Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 19:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 19:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 19:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the people of the city, both young and old, gathered around Lot's house. They all came to see the visitors staying there.

Genesis 19:4: But before they lay down, the men of the city, [even] the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

Contradiction with Genesis 19:8

Offers daughters to prevent harm, showing different handling of visitors.

Genesis 19:8: Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Contradiction with Genesis 18:25

Depicts God as just, seeming contradiction with Sodom’s impending judgment despite Lot's plea.

Genesis 18:25: That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:2

Encourages hospitality to strangers, contrasting with Sodom's treatment of the visitors.

Hebrews 13:2: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 16:49

Indicates that pride and neglecting the poor, rather than specific actions in Genesis 19:4, were Sodom's sins.

Ezekiel 16:49: Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Contradiction with 2 Peter 2:7

Describes Lot as righteous despite offering his daughters in Genesis 19:8, associated with this event.

2 Peter 2:7: And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction regarding Genesis 19:4 involves the nature of the societal norms and behaviors described in the passage, which may conflict with historical evidence about the cultures of that time in the ancient Near East. Some scholars argue that the unrestrained behavior depicted does not align with what is known about the social and legal structures of those ancient societies. Others interpret the text symbolically rather than literally.

Paradox #2

Genesis 19:4 is often discussed in the context of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some see a moral inconsistency in this story due to the extreme actions and harsh judgment on the entire city, questioning the fairness and mercy in such a severe punishment for what appears to be the actions of a group rather than every individual. This can be seen as conflicting with other Bible teachings on justice and mercy.

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