logical Error 11

Were giants hiding on Noah’s Ark?

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
(Genesis 6:4)

And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
(Genesis 7:21-23)

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
(Numbers 13:33)

So the Nephilim (giants descended from the mating of angels and human women) lived before the flood (in Genesis 6:4) and hundreds of years afterward (in Numbers 13:33), yet we are told that only the land animals and people on Noah’s Ark survived the Great Flood. So the giants’ descendants could not possibly have survived to be around centuries later.

Logical Error 12

Do angels get married?

Yes, they do…

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
(Genesis 6:4)

No, they do not…

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage but are as the angels which are in heaven;.
(Mark 12:25)

Christian tradition says that the first verse here refers to illicit affairs between fallen angels and human women, but in the second verse Jesus says they can’t do that. So we have either a contradiction or some yet unknown group of beings known as “the sons of God” that we know nothing about.

Logical Error 13

Is anyone righteous?

Yes, Noah was…

And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
(Genesis 7:1)

No, no one is…

There is none righteous, no, not one.
(Romans 3:10)

Logical Error 14

How many sons did Abraham have?

Two…

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
(Galatians 4:2)

No, he had only one…

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son
(Hebrews 11:17)

Logical Error 15

Does God tempt anyone?

Yes, he does…

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
(Genesis 22:1)

Yes, but we have to ask him not to…

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13)

No, he does not…

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man
(James 1:13)

Logical Error 16

How Old Was Terah When He Died?

He was 205…

In Genesis 11:16 we are told that when Abraham was born his father Terah was 70 years old. Furthermore we are told in Genesis 11:32 that Terah was 205 when he died.

No, he died before he was 146…

In Genesis 12:4 and Acts 7:4 we are also told that Abraham was 75 when he left Haran and this was after his father died. This would make Terah at the most 145 when he died.

Logical Error 17

Is God omnipresent?

Yes, he sees all…

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
(Proverbs 15:1)

No, he isn’t…

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
(Genesis 18:20-21)

If God can see everything everywhere, then he would not have had to “go down” to Sodom and Gomorrah to see if the stories are true, he would already know every disgusting detail.

Logical Error 18

Was Lot a righteous man?

Yes, he was…

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
(2 Peter 2:7-8)

No, he wasn’t…

In Genesis 19:30-38 we read that Lot becomes intoxicated and has sex with both his daughters making them pregnant. We are also told that both daughters end up having children as a result of his incestuous relations with them.

Logical Error 19

Who has seen God?

Jacob did…

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
(Genesis 32:30)

And Moses did…

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
(Exodus 33:11)

No, nobody has…

No man hath seen God at any time
(1 John 4:12)

Logical Error 20

Is he called Jacob or Israel?

His name is changed from Jacob to Israel…

And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
(Genesis 35:10)

No, God still calls him Jacob…

And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
(Genesis 46:2)

As you can see in the first verse God says that Jacob will not be called Jacob any longer, yet almost everyone in the narrative continues to call him Jacob. As you can see above, God himself still calls him Jacob 11 chapters later (several years in the narative) after the supposed name change.

Logical Error 21

Who were the sons of Eliphaz, the grandchildren of Esau?

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
(Genesis 36:11)

These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.
(Genesis 36:15-16)

The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
(1 Chronicles 1:35-36)

As you can see the grandchildren of Esau are listed three different places and none of them agree.

Logical Error 22

Where was Jacob buried?

The Cave of Machpelah…

For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.
(Genesis 50:13)

No, at Sychem…

So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
(Acts 7:15-16)

Here we have two contradictions in one. Not only do these verses disagree as to where Jacob was buried, but they also disagree as to who sold the plot to Abraham in the first place.

Logical Error 23

The Egyptian Cattle Mystery

The 5^th plague…

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
(Exodus 9:6)

The 10^th plague…

And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
(Exodus 12:29)

If all the cattle of Egypt were killed in the 5^th plague then how could there be any first-born cattle left to be slain in the 10^th plague?

Logical Error 24

Contradictions in the population of Israel

Population 600,000+…

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
(Exodus 12:37)

Population 7,000…

Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.
(1 Kings 20:15)

The Biblical narrative indicates that the nation of Israel conquered the “Land of Milk and Honey” and that it prospered greatly. Yet we are to believe that they went from being more than 600,000 strong in Egypt to only 7,000 a couple hundred years later? Something does not add up!

Logical Error 25

Should we make graven images?

No, never…

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth
(Exodus 20:4)

Yet, God directly ordered Moses to make them…

And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
(Exodus 25:18-20)

As you can see, the first verse forbids making a graven image of anything in heaven with a penalty of death. Then in Exodus, God breaks his own law and specifically tells Moses to make graven images of cherubim (a type of heavenly angel).

Logical Error 26

Are Children Punished For Their Parents’ Sin?

No, they are not…

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
(Deuteronomy 24:16)

Yes they are…

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me
(Exodus 20:5)

Logical Error 27

Is keeping the Sabbath Day important?

Yes it is…

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
(Exodus 31:15-17)

No, it is not…

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
(Mark 2:27)

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
(Colossians 2:16-17)

Logical Error 28

Is it wrong to kill?

Yes it is…

Thou shalt not kill.
(Exodus 20:13)

No, it is not…

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
(Exodus 32:27) Also see Deuteronomy 7:2, 13:15, and 20:1-18

Logical Error 29

Is it wrong to commit adultery?

Yes it is…

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(Exodus 20:14)

Yet, God directly orders Hosea to do it…

The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.
(Hosea 1:2)

In Exodus God forbids committing adultery providing a death penalty as punishment. Then God breaks his own law by ordering his prophet Hosea to enter into an adulterous marriage.

Logical Error 30

Is it alright to kill the innocent?

No, it is not…

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
(Exodus 23:7)

Yet, God directly orders Saul and several others to slay the innocent…

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
(1 Samuel 15:2-3)

Here we see God commanding that it is a sin to slay innocents, yet in the second verse he orders the killing of infants and even animals in an outrageous act of genocide. For more examples where God ordered genocide (including murder of innocents) see Numbers 31:17-18, Deuteronomy 7:2, Judges 6:21-27, 7:19-26, 8:22-25, 10:20, 10:40, 11:8-15, 11:20, 11:30-39, and 21:10-12.

Logical Error 31

Does God break promises?

Yes he does…

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
(Numbers 14:30-34)

No, he does not…

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began
(Titus 1:2)

Logical Error 32

Were the Amalekites destroyed?

