Keraia
Genesis 20

Genesis 20:13

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

Translations

Modern
So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
Traditional
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.
Literal
And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from the house of my father, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: In every place where we go there, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
Latin
Postquam autem eduxit me Deus de domo patris mei, dixi ad eam: Hanc misericordiam facies mecum: in omni loco, ad quem ingrediemur, dices quod frater tuus sim.

Original

Hebrew
English
So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

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 Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Sarah

Topics

Ignorance: Punishment of Sins of Abimelech Incest: Abraham Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Abraham Represents Her As his Sister, and Abimelech, King of Gerar, Takes Her Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie