Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 20:8

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 20:8 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 20:8. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Abimelech got up early and told all his helpers about a dream that made everyone scared because God was upset. The people were afraid because they didn't want to be in trouble with God.

Genesis 20:8: Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

Contradiction with Genesis 20:9

This verse shows Abimelech directly confronting Abraham about the deceit regarding Sarah, contrasting with Genesis 20:8 where Abimelech only informs his servants about the dream and his fear.

Genesis 20:9: Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Contradiction with Genesis 12:18-19

These verses recount a similar story where Pharaoh confronts Abram about Sarai, in contrast to Genesis 20:8 where it is Abimelech dealing with Abraham and Sarah with a sense of fear and urgency, highlighting differing reactions in similar situations.

Genesis 12:18-19: And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What [is] this [that] thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she [was] thy wife?

Contradiction with Genesis 12:13

Abram asks Sarai to say she is his sister, which contradicts Genesis 20:8 in terms of Abimelech’s response to being misled, as there’s no mention of reprimand towards Abram in Genesis 20:8, highlighting different interpersonal dynamics compared to Pharaoh’s rebuke.

Genesis 12:13: Say, I pray thee, thou [art] my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

Contradiction with Genesis 26:9

Isaac is confronted for lying about Rebekah similarly to Abraham in Genesis 20:8, but Genesis 26:9 emphasizes Abimelech’s reproach directly to Isaac, which highlights the missing direct confrontation in Genesis 20:8.

Genesis 26:9: And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she [is] thy wife: and how saidst thou, She [is] my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.

Contradiction with Genesis 20:7

God instructs Abimelech to return Sarah before Genesis 20:8's reaction, showing divine command preceding human response, whereas Genesis 20:8 focuses on immediate human fear and action without mentioning divine instruction.

Genesis 20:7: Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.
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