Yes, Saul utterly destroyed them all…

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
(1 Samuel 15:7-9)

No, David was the one who smote them all…

And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt. And David smote the land, and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish.
(1 Samuel 27:8)

No, they came back again!

And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
(1 Samuel 30:1)

Here we see the Amalekites were destroyed utterly in chapter 15 with Saul only leaving the King and the livestock alive. Then in chapter 27 David smote them again leaving neither man nor woman alive. Yet in chapter 30 those pesky Amalekites (after apparently raising from the dead) came back again with an army invading from the South! All these verses are from the same book and quoted here in the order they appear in the Bible.

Logical Error 33

How many older brothers did David have?

Seven…

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
(1 Samuel 16:10-11)

No, six…

And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh
(1 Chronicles 2:13-15)

1 Samuel says that Jesse had seven other sons all older than David, yet 1 Chronicles says that David was the seventh meaning he only had six older brothers.

Logical Error 34

How did David kill Goliath?

With a sling, in fact he didn’t even have a sword…

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
(1 Samuel 17:50)

No, he used a sword…

Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
(1 Samuel 17:51)

Logical Error 35

What was the name of the priest who gave King David bread?

Ahimelech…

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. … So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
(1 Samuel 21:2-3, 6)

Abiather…

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
(Mark 2:25-26)

Logical Error 36

Did King Saul ask God for guidance?

Yes, he did…

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
(1 Samuel 28:6)

No, he did not…

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
(1 Chronicles 10:13)

Logical Error 37

How did King Saul die?

By his own hand…

Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
(1 Samuel 31:4)

No, the Philistines killed him…

And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:
(2 Samuel 21:12)

No, God killed him…

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
(1 Chronicles 10:13)

Logical Error 38

How many children did Saul’s daughter Michal have?

None…

Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
(2 Samuel 6:23)

No, she had five…

But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:
(2 Samuel 21:8)

Logical Error 39

Who told King David to take a census?

God did…

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
(2 Samuel 24:1)

No, Satan did…

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
(1 Chronicles 21:1)

Logical Error 40

What was the count of King David’s “sinful” census?

Israel 800,000 and Judah 500,000…

And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
(2 Samuel 24:9)

No, Israel 1,100,000 and Judah 470,000…

And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
(1 Chronicles 21:5)

Logical Error 41

Was King David’s census a serious sin?

Yes, it was…

So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
(2 Samuel 24:15-17)

No, it was not…

Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite
(1 Kings 15:5)

The census in 2 Samuel was considered to be such a grievous sin that 70,000 Israelites were slain as punishment. Yet in 1 Kings we are told that David’s only sin was ordering the murder of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. How is it possible that a terrible sin could be forgotten or completely ignored by the author of the book of 1 Kings?

Logical Error 42

Would anyone appear that could compare to Solomon?

No, there never was one before and none would appear after him…

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
(1 Kings 3:11)

Yet, one did appear…

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.(Matthew 12:42)

Logical Error 43

How many horse stalls did Solomon have?

40,000 stalls…

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.
(1 Kings 4:26)

No, he had 4,000 stalls…

And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.
(2 Chronicles 9:25)

Logical Error 44

How many supervisors did Solomon have?

3,300 men…

Beside the chief of Solomon’s officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
(1 Kings 5:16)

No, he had 3,600 men…

And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
(2 Chronicles 2:2)

Logical Error 45

How much did Solomon’s “Molten Sea” hold?

2,000 “baths”…

And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
(1 Kings 7:26)

No, 3,000 “baths”…

And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
( 2 Chronicles 4:5)

Logical Error 46

How much gold did Solomon get from Hiram (a.k.a. Huram)?

420 talents…

And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
(1 Kings 9:27-28)

No, 450 talents…

And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.
(2 Chronicles 8:18)

Logical Error 47

Did king Asa destroy all the “High Places”?

Yes, he did…

And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.
(2 Chronicles 14:2-5)

No, he did not…

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
(1 Kings 15:13-14)

Logical Error 48

Was the reign of Asa peaceful?

Yes, it was…

And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
(2 Chronicles 14:2-6)

No, there was war the entire time…

And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
(1 Kings 15:16)

Logical Error 49

A dead man built a city?

Baasha died in the 26^th year of Asa’s reign…

So Baasha slept with his fathers, and was buried in Tirzah: and Elah his son reigned in his stead. And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him. In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years.
(1 Kings 16:6-8)

Yet he built a city in the 36^th year of Asa’s reign…

In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
(2 Chronicles 16:1)

Dead men may tell no tales, but according to the Bible they can build cities!

Logical Error 50

How long did Omri reign?

12 years…

In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
(1 Kings 16:23)

No, 7 years…

So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead. And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years.
(1 Kings 16:28-29)

If Omri became king in the 31^st year of Asa’s reign as stated in the first verse above, then died in his 38^th year, then he could have been king at most 7 years, not 12 as stated in verse 23.

Logical Error 51

Did Jehoshaphat take away the “High Places”?

Yes, he did…

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
(2 Chronicles 17:5-6)

No, he did not…

Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.
(1 Kings 22:42-43)

Logical Error 52

Who has gone up to heaven?

Elijah…

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
(2 Kings 2:11)

Some man that Paul knew…

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
(2 Corinthians 12:3-4)

Enoch…

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
(Hebrews 11:5)

No, Jesus was the only one who went up to heaven…

And 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)

We are told in John that Jesus was the only person to have ever ascended into heaven, yet we have record of two that had already done that before he said it and at least one afterward.

Logical Error 53

How old was Ahaziah when he became king?

He was 22…

Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign.
(2 Kings 8:26)

No, he was 42…

Fourty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign.
(2 Chronicles 22:2)

Both verses describe the same king, son of the King Jehoram. Even stranger than the conflicting ages, 2 Chronicles tells us in chapter 21 that his father became king at age 32 and ruled for 8 years when he died, then they made his son Ahaziah king instead. From the second verse above we also see that the son was 42 when he took the throne, but his father (who just died) was only 40, thus Ahaziah was born two years before his own father!

Logical Error 54

Where did Ahaziah die?

In Megiddo…

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.
(2 Kings 9:27)

No, in Samaria…

And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
(2 Chronicles 22:9)

Logical Error 55

Was Ahaz defeated by the kings of Syria and Israel?

No, he was not…

Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
(2 Kings 16:5)

Yes, he was…

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: … Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
(2 Chronicles 28:1-5)

Logical Error 56

How old was Jehoiachin when he became king?

18 years old…

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother’s name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.
(2 Kings 24:8)

No, 8 years old…

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.
(2 Chronicles 36:9)

You will notice that 2 Kings also says his reign was for 3 months, while 2 Chronicles says it was for 3 months and 10 days. So we have two contradictions in one here as well.

