Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 45:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 45:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 45:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, Joseph's brothers were scared when he told them who he was because they didn't expect to see him as an important man in Egypt. Joseph asked about their father to show he still cared for his family.

Genesis 45:3: And Joseph said unto his brethren, I [am] Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. [troubled: or, terrified]

Contradiction with Genesis 37:11

Joseph's brothers envied him, which contrasts with their later unity and fear in Genesis 45:3 upon Joseph revealing his identity.

Genesis 37:11: And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Contradiction with Genesis 37:28

Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, contradicting the later revelation and forgiveness seen in Genesis 45:3.

Genesis 37:28: Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Contradiction with Genesis 37:4

Joseph's brothers could not speak peaceably to him, contrasting the later remorse and fear upon recognizing him in Genesis 45:3.

Genesis 37:4: And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Contradiction with Genesis 45:5

Explains that God sent Joseph to Egypt to preserve life, juxtaposing the brothers' initial harmful intentions in Genesis 45:3.

Genesis 45:5: Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. [nor...: Heb. neither let there be anger in your eyes]

Contradiction with Psalm 105:19-20

Speaks of Joseph being set free and made lord over Pharaoh’s house, contrasting the brothers’ earlier betrayal before Genesis 45:3.

Psalm 105:19-20: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

Contradiction with Acts 7:9

Reaffirms that the patriarchs were moved with envy and sold Joseph into Egypt; contrasts with the later emotional reconciliation in Genesis 45:3.

Acts 7:9: And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Contradiction with Genesis 50:20

Joseph acknowledges God's purpose in their actions; contradicting the initial harmful intent suggested by Genesis 45:3.

Genesis 50:20: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:15

Warns against unforgiveness, which contrasts with Joseph's act of forgiveness implied by his revelation in Genesis 45:3.

Matthew 6:15: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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