Contradiction with Genesis 12:12
This verse contradicts Genesis 20:11 by showing that Abraham had expressed fear for his life due to Sarah's beauty previously in Egypt, similar to his fear in Gerar, raising questions about his trust in God's protection.
Genesis 12:12: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
Contradiction with Psalm 56:3-4
This verse indicates trust in God's protection and a lack of fear in the face of danger, which contradicts Abraham's claim in Genesis 20:11 that he feared for his life.
Psalm 56:3-4: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Contradiction with Proverbs 29:25
This verse highlights trust in the Lord preventing fear, which contradicts Abraham's reasoning in Genesis 20:11 that there was no fear of God in Gerar, leading him to fear for his life.
Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. [safe: Heb. set on high]
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
This verse encourages believers not to fear as God is with them, contradicting the fear Abraham expresses in Genesis 20:11.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:28
This verse advises not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, which contradicts Abraham's fear for his physical safety in Genesis 20:11.
Matthew 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
This verse states that God has not given a spirit of fear, which contradicts Abraham's fear-driven actions in Genesis 20:11.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paradox #1
Genesis 20:11 might be seen as inconsistent with broader biblical themes because it involves Abraham expressing fear for his life due to a lack of godliness in a foreign land, yet this fear might seem unfounded given God's promises to protect him. This can create an impression of doubt or lack of faith in God’s protection, contrasting with the overall message of faith and trust in God's plans throughout the Bible.
Paradox #2
Abraham's concern in Genesis 20:11 about being killed because of his wife Sarah seems inconsistent with earlier chapters where Sarah is described as old and past childbearing age. It's puzzling why he would think others found her so attractive that they would kill him over it.
Paradox #3
The potential moral inconsistency in Genesis 20:11 lies in the idea of Abraham acting out of fear rather than trust in God. He assumes the worst about the people in the land and resorts to deception instead of relying on honesty and faith. This can be seen as contradictory to the values of trust and honesty that are often emphasized in religious teachings.