NOTE: Some more recent versions of the Bible correct this error; however the King James version prefered by Christian fundamentalists still contains this mistake.

Logical Error 57

Who succeeded Jehoiachin as king?

His uncle Mattaniah (who had his name changed to Zedekiah)…

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king’s mother, and the king’s wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. And all the men of might, even seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father’s brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
(2 Kings 24:15-17)

No, it was his brother Zedekiah…

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.
(2 Chronicles 36:9-10)

Logical Error 58

How many generations were between Joram and Jotham?

There were four…

And Solomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
(1 Chronicles 3:10-12)

No, there was only one…

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias
(Matthew 1:7-9)

Logical Error 59

Does God treat everyone equally?

Yes, he does…

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
(2 Chronicles 19:7)

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
(Acts 10:34)

For there is no respect of persons with God.
(Romans 2:11)

No, he does not…

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
(Romans 9:15)

Logical Error 60

Ezra’s math error

Ezra 2:2-63 gives a detailed census of various groups coming back from Babylonian captivity. If you add up the numbers listed they total 29,718. However, in verse 64, he gives the total as 42,360.

Logical Error 61

The corpses who “woke up”

Then the angel of the Lord went forth and smote in the camp of the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennarcherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh
(Isaiah 37:36, 37)

In this very strange verse we are told that the entire Assyrian army is killed and that afterward that the dead army awoke to realize that they were already dead! Then the dead king goes down to Nineveh afterward. I wonder, did anyone tell him that he smelled?

Logical Error 62

Will the Earth be destroyed?

No, it will last forever…

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
(Ecclesiastes 1:4)

Yes, it will be destroyed…

The elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(2 Peter 3:10)

Logical Error 63

Did God command Israel to offer burnt sacrifices?

Yes, he did…

And the priest shall burn all on the altar to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord
(Leviticus 1:9)

No, he says he did not…

For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in that day that I brought them out of Egypt, concerning burnt offering or sacrifices.
(Jeremiah 7:20)

Logical Error 64

Should we love God or fear him?

Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27 all state that we should love God.

Deuteronomy 6:13, Psalms 33:8, 111:10, 115:13,128:1, Proverbs 8:13, 16:6, 19:23, 22:4, Isaiah 8:13, Luke 12:5, 1 Peter 2:17 all say we should fear God.

However, 1 John 4:18 says that love and fear are mutually exclusive.

Logical Error 65

Were castrated men welcome in the temple?

No, they were not…

He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
(Deuteronomy 23:1)

Yes, they were…

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
(Isaiah 56:4-5)

Logical Error 66

How long does God’s anger last?

Forever…

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.
(Jeremiah 17:4)

No, not forever…

Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
(Jeremiah 3:12)

Actually, it only lasts a moment…

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
(Psalms 30:4-5)

Logical Error 67

How should we behave when an enemy falls?

We should rejoice…

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
(Psalms 58:10-11)

No, God will get angry if you rejoice…

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
(Proverbs 24:17-18)

Logical Error 68

Should you answer a question from a fool?

No, you should not…

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
(Proverbs 26:4)

Yes, you should…

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
(Proverbs 26:5)

I cannot resist pointing out that these two verses appear in the same chapter one right after the other! Talk about making my work easy!

Logical Error 69

Is God trustworthy?

Yes, he is…

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
(Proverbs 30:5)

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
(Titus 1:2)

No, he is not…

Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.
(1 Kings 22:23) See also 2 Chronicles 18:22, Jeremiah 4:10, 8:8, 20:7, and Ezekiel 14:9.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
(2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

In the first two verses we see that all of God’s word is pure and that God cannot lie, yet the second set of verses tell us that God himself deceives people he doesn’t like so he can condemn them. WOW! Not only is that a contradiction, its down-right twisted!

Logical Error 70

Will God stand or sit in judgment?

He will stand…

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.
(Isaiah 3:13)

No, he will sit…

Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
(Joel 3:12)

Logical Error 71

Is God all powerful?

Yes, he is…

With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
(Mark 10:27)

No, he is powerless against chariots of iron…

And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
(Judges 1:19)

Logical Error 72

Is all scripture good?

Yes, it is…

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(1 Timothy 3:16)

No, it is not…

Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;
(Ezekiel 20:25)

In 1 Timothy we are told that all scripture is good and useful for spiritual growth; however Ezekiel (supposedly speaking for Jehovah) says that some of the commandments given to Israel were not good and intended to trip them up.

Logical Error 73

Where does God dwell?

In darkness…

Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.
(1 Kings 8:12-13)

No, in a temple…

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
(Psalms 18:6-11)

No, not in a temple…

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
(Acts 7:48-49)

No, in brilliant light…

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
(1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Logical Error 74

Should we be naive and trusting?

Yes, we must become like children…

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18:3)

No, we should be prudent and wise…

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
(Proverbs 14:15-18)

Logical Error 75

Does God want everyone to be saved?

Yes, he does…

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:3-4)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)

No, God decided our fate before we were born…

The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
(Proverbs 16:4)

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
(Isaiah 49:1)

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:5)

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
(Romans 8:29-30)

Logical Error 76

Who rose from the dead first?

A dead boy is raised (by Elisha hundreds of years before Jesus).…

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
(2 Kings 4:32-35)

A dead girl is raised by Jesus before he died…

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. … And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
(Matthew 9:18-26)

Lazarus is raised by Jesus before he died…

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
(John 11:43-44)

Yet, we are told that Jesus was first…

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
(Acts 26:23)

I did not site another strange passage in Matthew 27, verses 52 and 53 which mention the bodies of dead saints rising and walking in Jerusalem. I did not list it because it implies that it occurred the moment Jesus died in verse 52, but then mentions that it occurred after the resurrection in verse 53. Look for yourself, it is a bizarre passage.

Logical Error 77

Do we reap what we sow?

Some sow wheat but reap thorns…

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
(Jeremiah 12:13)

Some sow but won’t reap anything…

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.
(Micah 6:15)

Some reap without sowing…

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
(Matthew 25:26)

A man reaps what he sows…

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
(Galatians 6:7)

These verses are all metaphorically addressing the question “does mankind deserve his fate?” The first verse implies that some of us are rewarded with disaster for our efforts. The second verse implies that we may not get anything from our works either good or bad, while the third implies that God expects to gain profit without effort. Finally the last verse implies that we get rewarded precisely what we deserve from our deeds (albeit with a threatening tone.)

Logical Error 78

Which of David’s sons was Jesus’ ancestor?

