Exodus 31:15

Contradictions (3)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

• How should Sabbath-breakers be punished?

  Exodus 31:14 says the Sabbath-breaker "shall be cut off from among his people" — the karet penalty. The same verse and Exodus 31:15, 35:2, and Numbers 15:32-36 all prescribe "put to death."

  Critical scholarship: Usually considered reconciled.

  Law & ethics

  More on this question

  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• Is it necessary to keep the Sabbath?

  The Torah and the prophets repeatedly insist the Sabbath is a perpetual sign of the covenant — Exodus 31:13-16 calls it an everlasting obligation and Isaiah 56:2 blesses anyone who keeps it. But Isaiah 1:13 has YHWH calling new moons and sabbath assemblies "iniquity" he can't stand.

  Critical scholarship: Usually considered reconciled.

  Law & ethics

  More on this question

  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• Does the Bible approve of capital punishment?

  The Pentateuchal legal codes prescribe death by stoning, burning, or general execution for an enormous range of offenses: murder (Gen 9:6; Num 35:30), striking or cursing a parent (Exod 21:15, 17), witchcraft (Exod 22:18), bestiality (Exod 22:19), idolatry (Exod 22:20), Sabbath-breaking (Exod 31:14-15; 35:2), adultery (Lev 20:10), incest (Lev 20:11-14), male homosexuality (Lev 20:13), blasphemy (Lev 24:16), kidnapping (Exod 21:16), loss of virginity before marriage (Deut 22:13-21), and rape victims who didn't cry out loudly enough (Deut 22:23-24). Genesis 4:15 has God explicitly *prevent* the execution of Cain — the first murderer — by placing a protective mark on him.

  Critical scholarship: Usually considered reconciled.

  Law & ethics

  More on this question

  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

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