Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 38:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 38:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 38:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, who is thought to have written this book, a man was looking for a woman he thought was a harlot (a woman who behaves in a way that some people might think is not good) by the road, but the people there said she wasn't there. This part of the story helps show how people in the Bible faced tricky situations and made mistakes.

Genesis 38:21: Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where [is] the harlot, that [was] openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this [place]. [openly: or, in Enajim]

Contradiction with Genesis 19:32

This verse discusses Lot's daughters committing incest, a different type of sexual immorality, whereas Genesis 38:21 refers to prostitution.

Genesis 19:32: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Contradiction with Leviticus 19:29

This verse instructs against making daughters prostitutes, whereas Genesis 38:21 mentions Judah inquiring about prostitution.

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]

Contradiction with Proverbs 6:32

This verse condemns adultery, while Genesis 38:21 addresses seeking a prostitute, highlighting different sexual sins.

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 Exodus 20:14

This verse forbids adultery, contrasting the acceptance of prostitution implied in Genesis 38:21.

Exodus 20:14: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:28

Jesus speaks against lustful thoughts as adultery, showing higher moral standards compared to the actions in Genesis 38:21.

Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in Genesis 38:21 could stem from the attitudes towards sexual morality and the judgment of women based on their perceived sexual behaviors. The verse is part of the larger story of Tamar, which involves themes of deception, justice, and cultural norms about marriage and relationships. The potential conflict arises from differing interpretations of what is considered morally right or wrong in the actions of the characters involved.

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