Solomon…

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; And Solomon begat Roboam; … And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
(Matthew 1:6-16)

No, it was Nathan…

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, … which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David
(Luke 3:23-31)

In both cases the lineage is traced only through males from David directly to Joseph so both genealogies cannot possibly be true. Furthermore, Luke says that there were forty-three generations between David and Jesus while Matthew claims there were twenty-eight. It looks to me as though they both just made names up to make the story appear official.

Logical Error 79

Who was Joseph’s father (and Jesus’ grandfather)…

Jacob…

And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
(Matthew 1:15-16)

No, It was Heli…

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
(Luke 3:23)

Logical Error 80

Who named Jesus?

Joseph did…

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS
(Matthew 1:24:25)

No, an angel did…

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
(Luke 2:21)

Logical Error 81

Where did Joseph, Mary and Jesus go from Bethlehem?

First home (Nazareth), then to Egypt…

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 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: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(Matthew 2:12-15)

No, they went to Jerusalem, then Nazereth…

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; … And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
(Luke 2:22-39)

Logical Error 82

How did Simon Peter become a disciple?

Jesus saw them fishing, he called and they followed…

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
(Matthew 4:18-20) See also Mark 1:16-18

No, Jesus had to perform a miracle to convince him…

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. … he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. … And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
(Luke 5:2-11)

No, Andrew his brother brought him to Jesus…

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
(John 1:40-42)

All three gospels indicate that their version was a first time encounter between Jesus and Simon Peter. They can’t all be correct.

Logical Error 83

Who approached Jesus for the sick centurion’s servant?

The centurion himself…

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
(Matthew 8:5-13)

No, he sent the Jewish elders…

And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
(Luke 7:2-10)

Reading these two stories it is obvious to anyone that they are describing the same story of the centurion and his servant; however, the stories differ as to who actually approached Jesus.

Logical Error 84

How did Jesus feel about those “not with him”?

They were against him…

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
(Matthew 12:30)

No, they were for him…

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.
(Mark 9:39-40)

This is a contradiction in that Jesus has put the uncommitted in both the “for him” and the “against him” groups.

Logical Error 85

Were the Old Testament dietary laws permanent?

Jesus says the law is permanent…

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:18-19)

The law is very specific as to which animals can and cannot be eaten…

And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
(Leviticus 11:1-8) Also see the rest of Leviticus and Deuteronomy 14:31 for a huge number of dietary laws.

Yet we are told we can eat any animal…

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
(1 Timothy 4:4-5)

Not only does the author of Timothy say that any creature can be eaten, but goes further to say that observation of dietary laws would be an indication of false teachers. I also find it interesting that he says another way to identify false end-time false teachers would be that they would teach others to be celibate; this should be especially interesting to Catholic readers.

Logical Error 86

Was Jesus God?

Yes he was…

I and my Father are one.
(John 10:30)

No, he was not…

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
(Mark 10:18)

By saying that he and his father are one, Jesus was directly implying that he was divine; however, in Mark he was stating quite plainly that he was a mere mortal unequal in importance to Jehovah.

Actually these two verses give us keen insight into the changing world of the first century. We now know that the gospel of Mark was written almost a hundred years before John and that the stature of Jesus in the minds of believers had changed significantly over those years. The Jesus of the time of Mark was not much more than a religious founder and teacher while the Christ cult was fully active by the time that the gospel of John was written.

Logical Error 87

Is it a sin to marry a divorcee?

Yes, no exceptions

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
(Mark 10:11-12)

No, it depends on why they divorced…

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
(Matthew 5:32)

Since the biblical punishment for getting caught in adultery or fornication is the death penalty, one wonders why there was a need for this exception since any woman caught in the act of fornication would be stoned and never able to remarry any way.

Logical Error 88

Will all that call on the name of the Lord be saved?

Yes, all will be saved…

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Acts 2:21)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Romans 10:13)

No, some will not…

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 7:21)

Logical Error 89

Should we plan for our future?

Most definitely…

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(1 Timothy 5:8)

NOTE: Providing for a family most definitely requires thought on how you will feed and clothe them.

Absolutely not…

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(Matthew 6:25-31)

Logical Error 90

How many were healed in Simon’s city?

Some of the sick were healed…

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
(Mark 1:29-34)

No, every one of the sick were healed…

And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
(Luke 4:38-41)

I included so much in each quote because I wanted to demonstrate plainly that both these gospel narratives were describing the same exact event.

Logical Error 91

The Gadarene swine incident

Matthew 8:28-33 tells the story of two men possessed by demons. Jesus sends the demons out of the possessed men into the herd of pigs that then all commit suicide.

However, when the same story is told in both Mark 5:2-16 and in Luke 8:26-36 there is only one demoniac.

Logical Error 92

Who were The Twelve Apostles?

Matthew says…

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
(Matthew 10:2-4) See also Mark 3:16-19 for the same listing.

But Luke says…

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
(Luke 6:13-16)

Notice that Matthew and Mark differ from Luke in their reporting as to who the were among the twelve apostles. Matthew and Mark both name someone name Lebbaeus Thaddaeus while Luke adds a second Judas.

Several Christians try to avoid this contradiction by claiming that Judas brother of James and Lebbaeus were the same person; however, modern Biblical scholars (such as John P. Meier, A Marginal Jew volume 3, p.130-133, 200) reject this claim.

Logical Error 93

What must we do to be saved?

Call on the Lord…

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Acts 2:21)

No, just believe…

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
(Acts 16:31)

No, you have to be baptized too…

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
(Mark 16:16)

No, you have to confess and believe in the resurrection…

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Romans 10:9)

No, you must endure to the end…

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
(Matthew 10:22)

It seems that none of the biblical authors could agree as to how once becomes “saved”. It appears that a person desperately try to become saved could become quite confused and never know when they are safe from eternal damnation. Not very comforting in my opinion.

A long time ago I asked a minister this very question, which of these scriptures is the one that is correct? He said “all of them.” Which then really worried me, if you have to add all of them together to get the TRUE answer, how do we know we aren’t missing a piece? If not hidden somewhere else in the Bible, maybe some other book? Christians who hold his opinion must really worry that the right collection of scriptures are in their edition of the Bible and not one of the many other books that were omitted in history.

Logical Error 94

Should we fear what men can do to us?

Jesus said to only fear God, not man…

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
(Luke 12:4-5)

But, Jesus was afraid of men…

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
(John 7:1)

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
(John 8:59) See also John 10:39 and John 11:53-54.

Logical Error 95

Who was John the Baptist?

