Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 2:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 2:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 2:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God told Adam and Eve not to eat from a special tree because it would make them learn about bad things and lead to dying. God wanted to protect them by giving this rule.

Genesis 2:17: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. [thou shalt surely...: Heb. dying thou shalt die]

Contradiction with Genesis 3:4

The serpent tells Eve, "Ye shall not surely die," contradicting God's warning in Genesis 2:17 that they would die if they ate from the tree.

Genesis 3:4: And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21

This states that if a wicked person turns from all their sins, they will not die, suggesting a different condition for avoiding death than that given in Genesis 2:17.

Ezekiel 18:21: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Contradiction with John 11:25-26

Jesus states that those who believe in Him will never die, which seems to offer another way to avoid death, contrasting with the command given in Genesis 2:17.

John 11:25-26: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Contradiction with Romans 6:23

This verse says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," introducing the concept of eternal life through belief, rather than the strict warning of death from a single act given in Genesis 2:17.

Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paradox #1

The perceived contradiction involves the warning about death and the fact that Adam and Eve continue to live physically after the event. Some interpret this as a spiritual death or separation from God rather than immediate physical death. This different understanding can lead to confusion or debate about the nature of "death" in this context.

Paradox #2

The potential contradiction might come from the fact that in this verse, it's said that eating from a specific tree will lead to certain and immediate death on that day. However, the person who eats doesn't die immediately but lives on for many years. This could seem inconsistent with the immediate punishment described.

Paradox #3

The contradiction often discussed regarding this verse is that it mentions a consequence ("you will surely die") that seems inconsistent with later events, as Adam and Eve do not die immediately after eating the forbidden fruit. This inconsistency has led to various interpretations and discussions about the nature of death mentioned in the passage, whether it is meant to be immediate, spiritual, or eventual physical death.

Paradox #4

Some people might see a contradiction in the idea that eating a fruit from a specific tree could lead to immediate death, as this doesn't align with our scientific understanding of how eating any kind of fruit affects a person physically. People may find it inconsistent because it suggests a direct physical consequence that doesn't match up with our knowledge of biology or nutrition.

Paradox #5

Some people see a conflict in that God warns Adam about death if he eats the forbidden fruit, yet Adam doesn’t die immediately after eating it. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of immediate consequences for disobedience.

Paradox #6

Genesis 2:17 suggests that after eating from the tree of knowledge, death would occur on that same day. However, in later chapters, Adam and Eve continue to live for many years. This can seem like a contradiction since the immediate consequence described doesn't happen.

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