Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 12:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 12:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 12:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, God sent big troubles to Pharaoh and everyone in his house because Pharaoh took Sarai, who was really Abram's wife. God did this to protect Sarai and Abram since Pharaoh didn't know Sarai was already married.

Genesis 12:17: And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse emphasizes that God looks at the heart rather than external situations, contrasting with the external punishment seen in Genesis 12:17.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with James 1:13

This verse states that God does not tempt anyone with evil, which could contrast the idea of God directly causing plagues.

James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20

This underscores personal responsibility for sin, whereas in Genesis 12:17 Pharaoh's household suffered due to Abram's actions.

Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9

This describes God as patient and not wishing for any to perish, contrasting with the immediate affliction of plagues in Genesis 12:17.

2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:45

Indicates God's impartiality and grace to all, contrasting with the selective punishment described in Genesis 12:17.

Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Paradox #1

Genesis 12:17 presents a situation where God sends plagues on Pharaoh's household because of Sarai, Abram's wife, even though Pharaoh was unaware of the truth due to Abram's deceit. The moral conflict here is that Pharaoh suffers consequences for a situation he was misled into, raising questions about fairness and the ethics of punishing someone for another's deception.

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