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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/20-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_20_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 20:9 - Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? 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How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! <a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, &#8220What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” <a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I offended you that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me what ought not to be done [to anyone].” <a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, “What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, &#8220What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and wherein have I sinned against 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. <a href="/cev/genesis/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Abimelech then called in Abraham and said: Look what you've done to us! What have I ever done to you? Why did you make me and my nation guilty of such a terrible sin? <a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and wherein have I sinned against 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. <a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Abimelech called for Abraham and asked him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you that you would bring such a serious sin on me and my kingdom? You shouldn't have done this to me." <a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, "What have you done to us? What wrong have I done to you to make you bring this disaster on me and my kingdom? No one should ever do what you have done to me. <a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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." <a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, ?What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.? <a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? What sin did I commit against you that would cause you to bring such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done!" <a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done." <a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, What has thou done to us? and in what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds to me that ought not to be done. <a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Abimelech calls for Abraham and says to him, “What have you done to us? And what have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me, and on my kingdom, a great sin? Works which are not done you have done with me.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Abimelech calleth for Abraham, and saith to him, 'What hast thou done to us? and what have I sinned against thee, that thou hast brought upon me, and upon my kingdom, a great sin? works which are not done thou hast done with me.' <a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Abimelech will call to Abraham, and say to him, What didst thou to us? and what did we sin against thee, that thou didst bring upon me and upon my kingdom a great sin? thou didst works to me which shall not be done.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Abimelech called also for Abraham, and said to him: What hast thou done to us? what have we offended thee in, that thou hast brought upon me and upon my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done to us what thou oughtest not to do. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Abimelech called also for Abraham, and he said to him: “What have you done to us? How have we sinned against you, so that you would bring so great a sin upon me and upon my kingdom? You have done to us what you ought not to have done.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him: “What have you done to us! What wrong did I do to you that you would have brought such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have treated me in an intolerable way. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that ought not to be done.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Abimeleck called Abraham and said to him, What have I done to you? and what crime have I committed against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom such a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Abimelek called Abraham and said to him, “What have I done to you, and what have I sinned against you, that you have brought great sins against me and against My kingdom? You have done with me deeds that are not done.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him: 'What hast thou done unto us? and wherein have I sinned against 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.' <a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abimelech called Abraam and said to him, What is this that thou hast done to us? Have we sinned against thee, that thou hast brought upon me and upon my kingdom a great sin? Thou hast done to me a deed, which no one ought to do. <a href="/parallel/genesis/20-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4449" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech</a> …8Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified. 9<a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Then Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">called</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: lə·’aḇ·rā·hām (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">to us?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·meh- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">have I sinned</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">against you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hê·ḇê·ṯā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">you have brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">such tremendous</a> <a href="/hebrew/2401.htm" title="2401: ḥă·ṭā·’āh (N-fs) -- Sin, sin offering. Feminine of chet'; an offence, or a sacrifice for it.">guilt</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/4467.htm" title="4467: mam·laḵ·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign. From malak; dominion, i.e. the estate or the country.">my kingdom?</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: yê·‘ā·śū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">You have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śîm (N-mp) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">things</a> <a href="/hebrew/5978.htm" title="5978: ‘im·mā·ḏî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Along with, against, by, from">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">should not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">be done.”</a> 10Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Genesis 12:18-19</a> So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? / Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Genesis 26:10</a> “What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” <a href="/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21</a> “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?” <a href="/1_samuel/26-18.htm">1 Samuel 26:18</a> And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? <a href="/2_samuel/12-9.htm">2 Samuel 12:9</a> Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. <a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18</a> “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. <a href="/1_chronicles/21-3.htm">1 Chronicles 21:3</a> But Joab replied, “May the LORD multiply His troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all servants of my lord? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a> Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. <a href="/proverbs/6-29.htm">Proverbs 6:29</a> So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Proverbs 28:10</a> He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-4</a> Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” <a href="/matthew/27-4.htm">Matthew 27:4</a> “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” <a href="/mark/6-18.htm">Mark 6:18</a> For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” <a href="/luke/3-19.htm">Luke 3:19</a> But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, <a href="/john/18-35.htm">John 18:35</a> “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, What have you done to us? and what have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? you have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.What hast.<a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Genesis 12:18</a> And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?<a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Genesis 26:10</a> And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.<a href="/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21,35</a> And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? … a great.<a href="/genesis/38-24.htm">Genesis 38:24</a> And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.<a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Genesis 39:9</a> There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?<a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a> And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.ought.