He was a prophet and he was Elias…

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, … But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. … For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
(Matthew 11:7-14)

No, he was neither…

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
(John 1:19-21)

Logical Error 96

When did Jesus cleanse the temple?

In Matthew 21, Mark 11 and Luke 19 we are told that Jesus made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem and then cleansed the temple of money changers just shortly before his trial and death. In fact, in these gospels the cleansing of the temple is given as a highly motivating factor that leads to his death.

Yet the gospel of John has the event happening right at the beginning of Jesus’ career in Chapter 2.

Logical Error 97

When did the fig tree wither?

Immediately…

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
(Matthew 21:19-20)

No, the next day…

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;… And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
(Mark 11:13-15, 20-21)

Logical Error 98

Was Jesus’ witness true?

Yes, it was…

I am one that bear witness of myself.
(John 8:18)

No, it was not…

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true,
(John 5:31)

In both of these scriptures, Jesus is the speaker and in each case he is refering to himself.

Logical Error 99

Did Jesus provide signs and wonders to his generation?

No…

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
(Matthew 12:39-40)

Yes, he performed many miracles, signs and wonders…

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
(Acts 2:22)

In the first verse here Jesus declares that the only sign given to that entire generation would be his resurrection, Yet, everyone who ever went to Sunday School is quite aware of many, many miracles attributed to Jesus such as walking on water, turning water to wine, healing of hundreds, casting out demons and so on. Either none of these supposed miracles happened or Jesus was lying when he said that no sign would be given.

Logical Error 100

Should believers associate with sinners?

Yes, you will show them the light…

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
(Matthew 9:10-13)

No, you cannot even greet them or you will share in their evil deeds…

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
(2 John 1:9-11)

Logical Error 101

Which disciples asked Jesus where he was going?

Simon Peter asked him…

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
(John 13:36)

And Thomas asked him…

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
(John 14:5)

No, Jesus says no one asked…

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
(John 16:5)

Notice that these verses above are from the gospel of John and all three listed in chronological order. So Peter and Thomas did ask in the narrative before the statement made by Jesus.

Logical Error 102

How are we to recognize a true spirit?

It is from God if it confesses that Jesus is from God…

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
(1 John 4:1)

But, demons confessed the same thing, and they are from Satan…

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
(Mark 1:23-24)

Logical Error 103

Did Jesus have hidden teachings?

Yes he did…

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
(Mark 4:10-12)

No, he didn’t…

Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
(John 18:20)

Logical Error 104

Who started the rumor that John the Baptist raised from the dead?

Herod did…

But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
(Mark 6:16)

No, Herod was perplexed because others said it…

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
(Luke 9:7)

Logical Error 105

What was the reaction of the multitude to the miracle of the fishes and loaves?

They were unimpressed…

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
(Mark 6:52)

No, they were so impressed they tried to make him a king…

Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
(John 6:13)

Logical Error 106

Should we have swords to defend ourselves?

Definitely not…

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
(Matthew 26:52)

Yes, we should…

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
(Luke 22:36-38)

Logical Error 107

Should we hate our brother?

Yes, we must hate our entire family in order to be a disciple…

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
(Luke 14:26)

No, the love of God cannot be in us if we hate our brother…

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
(1 John 4:20-21)

Even worse, hating your brother is the same as murder…

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
(1 John 3:15)

Logical Error 108

Will Jesus or his father judge the world?

Jesus will, not the father…

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
(John 5:22)

No, Jesus will not judge…

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
(John 12:47)

His father will judge after all…

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
(1 Peter 1:17)

Logical Error 109

The invalid scriptural reference

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(John 7:38)

In this verse Jesus quotes a line that he claims as scripture. In his day the term applied only to what we call the Old Testament; however, no such saying or phrase appears in the Old Testament. Either Jesus was wrong or there a was some “scripture” that we no longer know of or recognize today; either way it means that the modern Bible is imperfect (wrong or incomplete.)

Logical Error 110

Can Jesus’ followers perish or be led astray?

No, no force is strong enough…

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
(John 10:27)

Actually, some will be lost…

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
(1 Timothy 4:1)

Logical Error 111

Where was Jesus taken after he was abducted in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Directly to Caiaphas…

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
(Matthew 26:57)

No, to Annas first, then to Ciaphas…

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
(John 18:13)

Logical Error 112

What did Jesus and his inquisitors say to each other?

When he is asked “Are you the Son of God?” He replies, “You are the one saying it”…

And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
(Luke 22:66-70) See also Matthew 26:63-64

He is asked “Are you the Son of the Blessed?” He says “I am”…

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
(Mark 14:61-62)

Both of these exchanges are supposed to be from the same trial of Jesus before Caiaphas; however the wording varies wildly between the narratives. Two accounts imply that Jesus didn’t answer his accusers question directly, the other says he plainy proclaimed it.

Logical Error 113 - 115

He threw his money down in the temple, and then the priests used it to buy a field…

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
(Matthew 27:3-8)

No, he kept the money, bought a field himself and died in it…

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
(Acts 1:16-19)

We have three actual contradictions here:

We have the Matthew saying that Judas gave back the money while Acts says he kept it.

Then we have Matthew saying that Judas hung himself while Acts says that his insides fell out in the field he bought with the money.

And finally we have Matthew saying that the priests bought the “field of blood” while Acts says that Judas bought it for himself.

Logical Error 116

Did Jesus have an exchange of words with Pontius Pilate?

No, Jesus wouldn’t answer him…

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
(Matthew 27:11-14)

Yes, Jesus answered all his questions…

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
(John 18:33-37)

Logical Error 117

What color was the robe the Roman soldiers placed on Jesus?

Red…

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
(Matthew 27:28)

No, it was purple…

And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head
(Mark 15:17)

To us in the modern world color has little or no meaning; however, in the ancient Roman world there was a big difference between red and purple robes. Purple was a sign of royalty generally reserved for kings, so putting Jesus in purple robes would have mocked the claim he was a king.

While red (scarlet) dye was the cheapest of all dyes; therefore, red robes came to represent the lowest of the low. In this sense the Roman soldiers would have been indicating that Jesus was beneath contempt, the exact opposite of putting him in purple.

This is not the kind of mistake that an ancient writer would make easily, everyone would have understood the significance of the two differing colors.

Logical Error 118

Who carried Jesus’ cross?

Simon from Cyrene…

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
(Matthew 27:32) Also see Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26

No, Jesus did…

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
(John 19:16-18)

Logical Error 119

At what hour was Jesus crucified?

At the third hour…

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
(Mark 15:25)

No, he was before Pilate at the sixth hour and was crucified after that…

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
(John 19:14-18)

Logical Error 120

What was on the sign hung on Jesus’ cross?

