Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
God commands humans to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," which contrasts with Onan's avoidance of procreation in Genesis 38:9.
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 Psalm 127:3
Children are described as a "heritage of the Lord," contradictory to Onan's actions in denying procreation.
Psalm 127:3: Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.
Contradiction with Malachi 2:15
Emphasizes faithfulness and the importance of seeking "a godly seed," which Onan disregards by not fulfilling his duty to his brother's lineage.
Malachi 2:15: And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. [residue: or, excellency] [godly...: Heb. seed of God] [treacherously: or, unfaithfully]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Encourages mutual fulfillment of conjugal duties in marriage, whereas Onan avoided fulfilling his brotherly duty.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5: Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
Contradiction with Genesis 9:7
Reiterates the command to "be fruitful and multiply," conflicting with Onan's deliberate action to prevent offspring.
Genesis 9:7: And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 5:8
Stresses the importance of providing for one's own family, which Onan failed to do by denying offspring for his brother’s family.
1 Timothy 5:8: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. [house: or, kindred]
Paradox #1
The main theological conflict related to Genesis 38:9 involves the concept of disobedience and divine punishment. Some interpret the actions described as a failure to fulfill a familial and societal duty, which leads to punishment by God. This raises questions about free will, divine justice, and the severity of punishment for specific actions. It can also spark debate about interpreting literal versus moral lessons in scripture.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal inconsistency with Genesis 38:9 could relate to differing interpretations about human responsibility and divine will. Some might see conflict regarding personal actions versus predetermined plans. However, interpretations vary, and this is highly dependent on theological perspectives.
Paradox #3
This verse has been discussed in terms of moral and ethical questions about duties and responsibilities in family relationships, sometimes called levirate marriage. The actions described might seem inconsistent with other parts of religious or cultural laws and expectations about family obligations and succession. Some people see a conflict between individual choice and traditional duties.
Paradox #4
Genesis 38:9 can present a moral conflict because it involves Onan's actions, which can be seen as disobedient to his cultural and familial duties at the time. This can lead to a discussion about the responsibility to fulfill family obligations versus personal choice and consent. Additionally, it raises questions about the consequences imposed for not fulfilling those duties and how they align with modern views on justice and consent.