Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 18:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 18:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 18:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God sent three men to visit Abraham, and when they were ready to leave, Abraham walked with them to see them off, like saying goodbye to friends. Christians often understand this story as showing Abraham's kindness and his special relationship with God.

Genesis 18:16: And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

Contradiction with Genesis 18:17

God decides to reveal His intentions to Abraham, contrasting with Genesis 18:16 where men departed without further revelation.

Genesis 18:17: And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

Contradiction with Genesis 18:22

The men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before the LORD, indicating further interaction rather than departure.

Genesis 18:22: And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

Contradiction with Genesis 19:1

Explicitly mentions that the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, not departing earlier as the men in Genesis 18:16 did.

Genesis 19:1: And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Contradiction with Exodus 33:11

God speaks to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend, suggesting a more intimate and direct revelation compared to Genesis 18:16 where men simply depart.

Exodus 33:11: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
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