Contradiction with Genesis 3:9
God calls out to Adam asking where he is, while in Genesis 4:9, God asks Cain about his brother's whereabouts suggesting a shift from direct to indirect inquiry.
Genesis 3:9: And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou?
Contradiction with Psalm 139:7-8
These verses affirm God's omnipresence and omniscience, contradicting Genesis 4:9 where God seemingly needs to ask Cain about Abel's location.
Psalm 139:7-8: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Contradiction with John 21:17
This verse where Peter acknowledges that Jesus knows everything contrasts with Genesis 4:9, where God questions Cain about Abel's whereabouts, suggesting limited knowledge.
John 21:17: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Contradiction with Proverbs 15:3
This verse states that the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, witnessing both evil and good, contradicting the implication in Genesis 4:9 of God needing to inquire about Abel.
Proverbs 15:3: The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Paradox #1
Genesis 4:9 features Cain's response to God's question about Abel, where Cain responds, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" This could raise a contradiction regarding individual responsibility versus communal responsibility. On one hand, many biblical teachings emphasize caring for others and being responsible for fellow humans. On the other hand, Cain's rhetorical question suggests detachment and lack of responsibility for his brother. This contrast could be seen as inconsistent with the broader scriptural theme of communal care and responsibility.
Paradox #2
There is a perceived inconsistency regarding the idea of individual responsibility and knowledge of wrongdoing. In Genesis 4:9, the implied question might challenge why God asks about Abel's whereabouts if God is all-knowing. This raises questions on the interaction between divine omniscience and human free will.
Paradox #3
Genesis 4:9 could show a contradiction because it involves personal responsibility and accountability. Cain denies knowing about his brother Abel's whereabouts, raising issues about the responsibility humans have for one another and the moral duty to be honest and care for others. This conflict arises between individual freedom and communal responsibility.