Can God make a rock so heavy He cannot lift it?

TL;DR:

God’s omnipotence doesn’t mean He can do the logically impossible; He can do all things that are consistent with His perfect nature. The “rock so heavy He cannot lift” paradox is a misunderstanding—God’s power is limitless, but it cannot contradict His own nature or logic.

what does the bible say?

Many have asked if God, being all-powerful, could create a rock so heavy He could not lift it. If the answer is yes, then He is not all-powerful because the rock would be stronger than God. If the answer is no, He is not all-powerful because there is something God could not do. However, this limited question fails to recognize that the reason God cannot create a rock so heavy He could not lift it is because only He is all-powerful.

The question of whether God can create a rock so heavy He cannot lift it misunderstands the nature of His omnipotence. God being all-powerful means He can do all things consistent with His nature, but He cannot perform logical contradictions or acts that violate His perfect character. For example, creating a rock too heavy for Himself to lift would imply a limitation on His power, which is impossible because God is infinite and supreme (Genesis 17:1; Jeremiah 32:17; Job 42:2). Jesus affirms God’s unlimited power in Matthew 19:26, teaching that what is impossible for humans is fully possible for God, yet this does not include logical absurdities. God’s omnipotence is perfect, unlimited, and consistent with His character, showing that the “rock paradox” is a misunderstanding rather than a limitation of His power.

from the old testament

God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1). Therefore, all created things are under His power and authority. God's unlimited, all-powerful ability means anything He creates would not be able to exceed His power. The very nature of a perfect God supersedes the power of anything that could be created.
God’s omnipotence is first revealed when He introduces Himself to Abraham as “God Almighty” in Genesis 17:1, saying, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.” This title, El Shaddai, emphasizes that God’s power is supreme and His promises are sure.
Jeremiah acknowledges God’s limitless power in creation when he exclaims, “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17), showing that nothing is beyond God’s control.
Job also affirms God’s omnipotence in Job 42:2, stating, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted,” emphasizing that God’s plans cannot be hindered by human actions.
The psalmist highlights both God’s power and wisdom in Psalm 147:5: “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure,” reminding us that God’s omnipotence is perfectly guided by His infinite understanding.
God’s omnipotence means He can do all things consistent with His character and truth (Job 42:2; see Titus 1:2). Creating a rock too heavy for Himself to lift would be a logical contradiction, like making a square circle—it’s not a real “thing” to be done.

from the new testament

Jesus teaches about God’s unlimited power. When we look at verses like Matthew 19:26, which says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”—Jesus isn’t saying God does the logically absurd; He’s saying nothing that truly fits within His nature and purposes is beyond His power.
The angel confirms God’s power over natural and miraculous events to Mary in Luke 1:37, stating, “For nothing will be impossible with God,” demonstrating that His omnipotence extends to the fulfillment of His salvation plan. Paul describes the greatness of God’s power for believers, especially shown in the resurrection of Christ, saying in Ephesians 1:19–20 that God’s power is “according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead.” Finally, Revelation 19:6 proclaims God’s ultimate reign, “For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns,” assuring believers that God’s power guarantees His victory over all evil and suffering.

implications for today

Creating a rock so heavy He could not lift it is one of a few things an all-powerful God cannot do since it would violate His very nature and definition as God. God's omnipotence does not mean He can contradict Himself or perform logical impossibilities. For example, God could not create something that existed before or after Him because He is eternal. It would stand in contrast with His very nature. God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2) because He is truth (John 14:6). Truthfulness is part of His nature. God cannot create another way to know God, because Jesus is the way (John 14:6). God cannot be tempted by evil (James 1:13) because He would then exhibit a sign of weakness and no longer be all-powerful. God also cannot stop being God. He is eternal and by definition could not become finite (Psalm 90:2). Second Timothy 2:13 states that God cannot deny Himself.

Jesus taught, "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). However, this is limited to all things that do not violate the very definition and nature of who God is. This in no way makes God less than all-powerful. Instead, it clearly indicates the perfect attributes of God as all-powerful, righteous, and loving. Job 37:23 interestingly notes, "The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate." While this verse is difficult to understand, it may refer to God not violating His perfect power, justice, and righteousness. As other places in Scripture clearly indicate, God is perfect, reigns in total power, and oversees every action in the universe as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

understand

God is all powerful and can do all things consistent with His perfect nature.
The “rock paradox” misunderstands God’s limitless, supreme power.
God’s omnipotence is perfect and effective, but not in logical contradictions.

reflect

How do you understand God’s power, and how does it give you confidence in Him?
When faced with situations that seem impossible, how can you trust God’s omnipotence without expecting Him to do the logically absurd?
How does knowing that God cannot contradict His own nature change the way you view His promises and actions?

engage

How can we explain God’s character and omnipotence to someone who thinks the “rock paradox” limits His power?
How does God’s all-powerful yet consistent nature give us assurance during life’s challenges?
How can understanding the limits of logical contradictions help us better understand the “rock paradox”?