Contradiction with Genesis 2:24
This verse emphasizes the bond between a man and his wife, whereas Genesis 38:11 involves withholding a marriage for fear of losing another son.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:5-6
This passage commands levirate marriage to preserve a family line, while Genesis 38:11 involves avoiding such a union.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6: If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. [her husband's...: or, her next kinsman]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:14
Advises younger widows to remarry, unlike Genesis 38:11, where Judah withholds a marriage to Tamar.
1 Timothy 5:14: I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [to speak...: Gr. for their railing]
Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
Encourages being fruitful and multiplying, contrary to Genesis 38:11, which delays Tamar's opportunity to bear children.
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]
Contradiction with Exodus 21:10
Speaks of a husband's duty to provide marriage rights, conflicting with Judah's decision to withhold Shelah from Tamar in Genesis 38:11.
Exodus 21:10: If he take him another [wife]; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:9
Suggests marriage is better than burning with passion, while Genesis 38:11 involves preventing marriage for fear of losing another son.
1 Corinthians 7:9: But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
Paradox #1
Genesis 38:11 could be seen as having a moral inconsistency because Judah tells Tamar to remain a widow and wait for his youngest son to grow up, but he does not intend to fulfill this promise. This shows a conflict between his words and his true intentions, highlighting a lack of honesty and integrity.