Contradiction with Exodus 20:15
This verse contradicts Genesis 47:19 by stating "Thou shalt not steal," which contrasts with the act of selling oneself and one's lands for survival.
Exodus 20:15: Thou shalt not steal.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:7
While Genesis 47:19 involves selling themselves for sustenance, this verse advises against being hardhearted or tightfisted towards the poor, implying a call for charity instead.
Deuteronomy 15:7: If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:23
This verse suggests that the land should not be sold permanently because it is God's, contradicting the sale of land in Genesis 47:19.
Leviticus 25:23: The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me. [for ever: or, to be quite cut off: Heb. for cutting off]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 15:11
This verse emphasizes constantly opening one's hand to the poor, contrasting with the necessity for drastic measures such as those taken in Genesis 47:19.
Deuteronomy 15:11: For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Contradiction with Proverbs 22:2
This verse highlights the commonality before God of rich and poor, contrasting with the servitude described in Genesis 47:19 for survival.
Proverbs 22:2: The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:23
Advises believers against being "servants of men," which contradicts the voluntary subjection in Genesis 47:19.
1 Corinthians 7:23: Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Contradiction with Leviticus 25:39-40
This verse counsels that fellow Israelites should not be treated as slaves even when they are poor, which contradicts the acceptance of servitude in Genesis 47:19.
Leviticus 25:39-40: And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: [compel...: Heb. serve thyself with him with the service, etc]
Paradox #1
Genesis 47:19 might raise questions for some people regarding the ethics of Joseph's actions during the famine in Egypt. Some might see a contradiction between Joseph's role as a God-fearing leader and the oppressive economic measures he implements, as he buys land and people for Pharaoh in exchange for food. This can be seen as conflicting with other biblical principles of compassion and justice for the poor and vulnerable.
Paradox #2
Genesis 47:19 might raise questions about the historical accuracy of the events described, such as the specifics of land ownership and economic practices in ancient Egypt. Some historians and scholars debate whether the scenarios in the story align with what is known about Egyptian history during that period. However, since historical records from that era are incomplete, definitive conclusions are difficult.
Paradox #3
The verse might reflect a contradiction related to the ethics of economic desperation and exploitation. In this context, people are willing to give up their freedom and land in exchange for food. This raises questions about the fairness of exploiting those in extreme need, as it puts people in a vulnerable position where they must sacrifice their long-term freedom for short-term survival.