FocusCalling, covenant, and descendants
Connection to the wholeThe narrative concentrates on God's promises to Abraham, the birth of Isaac, and the continuation of the family through whom the earlier promise is carried forward.
interpretation Genesis 20:11
KJVAnd Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
Read it in context
Abraham and Abimelech
Start reading at Genesis 20:1 (Genesis 20:1 to Genesis 20:18).
The entire chapter forms a cohesive narrative unit detailing Abraham's encounter with Abimelech.
- 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
- 20:2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
- 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
- 20:4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
- 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
- 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
- 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
- 20:8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.
- 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
- 20:10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
- 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
- 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.
- 20:13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
- 20:14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
- 20:15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
- 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
- 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
- 20:18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional Jewish and Christian author of Genesis as part of the Pentateuch. Genesis itself does not explicitly identify its writer. Biblical references: John 5:46; Mark 12:26. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Genesis 20:1–20:18): Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech are the principal participants; God warns Abimelech in a dream concerning Sarah. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel, the covenant people descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were the first community for whom this account of their origins was preserved. An exact first circulation date or named recipient is not established. Biblical references: Genesis 12:1; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 35:10. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is Abraham's deception of Abimelech concerning Sarah, driven by Abraham's fear that he would be killed for his wife's sake. God intervenes to protect Sarah and Abimelech from sin, revealing His faithfulness to His covenant and His people.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His active involvement in human affairs, His protection of His covenant people and the lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled, and His intervention to prevent sin even when His chosen ones falter. He also reveals His power over life and fertility by closing and opening wombs.
- What is the literary style? The literary style of this passage is narrative history.
When
- When was it written? The book of Genesis was written between approximately 1440 and 1400 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The event takes place during Abraham's life, after he journeyed from Mamre toward the south country and sojourned in Gerar. The events of Genesis span from Creation to the death of Joseph. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened in Gerar, a place located between Kadesh and Shur. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Moses, was located in the Wilderness of Sinai when the book of Genesis was written. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Abraham and Abimelech (Genesis 20:1 to Genesis 20:18). Start reading at Genesis 20:1. The entire chapter forms a cohesive narrative unit detailing Abraham's encounter with Abimelech.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage is the second account of Abraham presenting Sarah as his sister due to fear (the first being in Genesis 12:10-20), highlighting a recurring struggle in Abraham's faith. It also foreshadows a similar event involving Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 26. It demonstrates God's consistent protection of the covenant line through which the promised seed would come, despite the failings of His chosen people. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? This passage points to Christ by demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people falter. God actively intervenes to protect Sarah, through whom the promised seed (Christ) would ultimately come, ensuring the lineage remains pure and the divine plan for redemption progresses. It shows God's righteous judgment against sin and His mercy in warning and healing. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds believers that fear can lead to deception and sin, even among those who know God. It underscores the importance of trusting God's protection and providence rather than resorting to human schemes. It also shows that God is sovereign and can intervene to prevent sin and protect His purposes, even when His people make mistakes, calling us to a greater fear of God than of man. interpretation
Cited: Genesis 20:1, Genesis 20:2, Genesis 20:3, Genesis 20:4, Genesis 20:5, Genesis 20:6, Genesis 20:7, Genesis 20:8, Genesis 20:9, Genesis 20:10, Genesis 20:11, Genesis 20:12, Genesis 20:13, Genesis 20:14, Genesis 20:15, Genesis 20:16, Genesis 20:17, Genesis 20:18, Genesis 12:10-20, Genesis 26:7
Who wrote it, and how we know
Moses (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Elsewhere Scripture attributes the Law to Moses, and Jesus calls it the book of Moses.
Exodus 17:14Joshua 8:31Mark 12:26John 5:46
Early traditionJewish tradition (Talmud, Baba Bathra 14b) and the early church assign the first five books to Moses.
What is debatedSome scholars propose several later sources behind the Pentateuch. A few notes appear to be written after Moses, such as the list of kings in Genesis 36:31.
Related passages
- Surely Gen 22:12 Gen 42:18 Neh 5:15 Job 1:1 Job 28:28 Ps 14:4 Ps 36:1-4 Prov 1:7
- slay Gen 12:12 Gen 26:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Genesis 20
Genesis introduces creation, the nations, and the ancestral family of Israel. It does not name a recipient or give a composition date. Read the promises to named people in their narrated settings before applying them to later readers. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Genesis 1:1 Genesis 12:1 Genesis 50:24
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Genesis
Genesis introduces creation, the nations, and the ancestral family of Israel. It does not name a recipient or give a composition date. Read the promises to named people in their narrated settings before applying them to later readers.
Genesis 1:1 Genesis 12:1 Genesis 50:24
Creation and the nations
Genesis 1:1–11:26FocusBeginnings, rebellion, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes God as Creator, describes human rebellion and its consequences, and traces the nations before narrowing the account to Abram's family.
interpretation FocusCalling, covenant, and descendants
Connection to the wholeThe narrative concentrates on God's promises to Abraham, the birth of Isaac, and the continuation of the family through whom the earlier promise is carried forward.
interpretation Isaac, Jacob, and Esau
Genesis 25:19–36:43FocusThe promise through a divided family
Connection to the wholeFamily rivalry, journeys, marriages, and reconciliation develop the promised line while also recording the related family of Esau.
interpretation Joseph and the descent into Egypt
Genesis 37:1–50:26FocusPreservation through suffering
Connection to the wholeJoseph's experiences lead to the preservation of Jacob's family in Egypt. The book closes with confidence about a future return, preparing the setting of Exodus.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.