Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 26:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 26:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 26:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Isaac was scared and told a lie by saying his wife was his sister because he thought people might hurt him to take her away. But King Abimelech found out the truth and asked Isaac why he had lied.

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 Exodus 20:16

Whereas Genesis 26:9 involves Isaac misleading Abimelech by saying Rebekah is his sister, Exodus 20:16 commands not to bear false witness, thus contradicting any act of deceit.

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

Contradiction with Colossians 3:9

This verse instructs believers not to lie to one another, contradicting the deception Isaac used in Genesis 26:9.

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

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22

Proverbs 12:22 states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, contradicting Isaac's lie in Genesis 26:9.

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

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:25

Ephesians 4:25 urges speaking truth with neighbors, contrasting Isaac's deceitful statement to Abimelech.

Ephesians 4:25: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:10

This verse suggests that one should refrain from speaking deceit, opposing the lie told by Isaac about Rebekah.

1 Peter 3:10: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Paradox #1

Genesis 26:9 involves a story about Isaac and Abimelech that is similar to previous stories about Abraham and Sarah. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the repetition of this narrative with different characters but similar circumstances, which might lead some to question the historical accuracy or whether these are separate events or a retelling of the same story.

Paradox #2

The moral conflict in Genesis 26:9 arises from Isaac telling a lie to protect himself, just as his father Abraham did in earlier texts. This raises questions about honesty and whether it's justified to deceive others to avoid danger. It's a contradiction because lying is generally considered wrong, yet the Bible sometimes shows its heroes doing so for survival.

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