Contradiction with Genesis 3:17-19
While Genesis 2:15 suggests man was placed in the garden to tend and enjoy it, this verse states that due to sin, man's labor will become toilsome and burdensome.
Genesis 3:17-19: And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;
Contradiction with Genesis 3:23
This verse contradicts Genesis 2:15 as it describes man's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, whereas Genesis 2:15 describes man's placement in the garden to care for it.
Genesis 3:23: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
These verses suggest that labor is ultimately futile and full of sorrow, which contradicts the harmonious and purposeful work depicted in Genesis 2:15.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23: For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
Contradiction with Romans 8:20-21
These verses claim that creation was subjected to futility, differing from the concept of meaningful work in Genesis 2:15.
Romans 8:20-21: For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,
Paradox #1
Genesis 2:15 could be seen as having a potential inconsistency with the idea of a perfect paradise because it involves the concept of working and keeping the garden, which might seem contradictory to the idea of rest and leisure in paradise. Some might question why work tasks are necessary in an ideal setting. However, interpretations vary, and some view this as meaningful and purposeful activity rather than burdensome labor.
Paradox #2
Genesis 2:15 talks about God placing Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it. A potential inconsistency arises when comparing this with Genesis 3, which describes how the ground was cursed after Adam and Eve sinned, making it difficult to cultivate. The contradiction could be how work in the garden was initially a positive task, but later became burdensome due to the curse.
Paradox #3
Genesis 2:15 talks about humans taking care of the Garden of Eden. A contradiction or inconsistency might arise when considering this responsibility alongside later biblical teachings that emphasize God's control and guidance over the world. It could seem contradictory for humans to be given dominion over nature while also believing that everything is ultimately under God's will.