Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version for the LORD had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah. New Living Translation For the LORD had caused all the women to be infertile because of what happened with Abraham’s wife, Sarah. English Standard Version For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Berean Standard Bible for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household. King James Bible For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. New King James Version for the LORD had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. New American Standard Bible For the LORD had completely closed all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. NASB 1995 For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. NASB 1977 For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Legacy Standard Bible For Yahweh had utterly shut all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Amplified Bible for the LORD had securely closed the wombs of all [the women] in Abimelech’s household because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Christian Standard Bible for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Holman Christian Standard Bible for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. American Standard Version For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. English Revised Version For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. GOD'S WORD® Translation (The LORD had made it impossible for any woman in Abimelech's household to have children because of Abraham's wife Sarah.) International Standard Version since the LORD had made all the women barren in Abimelech's household on account of Abraham's wife Sarah. Majority Standard Bible for on account of Abraham?s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech?s household. NET Bible For the LORD had caused infertility to strike every woman in the household of Abimelech because he took Sarah, Abraham's wife. New Heart English Bible For God had made every woman infertile in the household of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Webster's Bible Translation For the LORD had made barren all the females of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. World English Bible For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor YHWH restraining had restrained every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Young's Literal Translation for Jehovah restraining had restrained every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Smith's Literal Translation For shutting up, Jehovah shut up without every womb to the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor the Lord had closed up every womb of the house of Abimelech on ac- count of Sara, Abraham's wife. Catholic Public Domain Version For the Lord had closed every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. New American Bible for the LORD had closed every womb in Abimelech’s household on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah. New Revised Standard Version For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor the LORD had fast closed up the wombs of all women in the household of Abimeleck because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because shutting, LORD JEHOVAH had shut every womb of the house of Abimelek publicly, because of Sara the wife of Abraham. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. Brenton Septuagint Translation Because the Lord had fast closed from without every womb in the house of Abimelech, because of Sarrha Abraam's wife. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech…17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children— 18for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household. Cross References Genesis 12:17 The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. Genesis 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. Genesis 30:2 Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” 1 Samuel 1:5-6 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. / Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. 1 Samuel 5:6-12 Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors. / And when the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay here with us, because His hand is heavy upon us and upon our god Dagon.” / So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and asked, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” “It must be moved to Gath,” they replied. So they carried away the ark of the God of Israel. ... 2 Samuel 6:23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. 2 Kings 4:14-17 So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” / “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. / And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” ... Psalm 113:9 He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! Isaiah 54:1 “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. Hosea 9:14 Give them, O LORD—what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up! Luke 1:7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:36-37 Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. / For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:57 When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. Acts 5:19-20 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” Acts 12:23 Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Treasury of Scripture For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. Genesis 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. Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife. Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Abimelech's Abraham's Barren Children Closed Fast Females House Household Kept Restrained Restraining Sarah Tight Wife Womb Wombs WomenJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Abimelech's Abraham's Barren Children Closed Fast Females House Household Kept Restrained Restraining Sarah Tight Wife Womb Wombs WomenGenesis 20 1. Abraham sojourns at Gerar.2. Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech. 3. Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream. 9. He rebukes Abraham. 14. Restores Sarah; 16. and reproves her. 17. Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer. for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah This phrase highlights the central role of Sarah in the narrative. Sarah, Abraham's wife, is a key figure in God's covenant with Abraham, as she is to be the mother of Isaac, the child of promise (Genesis 17:19). Her presence in Abimelech's household, due to Abraham's deception, creates a situation that threatens the fulfillment of God's promise. This incident underscores the importance of Sarah in God's plan and the lengths to which God will go to protect her. The protection of Sarah also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God who intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His power and authority over life and fertility. 2. Abimelech The king of Gerar, who unknowingly took Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. 3. Sarah Abraham's wife, whose presence in Abimelech's house led to divine intervention due to the potential threat to God's covenant promise. 4. Abraham The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented his relationship with Sarah, leading to the events in Gerar. 5. Gerar The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of Genesis 20 took place. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyThis passage underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs, including life and fertility. Believers can trust in His perfect will and timing. The Sanctity of Marriage The protection of Sarah's integrity highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes. Consequences of Deception Abraham's deception led to unintended consequences, reminding us of the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection. Divine Intervention God's intervention in closing and opening wombs shows His active role in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to rely on His faithfulness. Faith and Fear Abraham's actions were driven by fear rather than faith, teaching us to trust God even in uncertain situations.Verse 18. - For the Lord (Jehovah; vide supra on Ver. 3) had fast closed up all the wombs - i.e. prevented conception, or produced barrenness (cf. Genesis 16:2; Isaiah 66:9; 1 Samuel 1:5, 6; for the opposite, Genesis 29:31; Genesis 30:22); "poena convenientissima; quid enim convenientius esse poterat, quam ut amittat, qui ad se rapit aliena" (Musculus). Vide Havernick, § 19 - of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife - the motive obviously being to protect the purity of the promised seed.
Hebrew forכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against account דְּבַ֥ר (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of Abraham’s אַבְרָהָֽם׃ (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation wife אֵ֥שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Sarah, שָׂרָ֖ה (śā·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8283: Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had completely closed עָצֹ֤ר (‘ā·ṣōr) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 6113: To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the wombs רֶ֖חֶם (re·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7358: The womb in Abimelech’s אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name household. לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house Links Genesis 20:18 NIVGenesis 20:18 NLT Genesis 20:18 ESV Genesis 20:18 NASB Genesis 20:18 KJV Genesis 20:18 BibleApps.com Genesis 20:18 Biblia Paralela Genesis 20:18 Chinese Bible Genesis 20:18 French Bible Genesis 20:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 20:18 For Yahweh had closed up tight all (Gen. Ge Gn) |
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