Contradiction with Genesis 8:16-17
Indicates that Noah and every living thing with him should exit the ark and multiply, contradicting the total destruction stated in Genesis 7:23.
Genesis 8:16-17: Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.
Contradiction with Genesis 9:1
God blesses Noah and his sons, and tells them to multiply and fill the earth, suggesting continuity of life contrary to the complete extinction in Genesis 7:23.
Genesis 9:1: And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
Contradiction with Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man to the days of Noah, implying a second chance or warning rather than complete annihilation.
Matthew 24:37-39: But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:9
God states that just as He swore the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, He will no longer be angry, suggesting a past cessation of total destruction.
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 Psalm 104:29-30
Speaks to God's renewal of life and the earth's creatures, contrasting with the absolute destruction in Genesis 7:23.
Psalm 104:29-30: Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Paradox #1
Some people think there's a contradiction in how the Bible describes who or what survived the flood. In Genesis 7:23, it says that only Noah and those with him in the ark were left. However, other parts of the Bible mention different people or beings that seem to have survived or existed after the flood. This can lead to confusion about whether only those on the ark survived.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction between Genesis 7:23 and the idea of a loving and merciful God. The verse talks about widespread destruction, which can seem at odds with God's love and mercy. People might wonder how a caring God could allow such devastation. However, others interpret this as a demonstration of justice or a necessary reset for humanity.
Paradox #3
Genesis 7:23 might be seen as inconsistent with historical and scientific evidence regarding global floods. There's no geological or archaeological proof of a worldwide flood that wiped out all land life except those on an ark, as described in this account. Many cultures have flood myths, but they likely refer to local or regional events rather than a single global flood. Additionally, the logistics of housing all animal species on one ark pose significant practical challenges.
Paradox #4
The story suggests that a global flood wiped out all living things except those on the ark. Scientific evidence does not support a global flood occurring within the last several thousand years, as geological, biological, and anthropological records show continuous development without a mass extinction event of that scale.
Paradox #5
Genesis 7:23 describes how all living beings on Earth were wiped out except for those with Noah on the ark. A contradiction or conflict could be the idea of a loving and merciful God choosing to destroy nearly all life. This can seem inconsistent with the belief in a compassionate deity who values each creature.