Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 17:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 17:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 17:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, who is believed to have written the book, God talked to Abram and told him that He is very strong and powerful. God wanted Abram to always try to be good and honest as he lived his life.

Genesis 17:1: And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. [perfect: or, upright, or, sincere]

Contradiction with Exodus 33:20

Genesis 17:1 mentions God appearing to Abraham, but Exodus 33:20 states that no one can see God and live.

Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Contradiction with John 1:18

While Genesis 17:1 describes a direct appearance of God to Abraham, John 1:18 emphasizes that no one has seen God at any time.

John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16

Genesis 17:1 suggests visibility of God to humans, whereas 1 Timothy 6:16 declares God dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.

1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Contradiction with Exodus 6:3

Genesis 17:1 refers to God as "the Almighty" when appearing to Abraham, while Exodus 6:3 suggests the patriarchs did not know God by His name "Jehovah," implying a contradiction in the nature of revelation.

Exodus 6:3: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

Paradox #1

Genesis 17:1 talks about God appearing to Abram and commanding him to walk before God and be blameless. A potential contradiction might arise from the idea of being "blameless," as humans are generally seen as imperfect and capable of making mistakes. This can create tension with the belief that only God is perfect. Therefore, expecting human perfection could be seen as contradicting the nature of humanity. However, it's also understood as an aspiration towards living in accordance with God's will.

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