Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 4:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 4:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 4:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, the story tells us that Cain wanted to give something special to God from the plants he grew. This shows that Cain was trying to show his love and respect for God by giving him a gift.

Genesis 4:3: And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. [in process...: Heb. at the end of days]

Contradiction with James 2:17

Genesis 4:3 describes an offering given by Cain, while James 2:17 highlights that faith without works is dead, suggesting actions accompanying faith, complicating the understanding of acceptable offerings.

James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]

Contradiction with Hebrews 11:4

Hebrews 11:4 states that Abel's offering was more excellent than Cain's, suggesting Cain's offering in Genesis 4:3 lacked faith or righteousness.

Hebrews 11:4: By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. [yet...: or, is yet spoken of]

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:27

Proverbs 21:27 indicates that the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, contrasting with Cain's offering in Genesis 4:3, implying it might not have been made with a pure heart.

Proverbs 21:27: The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind? [with...: Heb. in wickedness?]

Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13

Isaiah 1:13 criticizes meaningless offerings, which can be seen as a contradiction to the offering described in Genesis 4:3, if Cain's offering lacked sincerity.

Isaiah 1:13: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

1 Samuel 15:22 emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, challenging the value of Cain's offering in Genesis 4:3 if it wasn’t accompanied by obedience to God’s will.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Psalm 51:16-17

Psalm 51:16-17 values a contrite heart over burnt offerings, which might contradict Cain's offering in Genesis 4:3 if it was not made with the right heart attitude.

Psalm 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
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