Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 21:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 21:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 21:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, who wrote the book of Genesis, this story shows how Abraham had to send Hagar and her son away with some food and water, even though it was hard for him. It teaches that sometimes God has a different plan for people, even when it means saying goodbye.

Genesis 21:14: And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

Contradiction with Genesis 22:2

God instructs Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, showing a different fate for Isaac than implied in Genesis 21:14.

Genesis 22:2: And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Contradiction with Galatians 4:30

The scripture advises casting out the bondwoman and her son, which contrasts with Abraham's provision for Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21:14.

Galatians 4:30: Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

Contradiction with Genesis 16:10

God promises Hagar that her offspring will be greatly multiplied, which seems to contradict the act of sending them away to an uncertain future in Genesis 21:14.

Genesis 16:10: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Contradiction with Genesis 17:19

God promises that His covenant will be established with Isaac, not Ishmael, in contrast to the care shown to Ishmael in Genesis 21:14.

Genesis 17:19: And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.

Contradiction with Genesis 21:12

God tells Abraham not to be distressed about Ishmael and that his offspring will be considered through Isaac, contrasting with the concern shown for Ishmael in Genesis 21:14.

Genesis 21:12: And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Genesis 21:14 could be viewed as the conflict between Abraham's actions and the values of compassion and responsibility. In this passage, Abraham sends Hagar and his son Ishmael away with limited provisions. This may seem inconsistent with the norms of caring for and protecting one's family, as Hagar and Ishmael are left in a potentially vulnerable situation.

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