Contradiction with Leviticus 18:15
This verse forbids sexual relations with a daughter-in-law, which contradicts Judah's actions in Genesis 38:16.
Leviticus 18:15: Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she [is] thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 23:17
Prohibits prostitution among the daughters of Israel, conflicting with the act of hiring a prostitute in Genesis 38:16.
Deuteronomy 23:17: There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. [whore: or, sodomitess]
Contradiction with Proverbs 5:3-5
Warns against engaging with immoral women, contrasting Judah's encounter with Tamar, whom he thought was a prostitute.
Proverbs 5:3-5: For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil: [mouth: Heb. palate]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:18
Instructs to flee sexual immorality, opposing the behavior exhibited in Genesis 38:16.
1 Corinthians 6:18: 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
States that marriage should be honored and the marriage bed kept pure, which Judah's actions in Genesis 38:16 contradict.
Hebrews 13:4: Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Paradox #1
Genesis 38:16 may raise questions about moral behavior and leadership. The story involves a morally questionable act by Judah, one of the patriarchs, which can be seen as inconsistent with the ethical and righteous standards often associated with key biblical figures. This could lead to discussions about the complexities of biblical characters and the interplay between human flaws and divine plans.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict in Genesis 38:16 could be related to moral and ethical standards. In the story, actions are taken that may seem to contradict typical biblical teachings on morality, sexual conduct, and family dynamics. This could raise questions about the consistency of moral teachings in different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
Genesis 38:16 could be seen as having a contradiction because it involves a situation where actions and intentions may clash with societal and religious norms about family, honor, and sexual conduct. It presents a conflict between personal desires and ethical standards.