Thematic Bible
Genesis 20:1 (show verse)
Abraham traveled from there to the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was living in Gerar as an outsider,
Genesis 20:2 (show verse)
because Abraham kept saying about his wife Sarah, "She is my sister," King Abimelech of Gerar summoned them and took Sarah into his household.
Genesis 20:3 (show verse)
But God came to Abimelech in a dream during the night and spoke to him, "Pay attention! You're about to die, because the woman you have taken is a man's wife!"
Genesis 20:4 (show verse)
Now Abimelech had not yet come near her, so he asked, "LORD, will you destroy an innocent nation?
Genesis 20:5 (show verse)
Didn't he say to me, "She's my sister'? And she also said, "He's my brother.' I did this with pure intentions and clean hands."
Genesis 20:6 (show verse)
Then God replied to him in the dream, "I know that you did this with pure intentions, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore, I didn't allow you to touch her.
Genesis 20:7 (show verse)
Now then, return the man's wife. As a matter of fact, he's a prophet and can intercede for you so you'll live. But if you don't return her, be aware that you and all who are yours will certainly die."
Genesis 20:8 (show verse)
So Abimelech got up early the next morning, summoned all his servants, and told them all these things. The men became terrified.
Genesis 20:9 (show verse)
Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such great sin against me and my kingdom? You've done things to me that ought not to have been done."
Genesis 20:10 (show verse)
Abimelech also asked Abraham, "What could you have been thinking when you did this?"
Genesis 20:11 (show verse)
"I thought that there's no fear of God in this place," Abraham replied, "and that they would kill me because of my wife.
Genesis 20:12 (show verse)
Besides, she really is my sister she's my father's daughter, but not my mother's daughter so she could become my wife.
Genesis 20:13 (show verse)
When God caused me to journey from my father's house, I asked her to do me this favor and say, "He's my brother.'"
Genesis 20:14 (show verse)
So Abimelech took some sheep and oxen, and some male and female servants, gave them to Abraham, returned his wife Sarah to him,
Genesis 20:15 (show verse)
and said, "Look! My land is available to you, so settle wherever you please."
Genesis 20:16 (show verse)
Abimelech also told Sarah, "Look! I am giving your brother 1,000 pieces of silver to vindicate you in the eyes of all who are with you. As a result, you will be completely vindicated."
Genesis 20:17 (show verse)
Then Abraham interceded with God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants so they could bear children,
Genesis 20:18 (show verse)
since the LORD had made all the women barren in Abimelech's household on account of Abraham's wife Sarah.