Contradiction with Genesis 15:6
Abraham believed in the LORD, yet in Genesis 17:17, he laughs and questions God's promise of a son at his old age.
Genesis 15:6: And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Contradiction with Romans 4:20
This verse states that Abraham did not waver in unbelief regarding God’s promise, while Genesis 17:17 depicts him laughing in disbelief.
Romans 4:20: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Paradox #1
Abraham laughs when told he'll have a son at 100, which seems contradictory since he previously believed God's promise of having many descendants without doubting.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could relate to the concept of human reproduction and age. Modern science understands that as people age, especially past a certain age, the likelihood of natural conception decreases significantly due to biological factors affecting fertility. This verse involves a scenario that challenges these biological understandings, which could be seen as inconsistent with scientific knowledge about human aging and reproductive health.
Paradox #3
Genesis 17:17 might be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency because it involves Abraham laughing at the promise that he would have a child at 100 years old. This could be interpreted as doubting God's promise, which raises questions about faith and skepticism. The conflict is between human doubt and divine assurance.
Paradox #4
Genesis 17:17 involves Abraham's reaction to God telling him that his wife, Sarah, would bear a child at an old age. The potential contradiction might relate to Abraham's age (100 years) and Sarah’s age (90 years). The improbability of natural childbirth at those ages could be considered a numerical inconsistency by some, given the biological limits of human fertility.