Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 18:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 18:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 18:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this verse shows that Abraham is talking to God and asking if He would be fair by destroying good people along with bad people. Abraham is worried and wants to make sure that God will do what is right.

Genesis 18:23: And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Contradiction with Exodus 34:7

Genesis 18:23 speaks to God's justice in sparing the righteous, while Exodus 34:7 mentions that God does not clear the guilty, implying collective judgment.

Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Contradiction with Numbers 16:32-33

Genesis 18:23 questions whether God would destroy the righteous with the wicked, but in Numbers, even those near the sinful are destroyed.

Numbers 16:32-33: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16

Genesis 18:23 implies the consideration of individual righteousness, while Deuteronomy explicitly states children are not to be punished for a parent's sin, separating individual responsibility.

Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 10:11

In Genesis, God listens to the plea for the righteous, whereas in 2 Kings, Jehu kills all of Ahab's descendants regardless of their personal actions.

2 Kings 10:11: So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining. [kinsfolks: or, acquaintance]

Contradiction with Job 9:22

Genesis 18:23 suggests sparing the righteous, but Job claims God destroys both the blameless and the wicked equally.

Job 9:22: This [is] one [thing], therefore I said [it], He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:2

Genesis 18:23 queries differentiated judgment, while Ecclesiastes states the same fate comes to both the righteous and wicked.

Ecclesiastes 9:2: All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

Contradiction with Isaiah 13:15-18

In Genesis, Abraham questions the destruction of innocents, but Isaiah describes punishment upon all people, regardless of individual righteousness.

Isaiah 13:15-18: Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 32:18

Genesis 18:23 considers sparing the righteous, while Jeremiah states God repays the iniquities of fathers into the laps of children.

Jeremiah 32:18: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,

Contradiction with Ezekiel 21:3-4

Genesis 18:23 suggests a plea for justice, while Ezekiel declares judgment upon both the righteous and wicked.

Ezekiel 21:3-4: And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I [am] against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:45

Genesis 18:23 argues for distinct treatment of righteous, but Matthew notes God makes the sun rise on evil and good alike, showing impartial benefits.

Matthew 5:45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Contradiction with Luke 13:1-5

Genesis 18:23 questions collective punishment, whereas Luke emphasizes individual repentance to avoid perishing, regardless of others' fates.

Luke 13:1-5: There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.