Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 11:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 11:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 11:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, the people wanted to build a big tower to reach the sky so they could be famous and stay together. They were trying to make themselves very important without listening to God.

Genesis 11:4: And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

Contradiction with Proverbs 18:10

This verse states that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereas Genesis 11:4 illustrates human reliance on their own structures for security.

Proverbs 18:10: The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. [safe: Heb. set aloft]

Contradiction with James 4:6

While Genesis 11:4 depicts human pride in building a tower, this verse explains that God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud.

James 4:6: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:12

This verse warns of the Lord's day against the proud and lofty, contrasting with the people's desire in Genesis 11:4 to make a name for themselves.

Isaiah 2:12: For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Contradiction with Psalm 127:1

It implies that labor without the Lord's blessing is in vain, contradicting the self-sufficiency shown in Genesis 11:4.

Psalm 127:1: [A Song of degrees for Solomon.] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. [for...: or, of Solomon] [that...: Heb. that are builders of it in it]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:23-24

These verses call for boasting in understanding and knowing the Lord, contrasting with Genesis 11:4 where people seek to make a name for themselves.

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Contradiction with Matthew 23:12

It emphasizes that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, which contradicts the prideful ambition seen in Genesis 11:4.

Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 3:19

Declares that the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God, reflecting against the human wisdom used in Genesis 11:4 to construct the tower.

1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Paradox #1

Genesis 11:4 might present a contradiction or conflict because it involves humans attempting to build a tower to reach the heavens, which can be seen as an act of human pride and self-sufficiency, in contrast to the Bible's overall message of reliance on God and humility before His will. This act could be perceived as conflicting with the idea that humans should not aspire to be equal with God or challenge His authority.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or inconsistency related to the verse is the idea of all the Earth's people speaking a single language and coming together to build a city with a tower reaching the heavens. Historically, there is no evidence that supports a worldwide single language or such a grand unified construction project. Different languages and cultures likely existed and developed independently over time, which contradicts the notion of a single, unified human endeavor of this magnitude at that point in history.

Paradox #3

The main contradiction with the verse is the idea that all humans once spoke a single language and that a specific event led to the sudden creation of multiple languages. Linguistics suggests that languages developed gradually over time, influenced by migration, isolation, and cultural interactions, rather than through a single, instantaneous event.

Paradox #4

One possible contradiction or conflict in this verse is the idea of human ambition and pride versus divine authority. The people wanted to build a tower to make a name for themselves, showing human ambition and possibly pride. However, this could conflict with the belief that humans should be humble and acknowledge divine authority over human achievements.

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