Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 38:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 38:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 38:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, Tamar took off her special clothes for widows, put on a veil to hide herself, and sat by the road because she noticed that Shelah was grown up but she wasn't allowed to marry him. She was trying to find a way to have a family as she was promised.

Genesis 38:14: And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which [is] by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. [an open...: Heb. the door of eyes, or, of Enajim]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:14

Genesis 38:14 describes an event leading to an act of prostitution, while Exodus 20:14 commands, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," opposing such behavior.

Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Contradiction with Proverbs 6:27-29

These verses warn against engaging with a harlot, highlighting the dangers and consequences, contrasting with the act that Genesis 38:14 leads to.

Proverbs 6:27-29: Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Advises believers to flee from sexual immorality, asserting that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, contradicting the actions implied in Genesis 38:14.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Contradiction with Hebrews 13:4

Upholds marriage as honorable and the bed undefiled, while leaving the implication of sexual promiscuity in Genesis 38:14 as contradictory.

Hebrews 13:4: Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Contradiction with Leviticus 19:29

Warns against making daughters prostitutes, highlighting the immorality of the act that is the result of the event described in Genesis 38:14.

Leviticus 19:29: Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness. [prostitute: Heb. profane]

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Genesis 38:14 could be seen in the actions of Tamar. She disguises herself to achieve what she believes is her right, as Judah had not kept his promise about her marriage. This raises questions about whether it is acceptable to use deception to achieve justice or fulfill promises when others have acted unfairly.

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