And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(Matthew 27:37)

And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(Mark 15:26)

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(Luke 23:38)

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(John 19:19)

Notice that no two of the gospels agree as to the wording on the sign. This is especially curious since Christians today put such emphasis on the importance of the death on the cross, one would think that an all powerful god would at least make those portions of scripture agree.

Logical Error 121

What were Jesus’ last words?

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
(Matthew 27:46-50) See also Mark 15:34-37

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
(Luke 23:46)

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
(John 19:30)

As you can see there are three different versions of Jesus’ last words and only two of the four gospels agree.

Logical Error 122

What was Jesus given to drink while on the cross?

Wine contaminated with myrrh, but he didn’t drink…

And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
(Mark 15:23)

No, it was vinegar and he did drink…

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
(John 28-30)

Logical Error 123

What did the centurion say while Jesus was on the cross?

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
(Matthew 27:54)

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
(Mark 15:39)

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
(Luke 23:47)

Once again, none of the gospels agree as to the words of the soldier.

Logical Error 124

Who was first to arrive at the empty tomb?

Two women named Mary…

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
(Matthew 28:1-8)

No, three women…

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
(Mark 16:1-2)

No, some undetermined number of women…

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
(Luke 23:55 - 24:1)

No, Mary Magdalene went by herself…

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
(John 20:1)

Logical Error 125

When did the woman (or women) arrive at the tomb?

At sunrise…

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
(Mark 16:1-2)

No, it was still dark…

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
(John 20:1)

Logical Error 126

Did the women (or woman) enter the tomb?

Yes they did…

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
(Mark 16:1-5)

No, they (or she) only looked in…

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
(John 20:11-12)

Logical Error 127

Who did the women (or woman) tell about the empty tomb?

All the disciples…

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
(Matthew 28:8) See also Luke 24:9 and John 20:18

No, they didn’t tell anyone…

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
(Mark 16:8)

Logical Error 128

From where did Jesus ascend into heaven?

Indoors, right after having a meal…

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world … So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
(Mark 16:14-19)

No, it was somewhere around Bethany…

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
(Luke 24:50-51)

No, it was outdoors and from Mt. Olivet…

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
(Acts 1:9-12)

Logical Error 129

Should we obey the laws of men?

Yes, disobeying them is the same as disobeying God…

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(Romans 13:1-2)

No, obey God rather than man…

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
(Acts 5:29)

Logical Error 130

Discrepancies in stories of Saul’s conversion

On-lookers stood still, heard a voice but saw nothing…

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
(Acts 9:4-7)

No, the on-lookers saw the light and heard nothing…

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
(Acts 22:9)

No, the on-lookers fell down…

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(Acts 26:13)

I do realize that the first verse referenced above is supposed to be the actual event, and that the two later verses are narratives of Paul recollecting the story. I include this among the contradictions because Paul was supposedly speaking via inspiration provided by the Holy Spirit so his words should have been correct. Furthermore we are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” therefore an error like this should not exist.

Logical Error 131 - 133

When did Paul first go to Jerusalem?

Shortly after conversion with Barnabas…

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
(Acts 9:22-28)

No, not until three years after conversion…

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
(Galatians 1:16-19)

And not with Barnabas until fourteen years after that…

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
(Galatians 2:1)

So we have three more contradictions here…

Acts says that Paul went to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion while Galatians says that it was three years later.

Acts says that Paul was with Barnabas on the first trip while Galatians says that Barnabas did not go until Paul’s second trip 14 years after the first one, or 17 years after his conversion.

Finally, we have another contradiction here in that Acts says that he met all the diciples there, while Galatians says that he only met Peter and James.

Logical Error 134

The missing Jesus quote

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
(Acts 20:35)

In a sermon Paul appears to quote words of Jesus above; however there is no such saying by Jesus in any of the Gospels. People often make the mistake of thinking that Paul heard Jesus say the quote; however he was not a Christian until after Jesus died and never met him in the flesh.

Logical Error 135

Can sin exist without the law?

No, there is no transgression…

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
(Romans 4:15)

No, you can still sin and perish without it…

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(Romans 2:12)

Whoever the author of Roman was, they appear to have been very confused to have made both of these statements.

Logical Error 136

Should we consider the feelings of others when we select which foods to eat?

Yes, we must be careful not to offend…

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
(Romans 14:21)

No, they have no right to judge you…

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
(Colossians 2:16)

Logical Error 137

How many gods are there?

Only one…

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
(1 Corinthians 8:4)

No, Satan is a god too, so there are at least two…

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
(2 Corinthians 4:4)

No, there are in fact many “gods”

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
(Jeremiah 25:6)

Logical Error 138

Did Paul try to please men?

Yes he did, in order to save them…

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
(1 Corinthians 10:33)

No, if he did he could not serve Christ…

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
(Galatians 1:10)

Logical Error 139

Did Paul win converts through trickery (guile)?

Yes he did…

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
(2 Corinthians 12:15-16)

No, he didn’t…

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile
(1 Thessalonians 2:3)

Logical Error 140

Should we bear each other’s burdens?

Yes we should…

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)

No, we each must bear our own…

For every man shall bear his own burden.
(Galatians 6:5)

Logical Error 141

Another quote of a scripture that doesn’t exist

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
(James 4:5)

The author of James appears to be quoting an Old Testament verse; however, there is no such scripture anywhere in the Old Testament.

Logical Error 142

Destruction of grass in Revelation

In this verse, all green grass is destroyed by raining fire…

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
(Revelation 8:7)

Yet, nine verses later mutated locusts are commanded not to harm the green grass…

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
(Revelation 9:3-4)

If all the green grass was destroyed in the earlier verse; how could locusts be ordered to destroy it yet again?

Historical Errors

This type of error involves statements in the Bible that contradict well documented historical records. An example of this type of error might be Biblical claims that a certain country had a larger population than is known to have existed on the entire planet in that time.

Historical Error 1

No historical record of Egyptian plagues

Exodus 11: If Egypt were subjected to all the horrible plagues of the severity mentioned in the Bible, it would be easy to see the devastation in the historical record no matter how reluctant the Egyptians would have been to record it. There is just no way to hide that kind of catastrophic loss, you might create fictitious explanations as to the cause, but you could not hide the death of half your population, devastation of your entire food supply, loss of all your livestock and the death of all first-born in the entire country. Yet there is no record of such losses in any Egyptian record or in the records of the surrounding nations. Nothing!

