Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 6:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 6:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 6:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God was going to send a big flood over the whole earth to wash away everything that was alive because people were being very bad. He wanted Noah to know this so Noah could get ready and keep some people and animals safe.

Genesis 6:17: And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.

Contradiction with Genesis 9:11

This verse establishes God's covenant that He will never again flood the earth to destroy all flesh, contradicting Genesis 6:17 where God announces He will do precisely that.

Genesis 9:11: And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

Contradiction with Isaiah 54:9

God refers to the waters of Noah as a promise that He would not flood the earth again, contradicting the act stated in Genesis 6:17.

Isaiah 54:9: For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:6-7

It speaks of the earth being reserved for fire instead of water for the day of judgment, emphasizing a different method of destruction contrasted with the flood in Genesis 6:17.

2 Peter 3:6-7: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

Contradiction with Genesis 8:21

God states He will not curse the ground again or smite every living thing as He had done, in contrast to the plan of destruction mentioned in Genesis 6:17.

Genesis 8:21: And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction] [for the imagination: or, through the imagination]

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction is the idea of a loving and merciful God deciding to destroy almost all life. This can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible where God is described as forgiving and compassionate.

Paradox #2

There might be a contradiction or inconsistency because the account of a global flood in this verse conflicts with geological and historical evidence that suggests such a flood did not occur. Additionally, flood stories from different cultures have variations, which raises questions about the singularity of this event as described.

Paradox #3

The conflict with scientific understanding in Genesis 6:17 arises from the account of a worldwide flood. Scientifically, there is no evidence to support a global flood that covered the entire earth. Geological records, ice cores, and fossil layers do not align with the concept of a single event flooding the entire planet. Instead, evidence suggests that while there have been large regional floods throughout history, a planet-wide flood as described is not supported by current scientific data.

Paradox #4

The contradiction in Genesis 6:17 could be seen as the conflict between the idea of a loving and just God and the act of destroying almost all life on Earth with a flood. Some might see it as inconsistent for a benevolent deity to punish so broadly, affecting innocent creatures alongside the guilty.

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