Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 32:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 32:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 32:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, Jacob is sending a message to his brother Esau to let him know he has been living with a man named Laban for a long time. Jacob is being polite and wants to show respect to Esau by calling himself a servant.

Genesis 32:4: And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:

Contradiction with Genesis 27:41

This verse highlights Esau’s intention to kill Jacob, suggesting hostility between them, which contrasts with Jacob's action of sending a message, presumably seeking peace.

Genesis 27:41: And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

Contradiction with Genesis 33:4

This verse depicts Esau running to meet Jacob and embracing him, suggesting reconciliation that contradicts any ongoing fear implied in sending messengers with caution.

Genesis 33:4: And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

Contradiction with Genesis 32:11

In this verse, Jacob prays for deliverance from Esau, contradicting the apparent confidence shown in sending messages ahead.

Genesis 32:11: Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children. [with: Heb. upon]

Contradiction with Genesis 27:42

This verse describes Rebecca warning Jacob of Esau's desire to kill him, contradicting the notion that Jacob would feel safe enough to initiate contact.

Genesis 27:42: And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, [purposing] to kill thee.

Contradiction with Genesis 33:10

Jacob’s statement to Esau that seeing his face is like seeing the face of God contrasts with the fear of confrontation implied in sending messengers.

Genesis 33:10: And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
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