Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
This verse talks about filling the earth, whereas Genesis 47:21 discusses centralizing people to cities.
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 Leviticus 25:23
This verse emphasizes that the land should not be sold permanently, contradicting the idea of acquiring land in Genesis 47:21.
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 19:14
Prohibits the removal of a neighbor's landmark, conflicting with land transactions in Genesis 47:21.
Deuteronomy 19:14: Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 21:3
Naboth's refusal to give his ancestral land contrasts with the land acquisition in Genesis 47:21.
1 Kings 21:3: And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 46:18
Warns that the prince shall not take people's inheritance, opposing the centralization seen in Genesis 47:21.
Ezekiel 46:18: Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.
Paradox #1
Genesis 47:21 could be seen as morally contradictory or inconsistent because it describes a situation where people are relocated and essentially lose their autonomy or freedom, which can be seen as conflicting with ideas of personal freedom and dignity. Such actions, viewed through a modern lens, might be questioned for being against ethical or human rights standards.
Paradox #2
Genesis 47:21 is sometimes seen as inconsistent because in some Bible versions, it states that Joseph moved the people to cities, while in others it says he made them servants. This difference can cause confusion about what exactly Joseph did during the famine in Egypt.