Contradiction with Exodus 20:15
This verse commands not to steal, which contradicts Jacob's claim of innocence in Genesis 31:32 since the presence of stolen gods would imply theft.
Exodus 20:15: Thou shalt not steal.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:11
This verse instructs against stealing and lying, contradicting Jacob's unwitting pronouncement of innocence regarding the stolen items.
Leviticus 19:11: Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Contradiction with Joshua 7:11
This verse speaks of Israel sinning by taking accursed things, similar to the situation with the stolen gods in Jacob's camp.
Joshua 7:11: Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff.
Contradiction with Romans 2:21
This verse questions those who teach against stealing yet commit theft themselves, highlighting the contradiction if Jacob unknowingly harbors a thief.
Romans 2:21: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
Contradiction with Malachi 3:8
This verse questions robbing God, paralleling robbing Laban of his gods and contradicting Jacob’s assertion of no wrongdoing.
Malachi 3:8: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Paradox #1
Genesis 31:32 involves a situation where someone denies having taken idols, declaring that whoever has them should die. Later, it is revealed that his own family member had taken them. The contradiction or inconsistency may arise from the initial denial and the harshness of the unintended curse, which is inconsistent with the protection and value usually placed on one's family. This can suggest a moral or ethical conflict within the narrative.
Paradox #2
Genesis 31:32 could have a doctrinal inconsistency related to the concept of awareness and responsibility. The verse implies that the speaker is unaware of a wrongdoing (the possession of stolen idols) and assumes innocence based on that lack of knowledge. This could conflict with other biblical teachings that suggest people are still responsible for actions taken by those under their care or within their family, regardless of their personal knowledge.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Genesis 31:32 could lie in the issue of honesty and unsuspected wrongdoing. The verse involves a situation where someone is unknowingly accused of possessing stolen items, despite being unaware of their existence. This brings up the conflict between truth and ignorance, as an innocent person may be unjustly punished due to circumstances beyond their control.