Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 35:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 35:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 35:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this story shows that Reuben did something wrong by being with his father's helper, Bilhah. Because of this, it reminds us that Reuben might not get all the special things he could have as the oldest son.

Genesis 35:22: And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Contradiction with Genesis 9:7

Genesis 9:7 mentions being fruitful and multiplying, while Genesis 35:22 involves sexual misconduct contrary to the sanctity implied in Genesis 9:7.

Genesis 9:7: And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:14

Exodus 20:14 explicitly commands, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which is contradicted by the act of Reuben with Bilhah in Genesis 35:22.

Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Contradiction with Leviticus 18:8

Leviticus 18:8 prohibits uncovering the nakedness of the father’s wife, directly contradicted by Reuben's actions with his father’s concubine in Genesis 35:22.

Leviticus 18:8: The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father's nakedness.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:20

Deuteronomy 27:20 pronounces a curse on one who lies with his father’s wife, contradicting Reuben's actions in Genesis 35:22.

Deuteronomy 27:20: Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:1

1 Corinthians 5:1 condemns a similar type of immorality among the Corinthians, presenting it as a grievous sin, which contradicts the behavior described in Genesis 35:22.

1 Corinthians 5:1: It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Paradox #1

Genesis 35:22 contains a story about Reuben, the son of Jacob, having an inappropriate relationship with Bilhah, his father's concubine. The potential contradiction here could be about the moral and ethical implications of his actions and the subsequent lack of immediate punishment or detailed response from God in this passage. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible where similar acts result in immediate divine retribution or strong moral lessons.

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