If the Bible is read out of context there are probably numerous contradictions.

If the Bible is read as it should be, as any piece of literature should be read, in context, there are none.

Genesis 1;25-27, Humans were created after the animals.

Genesis 2:18-19, Humans were created before the Animals.

Genesis 1:27, Man and woman was created at the same time.

Genesis 2;18-22, Man was created first then the woman.

Firstly, it needs to be understood that there are not two creation accounts but two 'parts' to the one account. The reason for this assertion will be explained below.

This is a common ancient practice, as evidenced in other ancient literature, to write one main account and then to write a second part or section which expanded on the first or some aspect of it. This is precisely what we have in the creation account which spans Genesis 1 and 2. It is archaeology, with its growing evidence of ancient literature which has furnished examples which highlight this ancient literary device.

Secondly, in relation to the two parts of the one account the divisions are these. The first part of the account is generally chronological in that it gives a summary of the total creation over the period of the six days into the seventh day of rest. This account proceeds from Genesis 1:1 to 2:4a.

The second part of the one account begins at 2:4a and deals specifically with the creation of man. It is non-chronological, which is why some people see a non-existent contradiction between the two parts. Understanding the different emphasis removes this misunderstanding.

So, in relation to the timing of the creation of man and the animals the account has this to say. Man was created before the animals as indicated by the chronology in Genesis 1. The reference in the latter part has nothing whatsoever to do with chronology and so is not at all stating that man was made before the animals. Man is the focus of the account and God brought the animals to man, the very animals He had previously created. There is no reference to chronology in Genesis 2 (at least in the issue of man and animal creation) and so no judgment can be made that animals were made after man. What is being described is the action of man realizing the animals were not suitable as a help 'meet' for him.

Similarly, there is no contradiction about the creation of man and woman. The reference in Genesis 1 is to do with the creation of man as male and female over against the rest of the creation. Man (as male and female) was created last. There is no detail given about the specific creation of man and woman and so no judgment can be made that they were 'made at the same time', except to conclude that they were certainly both made after the animals. The focus of Genesis 2:4a onwards is man and his creation and it is thus this section which makes it quite clear that man was made before woman.

Summary:

The simple reason there appears to be two creation accounts is that this is an ancient literary usage. This usage takes a general overview and then later takes a particular part and expands upon it. There are thus not two accounts but different parts of the one account. Nor are there any contradictions between the two parts of the one account rightly understood.

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