Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 11:31

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 11:31 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 11:31. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the book of Genesis, this verse tells us that Terah, who is Abram's dad, decided to move his family from a place called Ur to a new place called Canaan. On their way, they stopped and stayed for a while in a place named Haran.

Genesis 11:31: And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Contradiction with Genesis 12:1

God tells Abram to leave his country and kindred, suggesting that Abram's journey was not initiated by Terah as suggested in Genesis 11:31.

Genesis 12:1: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Contradiction with Acts 7:3

This verse states that God told Abram to leave his country before he dwelt in Haran, contradicting the notion that Terah's leading was the primary reason for the journey to Haran in Genesis 11:31.

Acts 7:3: And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

Contradiction with Nehemiah 9:7

This verse indicates that God chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees himself, which suggests divine rather than paternal leadership contrasted with Genesis 11:31.

Nehemiah 9:7: Thou [art] the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

Paradox #1

The potential historical inconsistency in Genesis 11:31 lies in the timeline and details given about the journey from Ur to Haran. Some historical and archaeological findings suggest that the movement described may not align perfectly with what is known about Mesopotamian settlement patterns during that era. Additionally, there is some debate about the identification of "Ur" mentioned in the verse and whether it corresponds to the Ur in Southern Mesopotamia or another location. These uncertainties can create challenges when trying to harmonize the biblical account with historical records.

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