Contradiction with Exodus 22:12
This verse states that if an animal is stolen and the thief is not found, the keeper is not required to make restitution, which contradicts Genesis 31:39 where Jacob makes restitution for stolen animals.
Exodus 22:12: And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
Contradiction with Job 1:21
This verse emphasizes that everything taken away is God's will, contrasting with Jacob's sense of personal responsibility and restitution for losses.
Job 1:21: And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Contradiction with Leviticus 6:4-5
These verses outline restitution with a 20% penalty for deception or wrongdoing, which offers a different approach than Jacob's full restitution without additional penalty.
Leviticus 6:4-5: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
This verse advises against seeking retribution or insisting on personal justice, unlike Jacob's insistence on personal accountability for losses.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Genesis 31:39 could arise from the idea of Jacob taking responsibility for losses due to theft or animals being killed, which may conflict with other practices of the time where shepherds were not normally held accountable for such losses beyond their control. In many ancient cultures, shepherds were typically not liable for unavoidable losses, making Jacob's situation unusual or inconsistent with common practice.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could be seen in the expectation of fairness and responsibility. In the verse, someone is held accountable for losses not caused by their own negligence, which might conflict with modern ideas of fairness, where individuals are typically responsible only for their own actions. This could create a tension between the biblical expectation of accountability and contemporary views on justice and responsibility.