Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 16:10

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 16:10 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 16:10. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the angel told Hagar that she would have so many descendants that no one would be able to count them all. Christians understand this as God making a promise to take care of Hagar and her family.

Genesis 16:10: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Contradiction with Exodus 1:16

Genesis 16:10 promises a multitude of descendants, while Exodus 1:16 involves a command to kill every newborn son, threatening the growth of descendants.

Exodus 1:16: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live.

Contradiction with Genesis 11:30

Genesis 16:10 foretells numerous offspring, yet Genesis 11:30 states that Sarai was barren, incapable of bearing children.

Genesis 11:30: But Sarai was barren; she [had] no child.

Contradiction with Judges 13:2

Genesis 16:10 suggests abundant offspring, whereas Judges 13:2 speaks of a barren woman unable to conceive.

Judges 13:2: And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 15:7

Genesis 16:10 promises increase and multiplication, whereas Jeremiah 15:7 describes reducing and destroying people.

Jeremiah 15:7: And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave [them] of children, I will destroy my people, [since] they return not from their ways. [children: or, whatsoever is dear]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Genesis 16:10 could be the promise of a large number of descendants to Hagar, despite her mistreatment and suffering. This might conflict with ideas of justice and fairness, as blessings seem to emerge from a situation of inequality and hardship.

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