Contradictions and Paradoxes in Genesis 7:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Genesis 7:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Genesis 7:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Genesis, the floodwaters rose so high that they covered the tallest mountains. This means everything that was really high up was underwater.

Genesis 7:20: Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.

Contradiction with Genesis 7:19

States all the high hills were covered, but does not clarify the extent to which mountains were submerged beyond the hills.

Genesis 7:19: And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that [were] under the whole heaven, were covered.

Contradiction with Genesis 8:3

Indicates the waters receded gradually, which could imply the water levels might not have been as high simultaneously everywhere.

Genesis 8:3: And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. [continually: Heb. in going and returning]

Paradox #1

Genesis 7:20 mentions the depth of the floodwaters during the story of Noah's Ark. A potential contradiction arises when considering the details of the flood, such as its global versus local nature, and how it physically covered mountains. This can conflict with scientific understanding of geology and physics regarding water volume and mountain heights, leading to debates on whether the story should be interpreted literally or metaphorically.

Paradox #2

Some people find a contradiction in the account of the flood's depth. The verse suggests the floodwaters covered all the mountains by a significant amount, but critics argue this would require an impossible volume of water, and there's no geological evidence for a global flood.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in the verse could involve the depth of water covering the entire Earth. Scientifically, there is not enough water on Earth to cover all the mountains by such a height. Additionally, the rapid collection and drainage of such vast amounts of water would be inconsistent with our understanding of geology and physics.

Paradox #4

Genesis 7:20 might raise questions about the depth of the water covering the mountains during the flood, especially when compared to other descriptions or measurements mentioned elsewhere in the account. People might wonder about the logistics or feasibility of such water levels.

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