Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 15:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 15:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 15:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, God is telling Abram that he will have a child of his own, and this child will inherit everything from him. This means that Abram's family will grow just like God promised.

Genesis 15:4: And, behold, the word of the LORD [came] unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.

Contradiction with Genesis 16:15

Genesis 15:4 promises a biological heir from Abram's own body, but in Genesis 16:15, Hagar bears Abram a son, Ishmael, suggesting another child before Isaac, complicating the promise fulfillment.

Genesis 16:15: And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

Contradiction with Genesis 18:13-14

These verses emphasize that nothing is too difficult for the Lord, reaffirming God's promise, but Genesis 15:4 initially casts doubt by considering an heir through a servant.

Genesis 18:13-14: And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

Contradiction with Genesis 21:10

Sarai's demand to cast out Hagar and Ishmael contradicts Genesis 15:4 by showing strife and complication in fulfilling the heir promise, reflecting human intervention versus divine promise.

Genesis 21:10: Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

Contradiction with Romans 9:7-8

While Genesis 15:4 speaks of a biological heir, Romans 9:7-8 focuses on the spiritual offspring, suggesting a broader interpretation than just physical lineage.

Romans 9:7-8: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
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