Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 16:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 16:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 16:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, God sent an angel to tell Hagar that she was going to have a baby boy named Ishmael because God heard her when she was sad and in trouble. God wanted Hagar to know He was listening and caring for her.

Genesis 16:11: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou [art] with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. [Ishmael: that is, God shall hear]

Contradiction with Genesis 22:2

This verse involves God commanding Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting a promise of blessings through Isaac, whereas Genesis 16:11 speaks of Ishmael's birth and future.

Genesis 22:2: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Contradiction with Galatians 4:30

This verse refers to casting out the bondwoman and her son, signifying Ishmael's lesser status compared to Isaac, contradicting with the positive message about Ishmael in Genesis 16:11.

Galatians 4:30: Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Contradiction with Romans 9:7

This verse emphasizes that not all of Abraham's descendants are considered his children, but specifically through Isaac, while Genesis 16:11 speaks of the angel's promise to Hagar regarding Ishmael.

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

Contradiction with Genesis 17:21

God's covenant was established with Isaac, contradicting Genesis 16:11's focus on Ishmael's significance.

Genesis 17:21: But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Contradiction with Genesis 21:12

In this verse, God tells Abraham that through Isaac shall his seed be called, which contrasts with the emphasis on Ishmael in Genesis 16:11.

Genesis 21:12: And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Paradox #1

Genesis 16:11 presents a message from an angel regarding Hagar's unborn son, Ishmael. A potential contradiction might arise because Ishmael is promised prosperity and many descendants, yet he and his descendants do not become central figures in the Israelites' lineage, which could be confusing given the divine attention. There's also a tension between the favor shown to Ishmael and God's covenant with Isaac. However, these are interpretive challenges rather than direct contradictions.

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