Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 47:31

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 47:31 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 47:31. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, Israel, who is also called Jacob, really wanted his son Joseph to promise something important, so he asked Joseph to promise in a special way. After Joseph made the promise, Israel felt calm and thankful, so he leaned on his bed to rest.

Genesis 47:31: And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.

Contradiction with Genesis 50:7-9

This passage describes the elaborate preparations and large entourage for Jacob’s burial, which seems more grandeur than the simple bowing gesture implied in Genesis 47:31.

Genesis 50:7-9: And Joseph went up to bury his father: and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,

Contradiction with Exodus 20:12

This verse emphasizes honoring one's father and mother, suggesting a standing commandment rather than a one-time bowing promise as seen in Genesis 47:31.

Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Contradiction with Numbers 23:19

This passage states that God does not lie or repent, while Genesis 47:31 involves a human promise that could be broken or misunderstood.

Numbers 23:19: God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Contradiction with Matthew 5:37

Instructs letting your communication be 'Yea, yea' or 'Nay, nay,' contradicting the need for Joseph's oath to Jacob in Genesis 47:31.

Matthew 5:37: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Contradiction with James 5:12

Emphasizes not swearing oaths, contrasting with Jacob's insistence on Joseph's oath in Genesis 47:31.

James 5:12: But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Paradox #1

In some Bible translations, there is a discrepancy in Genesis 47:31 regarding whether Jacob "bowed" at the head of his bed or "leaned" on his staff. This inconsistency arises due to different interpretations and translations of the Hebrew text.

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