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Answer
A paradox is a seeming contradiction that, when properly understood, may prove true. The Bible uses paradoxes at times to explore the full scope and nuance of truth. One of the most well-known paradoxes in the Bible is the teaching that God is triune: there is one God who eternally exists in three Persons.
Some examples of paradoxes in the Bible occur within the same verse. These statements seem, at first glance, to be self-contradictory:
• 2 Corinthians 6:8–10 – “We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything” (ESV).
• Matthew 10:39 – “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (see also Matthew 16:25;Mark 8:35;Luke 17:33;John 12:25).
• Philippians 3:7 – “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (ESV).
• Matthew 23:11 – “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:10 – “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
