Paradox
Apparent Contradiction
Paradox is a figure of speech in which two apparently contradictory or even impossible statements prove both to be true. Unlike antithesis, which deliberately sharpens the contrast to distinguish two things clearly, paradox works through the tension itself: the two statements are not merely different but apparently contradictory, yet both are true. The figure compels the reader or hearer to think more deeply, because what seems impossible on the surface proves logically necessary at a deeper level. Bullinger classifies paradox among the figures of thought because the tension lies not in word-choice but in the substantive bringing together of two truths that seem to exclude one another.
Etymology
Greek παράδοξος (paradoxos): para (against, beside) + doxa (opinion, appearance). Literally: “against opinion” or “contrary to expectation”. The name points to the fact that something runs counter to normal expectation or common belief, yet is nonetheless true. Latin adopted the term as paradoxum.
Definition
The power of paradox lies in the resolution of apparent contradiction. A paradox is not mere logical inconsistency; it is a deeper truth that appears impossible at first glance. The figure works because the reader is forced to take both statements seriously, then realize that they do not exclude one another but actually illuminate each other. Bullinger distinguishes different types: (1) paradoxical truth — two seemingly contradictory facts that together are deeper than either alone; (2) paradoxical wisdom — a statement that runs against all human logic yet is theologically profound; (3) paradoxical election — God’s sovereign actions that appear contrary to His nature or will but actually manifest them.
Bible Examples
Death and life combined:
- 2 Cor. 6:9-10 — “as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” Paul places opposite conditions side by side: he is dying and living, sorrowing and rejoicing, poor and enriching many. The paradox: in apostolic suffering the opposite is achieved — Christ’s resurrection works through mortality.
Strength in weakness:
- 2 Cor. 12:9-10 — “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The paradox: God’s strength manifests itself not despite but through human weakness. This is not metaphorical; Paul describes an actual reversal where weakness becomes the medium of divine power.
Lost one recovered:
- Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal Son) — The youngest child loses everything and returns home without shame. The paradox: total failure leads to total acceptance. What by human logic should be merit-loss becomes in the father’s love unconditional restoration.
First and last:
- Matt. 19:30 — “But many that are first shall be last; and last shall be first.” The paradox: ranking in the kingdom of God does not follow worldly hierarchy. Self-abasement (making oneself last) leads to divine exaltation.
Truth in falsehood:
- Rom. 3:4-5 — “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” — the paradox of Psalm 116:11. Men lie, God is truthful; the falsehood of all men cannot unmake God’s truth. The paradox underscores God’s independence from human judgment.
Stephen-Jones IGCSE Examples (God’s Sovereignty and Juridical Redemption)
Jubilee liberation despite rejection of redemption:
- Jones (IGCSE, Soteriology) — “Unbelievers are freed in Jubilee DESPITE not accepting redemption. The paradox: Divine sovereignty transcends human choice. God’s grace operates independently of human assent — Jubilee works whether the servant accepts or rejects Christ’s ransom payment in this age. Yet this is not injustice but the consummation of God’s ownership: all were purchased by Christ’s blood (1 John 2:2), and the Jubilee enforces the restoration that purchase secured. The paradox resolves in law: God owns all, therefore all shall be freed — God’s will cannot be thwarted by refusal to accept voluntary redemption.” The central paradox: God’s right to liberate is independent of human acceptance of liberation. Compulsory freedom (Jubilee liberation) is not self-contradictory but the manifestation of God’s ownership. Jones deploys this paradox as a juridical argument: because God is Creator and owner, no one can refuse his liberation — human alleged autonomy cannot thwart God’s will.
Related Figures
- antithesis — apparent opposition via parallel structure, but both terms are equally true; paradox works through seeming logical impossibility
- oxymoron — two contradictory words directly adjacent (“sweet bitter”, “thundering silence”); paradox is an entire reasoning, not a single word-pair
- irony — says the opposite of what is meant; paradox says something that sounds impossible but is factually true
Source
E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (1898), pp. 808-820.