Contradiction with Exodus 20:14
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." - Genesis 38:20 involves an act that can be interpreted as seeking out a prostitute, which is contrary to this commandment against adultery.
Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Contradiction with Proverbs 6:32
"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul." - This verse condemns the actions similar to those in Genesis 38:20, considering them as soul-destroying.
Proverbs 6:32: [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul. [understanding: Heb. heart]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:27-28
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." - The desire and actions implied in Genesis 38:20 contradict the warning against even lusting after a woman.
Matthew 5:27-28: Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:4
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." - Genesis 38:20 involves whoremongering, which is warned against in this verse.
Hebrews 13:4: Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Contradiction with 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." - The act in Genesis 38:20 contradicts the command to flee from fornication.
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.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Genesis 38:20 could stem from the action of fulfilling a promise through dubious means, reflecting issues of integrity and ethical behavior. The situation can highlight the conflict between following through on commitments versus the morality of the methods used to achieve that.