Historical Error 2

Population growth of Israel in Egypt

Numbers 1:46 & 26:51 both state that the nation of Israel could man an army of more than six hundred thousand men of military at the time Moses led them out of Egypt.

Considering that young men of that age generally make up about 25% to 30% of the population of a typical nation, this would mean that two to three million slaves would have left from Egypt. If such a collection of people were to have marched from Egypt to the Red Sea they would have covered the entire distance and back again in one continuous wall of people. Pharaoh would not have had to look hard to find them and all his chariots would have been insignificant to such a force.

The true error of such a statement is obvious when we consider that in Exodus 1:5 we are told that only seventy Israelites had entered Egypt 215 years earlier. Our knowledge of genetics and population growth show us that it is impossible for a population to grow from 70 to 2,000,000 people in only 215 years.

Historical Error 3

500,000 killed in a single battle.

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
(2 Chronicles 13:17)

This verse claims that 500,000 men are slain in a single battle; this is more than were killed in any single battle in all of World War II using all the weaponry available at that time, and more than were killed by either of the atomic bombs dropped on Japan. Not very likely.

Historical Error 4

Who was father of Belshazzar?

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
(Daniel 5:2)

Historical accounts have shown that Nabunaid was actually the father of Belshazzer and that he held the position of viceroy instead of being a king like Nebuchadnezzar. Here is a Christian site The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia that confirms this information. Most versions other than the King James Version modify this verse to say that Nebuchadnezzar was the grand-father of Belshazzar.

Historical Error 5

A tax decree ten years too late

Consider the story of the nativity in the gospels. Luke 2 tells us that Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem, because of a tax decree, being made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Now Cyrenius is the Aramaic pronunciation of the Roman name Quirinius, who was indeed governor of Syria and issued a tax proclamation in the year 6 AD, when Jesus was ten years old. Just a bit too late! (Robin Lane Fox, The Unauthorized Version, 1991; Knopf; PP 31)

Historical Error 6

The tax decree was not issued by Caesar

Caesar never issued the infamous tax decree mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2. Roman Emperors never taxed foreign citizens directly; instead, they collected taxes from their puppet rulers set up in local districts commanding foreigners. Quirinius was the local governor of Syria and it was he who issued the tax decree.

Historical Error 7

An invalid reason for the trip to Bethlehem

The tax decree mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 requires all citizens to return to the town of their ancestry. Tax decrees then as now, are in no way concerned with the payer’s ancestry or place of origin, they are only concerned with what you own at your current residence and how much tax you owe. It makes no sense whatsoever for people to have to go to the home of their fathers just to be taxed.

Historical Error

King Herod did not order the killing of infants

In Matthew we have the story of Herod the Great. We are told that he had infants butchered in an attempt to kill a messiah foretold by the stars. Luke and Matthew say that the Nativity took place during Herod’s reign. However, Roman records indicate that Herod the Great died several years before Quirinius was made governor. Since Quirinius was also the one who ordered the famous tax-decree, Herod could not have been ruling during the trip to Bethlehem or ordered infants killed at this time.

Scientific Errors

This type of error involves Biblical statements that contradict known laws of science. This is not an attempt to show how supposed miracles defy laws of nature since that is the whole point of a miracle. Instead we will examine statements where the Bible makes scientific claims about the world that are incorrect.

Scientific Error 1

Daylight without a sun

In Genesis 1:3-5 we see light and cycles of night and day before the sun and the other stars were created. Since daylight comes from the sun, daylight could not have existed, only night.

Scientific Error 2

Plant growth without sunlight

In Genesis 1:12-16 we see that plants were created and were supposedly growing before there was any sunlight. We now know that plants require sunlight before photosynthesis can occur so plants could not have been growing before there was a sun.

Scientific Error 3

All herbs and seed bearing trees can be eaten

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
(Genesis 1:29)

Although God says that all these plants are good to eat, several plats fitting this description are poisonous including hemlock, buckeye pods, nightshade and oleander. Also notice that marijuana would also fit this description of plants that blessed by God for our use.

Scientific Error 4

Snakes eating dirt?

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life
(Genesis 3:14)

This verse incorrectly states that all serpents (snakes) would eat dirt forever after leaving the Garden of Eden.

Scientific Error 5

Genetics are influenced by visual stimuli?

In Genesis 30:37-43 we are told that Jacob caused the coats of newborn cattle and sheep to be genetically altered by putting striped sticks in front of them while they are mating. He is doing this to cheat his Father-in-Law, not for any noble cause so this could not be divine intervention; rather we are told that this trick resulted in him gaining flocks unjustly. Scientific research has shown that genetic traits are not influenced by visual stimulation of the mother.

Scientific Error 6

Unicorns?

A quick search reveals seven references to unicorns in the King James Version of the Bible, here are a couple of them:

God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
(Numbers 23:22)

Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
(Job 39:9-11)

Note: Some versions of the Bible translate “unicorn” in these verses as either “young bull” or “wild ox;” however, most fundamentalists consider only the King James Version to be authentic. so they are stuck hunting unicorns.

Scientific Error 7

Dragons?

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.
(Isaiah 13:22)

Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.
(Micah 1:8)

And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
(Malachi 1:3)

Note: Similar to the treatment of unicorns, most versions of the Bible translate “dragons” in these verses as “jackals.” But once again I will remind you that the only translation that most fundamentalists except is the King James Version.

Scientific Error 8

Rabbits chewing cud?

You may eat any animal that has a split hoof divided in two and that chews the cud. However, of those that chew the cud or that have a split hoof completely divided you may not eat the camel, the rabbit or the coney. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a split hoof; they are ceremonially unclean for you.
(Deuteronomy 14:6-7)

Obviously, the writer thinks that rabbits chew cud like cows, anyone who has raised rabbits can tell you that they do not.

Scientific Error 9

Bats classified as birds?

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls… And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
(Leviticus 11:13, 19)

Here we see the writer making a list of birds that the ancient Hebrews are not allowed to eat. The writer lists the bat among them as though it was a bird.

Scientific Error 10

Birds and insects with four legs?

All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
(Leviticus 11:20)

But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
(Leviticus 11:23)

Once again, the writer of Leviticus is trying to list species of animal that are unclean (not to be eaten.) And this time the writer appears to think that there are birds and flying creeping things (insects?) that have four legs. All birds have exactly two legs and all insects have six.

Prophecy Gone Wrong

This type of error has to do with prophetic predictions that the Bible makes as prophesy that are obviously wrong or could not ever be fulfilled.

Prophetic Error 1

Amelek not remembered

In Exodus 17:14, God says that he will utterly blot out all remembrance of Amalek, because they had the audacity to defend themselves against an attack by Israel. But the remembrance of Amalek is still with us or you couldn’t be reading about it right now!

