Contradiction with Genesis 20:12
Leviticus 20:17 condemns uncovering the nakedness of a sister, while Genesis 20:12 acknowledges Sarah as Abraham's sister-wife without condemnation.
Genesis 20:12: And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:22
While Leviticus 20:17 prescribes death as a penalty, Deuteronomy 27:22 prescribes a curse, showing a difference in consequences.
Deuteronomy 27:22: Cursed [be] he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 13:14-15
While Leviticus 20:17 condemns such relationships, this passage depicts a complex narrative where the consequences are more about hatred than prescribed law.
2 Samuel 13:14-15: Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 22:11
Highlights multiple sins, including incest, indicating societal condemnation rather than specific punishment described in Leviticus 20:17.
Ezekiel 22:11: And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter. [one: or, every one] [another: or, every one] [lewdly: or, by lewdness]
Contradiction with Leviticus 18:9
Lists similar prohibitions but focuses on avoiding uncovering nakedness without specifying penalties like in Leviticus 20:17.
Leviticus 18:9: The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, [whether she be] born at home, or born abroad, [even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.
Paradox #1
Leviticus 20:17 discusses a specific prohibition and punishment. A potential contradiction or inconsistency might arise when comparing it with messages of forgiveness and grace in the New Testament, such as those taught by Jesus about love and mercy, where punitive measures are sometimes replaced with calls for forgiveness and repentance. This could cause tension between adhering strictly to Old Testament laws and embracing New Testament teachings on compassion and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 20:17 deals with prohibitions against certain sexual relationships. A potential doctrinal conflict arises when compared to stories in the Bible where patriarchs had complex family ties that might seem contradictory to these laws, yet they were not condemned in the same way. This can lead to questions about the consistency in applying laws to different people at different times.
Paradox #3
Leviticus 20:17 deals with laws and punishments concerning family relations, particularly inappropriate relationships. A contradiction could be seen when comparing these strict laws to how relationships were sometimes depicted or tolerated in later historical periods of Israel or in surrounding cultures. This could show a conflict between strict legal codes and actual social practices or norms over time.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in this verse arises from the inconsistency between ancient laws and modern ethical standards. The verse imposes harsh consequences for actions related to family relationships, which might conflict with contemporary beliefs about compassion, autonomy, and justice. This creates a tension between following historical religious texts and applying current moral perspectives.