Keraia
Genesis 20

Genesis 20:12

Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech · Genesis 20:1–18
Read Genesis 20

Translations

Modern
Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And indeed she is also my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother. And she became my wife.
Latin
…alias autem et vere soror mea est, filia patris mei, et non filia matris meæ, et duxi eam in uxorem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife.

Notes

Genesis 20:11–13

Abraham's deceit was not just a brief loss of faith. Even after being scolded in Egypt, he used this strategy everywhere he traveled (compare 12:12–13). Living by faith requires perseverance.

Genesis 20:1–18

  • This second "sister story" in Genesis (compare 12:10–20) happened just before Sarah became pregnant with Isaac (chapter 21). In both instances, God protected Abraham and Sarah's marriage to keep it pure for the covenant promises. To be part of God's plan, his people must separate from worldly corruption.

  • This story happened in the promised land. It showed Israel how God intervened in people's lives to fulfill his plan. He protected them from threats from other tribes. He used his chosen people to mediate his relationship with other nations.

  • By preventing adultery from destroying Abraham's marriage, God reminded the Israelites not to marry those who would lead them away from the Lord (Ezra 9:1–4; Nehemiah 13:23–27; Malachi 2:10–17). They should not allow any chance for temptation. Adultery would eventually destroy the covenant and the people.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Sarah Symbolic Numbers The Plagues

Glossary

Abimelech Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Dreams Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Isaac Marriage, Marriage Customs Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Sarah

Topics

Cowardice: Abraham, in Calling his Wife his Sister Ignorance: Punishment of Sins of Abimelech Incest: Abraham Marriage: Contracted in Patriarchal Age with Near Relations Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Abraham Represents Her As his Sister, and Abimelech, King of Gerar, Takes Her Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Near of Kin to Abraham