Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 4:5

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 4:5 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 4:5. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, God was not pleased with Cain's gift, and this made Cain very angry and sad. Christians might say that this teaches us how important it is to give our best with a good heart.

Genesis 4:5: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:29

The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous, suggesting that rejection is due to wickedness, while Genesis 4:5 does not explicitly state Cain's offering was wicked.

Proverbs 15:29: The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Contradiction with Romans 2:11

For there is no respect of persons with God, indicating God's impartial treatment, while Genesis 4:5 seems to show favoritism towards Abel.

Romans 2:11: For there is no respect of persons with God.

Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35

God shows no partiality, but accepts those who fear Him and do what is right, contrasting with Genesis 4:5 where Abel’s offering is accepted over Cain’s without explicit reason.

Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Contradiction with James 2:1

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons, advising against showing favoritism, while Genesis 4:5 suggests God favored Abel's offering.

James 2:1: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

The Lord looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance, but Genesis 4:5 records God's acceptance based on the offering, not the giver's heart.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Paradox #1

Genesis 4:5 describes how God favored Abel's offering over Cain's, which led to Cain becoming very angry and eventually committing murder. The contradiction here could be the idea of divine favoritism. It raises questions about fairness and why one offering was preferred over another, possibly suggesting that actions are not always rewarded based on merit alone. This might seem unfair to Cain, leading to feelings of injustice.

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