Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 20:5

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 20:5 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 20:5. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, the king is saying he was honest and didn't know he was doing something wrong because Abraham told him Sarah was his sister, and Sarah agreed. The king thought he was doing the right thing because he was told a lie by Abraham and Sarah.

Genesis 20:5: Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. [integrity: or, simplicity, or, sincerity]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:16

This verse contradicts Genesis 20:5 by emphasizing the importance of not bearing false witness, while in Genesis 20:5, Abimelech's claim of innocence inadvertently involves deceit regarding Sarah.

Exodus 20:16: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22

Here, lying lips are described as an abomination, conflicting with the situation in Genesis 20:5 where the potential misunderstanding involves falsehood.

Proverbs 12:22: Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Contradiction with Colossians 3:9

This verse instructs not to lie to one another, which stands in contrast to the potential for deception and misunderstanding in Genesis 20:5.

Colossians 3:9: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Contradiction with Proverbs 6:16-19

Lists lying as something God hates, contrasting with Genesis 20:5 where Abimelech unknowingly risks being involved in a lie.

Proverbs 6:16-19: These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: [unto...: Heb. of his soul]

Contradiction with Psalms 101:7

States that no one who practices deceit will dwell in God's house, in contrast to Genesis 20:5 where deception is central to the narrative.

Psalms 101:7: He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. [shall not tarry: Heb. shall not be established]

Paradox #1

Genesis 20:5 can raise questions about consistency when compared to Genesis 12:10-20. In both passages, Abraham claims that Sarah is his sister to different rulers (Pharaoh in Egypt and Abimelech in Gerar), which seems like a repetition of the same story with slight variations. This could suggest a narrative or historical inconsistency.

← Genesis 20:4
Share
Genesis 20:6 →
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.