Prophetic Error 2

Prophecy concerning King Zedekiah’s death

Jeremiah foretells that Zedekiah would die in peace…

Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of thee, Thou shalt not die by the sword: But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.
(Jeremiah 34:4-5)

Instead, he died in captivity…

And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah. Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.
(Jeremiah 52:10-11)

Prophetic Error 3

The destruction of Tyre

In Ezekiel 26:15-21 the prophet proclaims that through the king of Babylon, God would utterly destroy Tyre and it would never be found again. Yet the city was not captured by Babylon and it still stands to this day.

Prophetic Error 4

The name of the messiah

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
(Matthew 1:22-25)

Here we see author of Matthew claiming that a prophecy referring to the messiah predicted the coming of Jesus. Yet we can plainly see that that same prophecy also said the messiah would be named Emmanuel, not Jesus. At no point in the gospels or any other book in the New Testament is the name Emmanuel used to refer to Jesus. Either the prophecy was mistaken in naming the messiah or the author of Matthew was mistaken in thinking this referred to Jesus.

I have heard people baulk as classifying this as an error. But think critically about this for a minute. Suppose I told you that I could predict the future and told you that I could tell you the name of the next president. If I told you he would be named ‘George’ and in fact he turned out to be named ‘Barak’; what would you think? Would you think I was in any way correct?

Prophetic Error 5

Was Jesus as a descendant of David?

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
(Isaiah 11:1-2)

The verse above is cited by several New Testament authors as meaning that Jesus (as the messiah) would be a descendant of David. In the following verse we are specifically told that Jesus was the fulfillment of such a prophecy…

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
(Luke 1:31-32)

The contradiction here arises from the fact that both genealogies provided in Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ lineage to David through Joseph. Yet the Nativity story in the gospels makes it plain that Joseph was NOT Jesus’ father. So Joseph’s genealogy is irrelevant and Jesus was not descended from David.

One could suppose that Jesus might have been a descendant of David through Mary; however, all Jewish genealogy was tracked through male descendants making it impossible to verify such a claim. Furthermore, the point of a prophecy is prove the power of God to make a prediction so an unknowable ancestry line via Mary would make such a prophecy pointless. Therefore, we have yet another prophetic contradiction.

Prophetic Error 6

The missing Nazarene prophecy

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
(Matthew 2:23)

The author of Matthew claims that prophecy foretold that Jesus would come from Nazareth, yet no such prophecy appears anywhere in the Old Testament.

Prophetic Error 7

The same followers seeing Jesus ascend would see him return

In Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1 and Luke 9:27, Jesus plainly tells his followers that at least some of them standing there will still be alive to see his second coming. I think it is safe to say that their generation is entirely gone by now and he has not returned.

Some modern day Christians excuse this error by saying that Jesus meant that the generation seeing these things occur would not pass away. However, in Acts 1:16, you can see that the people standing there hearing those words were certain that the signs of the end-time were already occurring and that Jesus (and Peter) were referring to their generation, not one in the distant future.

Prophetic Error 8

The Potter’s Field prophecy

The author of the Book of Matthew quotes a prophecy that was supposed to predict that Judas would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and that it would be used to buy a potter’s field.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
(Matthew 27:9-10)

He also says that the prophecy was made by Jeremiah, yet there is no mention of “thirty pieces-of-silver” or a potter’s field anywhere in Jeremiah. The only verse in the whole Old Testament that comes close to saying what he quotes is…

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
(Zechariah 11:12-13)

As you can see, Matthew probably attributed the words of Zechariah to Jeremiah by mistake.

Prophetic Error 9

The Prince of Peace?

The following verse from the book of Isaiah is thought by fundamentalists to be a prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
(Isaiah 9:6)

And since Christians believe that Jesus was that messiah they attribute that verse to him. The angel Gabriel in Luke 1:32-33 appears to be alluding to this verse directly when he tells Mary the news that she is to be pregnant with the baby Jesus. Now consider the following verse:

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
(Mark 1:14-15)

As you can see Isaiah said that the messiah would bring peace and that that once his kingdom arrived it would never end. In the Mark quote above we see that Jesus’ kingdom arrived two-thousand years ago. But Jesus also said…

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
(Matthew 10:34)

So Jesus himself said that he wasn’t bringing any peace. And he was right! I’m not saying that Jesus was the the bringer of war but that he didn’t end it (bring peace). Since the time of Jesus there has been virtually non-stop war at some spot on the globe ever since these words were first written down. So either the prophecy in Isaiah was wrong or Jesus was not the Prince of Peace that it foretold.

Prophetic Error 10

The antichrist 2000 years old?

In 1 John 2:18 the author says that the Antichrist was already loose in the world so for him to be revealed in our time he would have to be more than 2000 years old. I don’t think so…

Conclusion

In conclusion I think that anyone who looks at the evidence must conclude that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of various legends and mythologies collected by men for a variety of reasons, some noble and some not. It is filled with errors, contradictions and incorrect translations just like any other work written by men.

I have seen various papers by different authors desperately trying to explain away each and every error, but careful examination of the so called “explanations” reveals dishonest contortions and outright lies that could only convince believers who will not see no matter how plain the contradiction.

Take for example Logical Error 15 above where we are told that God tempted Abraham yet at the same time God doesn’t tempt anyone. They try to explain this away by saying that “tempt” in Genesis actually means “test” while the same word in James means to be enticed to do evil. I guess in their mind, murdering your own son because voices tell you to, is not an evil act! Try telling that to a court if you tried it today and see what happens. Obviously, the temptation given to Abraham was indeed evil and fit the definition of temptation given in James. No matter what the exact word used in the translation, the actual meaning of the text is still a logical contradiction. To conclude otherwise is a gross injustice and a denial that words mean anything at all.

So, if you are still trying to hang onto Biblical Inerrancy by going through all these hoops to still believe, you have to ask yourself; “Why wouldn’t an all-powerful God have made a book that could not be questioned?” It should be perfect beyond any question, instead you have to ignore facts, and stretch the truth until it breaks to remain convinced. Isn’t it obvious to any impartial person that the Bible is man-made?

I hope that this large collection of Biblical error helps someone somewhere to find the answers they are looking for. If only one person see the truth, then it all was worth it.

Special thanks goes out to the Internet Infidels for providing a lot of material for this article.

NOTE: All italicized material in Biblical passages above are there for my emphasis and are not to be considered as provided by the translators.

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A Collection of Biblical ErrorsA Detailed List of Biblical Errors and Contradictions