Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 43:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 43:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 43:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Joseph was very happy to see his brother Benjamin with the other brothers, so he asked his main servant to prepare a special meal for them because they would eat together with him at lunchtime. Joseph wanted to be kind to his brothers and welcome them after a long time apart.

Genesis 43:16: And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon. [slay: Heb. kill a killing] [dine: Heb. eat]

Contradiction with Genesis 42:7

Joseph treats his brothers as strangers and speaks roughly to them, contrasting with his welcoming gesture in Genesis 43:16.

Genesis 42:7: And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. [roughly...: Heb. hard things with them]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, while Genesis 43:16 can be seen as a strategic hospitality rather than a pure act of love.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17

Advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, which contrasts with any possible underlying motives Joseph might have had in welcoming his brothers.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with Romans 12:20

Encourages feeding your enemy if he is hungry, aligning with the action but possibly not the intent as Joseph was testing his brothers in Genesis 43:16.

Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

Commands loving your enemies, which contrasts with Joseph’s plan of testing his brothers rather than showing unconditional love.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
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