<a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Genesis 34:7</a> And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.<a href="/2_samuel/13-12.htm">2 Samuel 13:12</a> And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.<a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Titus 1:11</a> Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/18-21.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/genesis/19-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/genesis/10-10.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Offended</a> <a href="/jude/1-17.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/genesis/18-20.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/genesis/17-8.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/philemon/1-18.htm">Wronged</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/exodus/15-11.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Offended</a> <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/numbers/5-7.htm">Wronged</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 20</div>1. <a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Abraham sojourns at Gerar.</a> 2. <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech.</a> 3. <a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">He rebukes Abraham.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Restores Sarah;</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">and reproves her.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, Abimelech, a common title for Philistine kings, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt, is the ruler of Gerar. This encounter follows a dream where God warned Abimelech about taking Sarah, Abraham's wife. The calling of Abraham indicates a confrontation, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Abraham, a patriarch and prophet, is being held accountable by a pagan king, which underscores the moral expectations God has for His chosen people.“What have you done to us? Abimelech's question reflects a sense of betrayal and confusion. Abraham's deception about Sarah being his sister rather than his wife endangered Abimelech and his people. This phrase echoes the moral and ethical standards expected in human relationships, emphasizing the consequences of deceit. It also parallels other biblical instances where leaders confront wrongdoers, such as Nathan confronting David.How have I sinned against you, Abimelech's rhetorical question suggests his innocence and ignorance of any wrongdoing against Abraham. It highlights the cultural norms of hospitality and justice in ancient Near Eastern societies, where causing harm without cause was a serious offense. This phrase also reflects the biblical principle of accountability and the importance of maintaining integrity in relationships.that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? The "tremendous guilt" refers to the potential sin of adultery, which was a grave offense in ancient cultures, including among the Philistines. The mention of the kingdom indicates the collective impact of a leader's actions on his people, a recurring theme in Scripture where the sin of a leader can bring consequences upon a nation. This also foreshadows the biblical principle of corporate responsibility seen in other narratives, such as Achan's sin affecting Israel.You have done things to me that should not be done.” This statement underscores the universal moral law that transcends cultural boundaries, suggesting that certain actions are inherently wrong. It reflects the biblical theme of justice and righteousness, where even those outside the covenant community recognize and uphold moral standards. This phrase also points to the ethical teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and truth in relationships, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for holiness among His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The king of Gerar who unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch who, out of fear for his life, misled Abimelech by claiming Sarah was his sister. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech due to Abraham's deception. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a> took place. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god's_intervention.htm">God's Intervention</a> God intervened by warning Abimelech in a dream, preventing him from sinning against Him by taking Sarah as his wife.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deception.htm">The Consequences of Deception</a> Deception can lead to unintended consequences and harm to others. Abraham's lie put Sarah and Abimelech in a precarious situation. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_protection.htm">God's Sovereign Protection</a> God intervenes to protect His covenant and His people, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness even when we falter. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truthfulness.htm">The Importance of Truthfulness</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to live truthfully, trusting God rather than resorting to deceit out of fear. <a href="/topical/l/learning_from_past_mistakes.htm">Learning from Past Mistakes</a> Abraham's repeated deception shows the importance of learning from past mistakes and growing in faith and trust in God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_grace_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Grace in Our Weakness</a> Despite Abraham's failings, God remained faithful to His promises, reminding us of His grace and mercy in our weaknesses.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_abimelech's_gerar_in_genesis_20.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence to support the presence of Abimelech or a kingdom in Gerar at the time of Genesis 20? </a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_abraham_rebuked_in_genesis_20.htm">How does Genesis 20 reconcile Abraham’s repeated deception about Sarah being his sister without clear rebuke or consequence to Abraham? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_abimelech_in_genesis_26_8_related.htm">How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier?</a> <a href="/q/why_penalize_abimelech,_not_deceiver.htm">Why would an omniscient God penalize Abimelech and his household in Genesis 20:18 when Abraham was the one who deceived him?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him (in the presence of his people), What hast thou done unto us? - identifying himself once more with his people, as he had already done in responding to God (Ver. 4) - and what have I offended thee (thus modestly allowing that he may himself have unwittingly occasioned the sin of Abraham), that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? The gravamen of Abimelech's accusation was that Abraham had led him and his to offend against God, and so to lay themselves open to the penalties of wrong-doing. Thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. Literally, deeds which ought not to be done thou hast done with me (cf. <a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Genesis 34:7</a>; <a href="/leviticus/4-2.htm">Leviticus 4:2, 13</a>; vide Glass, 'Philol. Tract., 1. 3. t. 3. 100. 6.). The king's words were unquestionably designed to convey a severe reproach. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Abimelech אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name called וַיִּקְרָ֨א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read Abraham לְאַבְרָהָ֗ם (lə·’aḇ·rā·hām) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation and asked, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “What מֶֽה־ (meh-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you done to us? עָשִׂ֤יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make How וּמֶֽה־ (ū·meh-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have I sinned חָטָ֣אתִי (ḥā·ṭā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn against you, לָ֔ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you have brought הֵבֵ֧אתָ (hê·ḇê·ṯā) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go such tremendous גְדֹלָ֑ה (ḡə·ḏō·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent guilt חֲטָאָ֣ה (ḥă·ṭā·’āh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2401.htm">Strong's 2401: </a> An offence, a sacrifice for, it upon me עָלַ֛י (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against my kingdom? מַמְלַכְתִּ֖י (mam·laḵ·tî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4467.htm">Strong's 4467: </a> Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign You have done יֵֽעָשׂ֔וּ (yê·‘ā·śū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make things מַעֲשִׂים֙ (ma·‘ă·śîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property to me עִמָּדִֽי׃ (‘im·mā·ḏî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5978.htm">Strong's 5978: </a> Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto, that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that should not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be done.? עָשִׂ֖יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/20-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 20:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>