Genesis 4:19 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, who is the author of Genesis, this verse tells us about a man named Lamech who had two wives, one named Adah and the other named Zillah. It shows how people were starting to change from how God first planned things with just one man and one woman as a family.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:4-6

These verses emphasize that from the beginning, marriage was intended to be between one man and one woman, contradicting the practice of polygamy seen in Genesis 4:19.

Matthew 19:4-6: And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 3:2

This verse instructs that a bishop (or overseer) should be the husband of one wife, contradicting the polygamy seen in Genesis 4:19.

1 Timothy 3:2: A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [of good...: or, modest]

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 3:12

Similar to 1 Timothy 3:2, this verse states that deacons should be the husbands of one wife, opposing the polygamous marriage described in Genesis 4:19.

1 Timothy 3:12: Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Contradiction with Titus 1:6

This verse repeats the standard for church leaders to have only one wife, contradicting the practice of polygamy mentioned in Genesis 4:19.

Titus 1:6: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

Paradox #1

Genesis 4:19 mentions polygamy, as Lamech takes two wives. This could be seen as a contradiction or inconsistency because elsewhere in the Bible, such as in Genesis 2:24 and other passages, monogamy is presented as the ideal marital structure. This might create a theological debate about what the Bible endorses regarding marriage.

Paradox #2

Genesis 4:19 mentions Lamech having two wives. This could create contradictions or conflicts with later biblical teachings and passages that promote monogamy or have different views on marriage. Some people see this as contradictory to the idea that monogamy is the ideal or only acceptable form of marriage in the Bible.

Paradox #3

Genesis 4:19 might show a moral inconsistency or conflict because it describes a figure taking more than one wife. This could be seen as conflicting with later biblical teachings that often promote monogamy, or with certain interpretations that see marriage as a union between only two people.