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For he was afraid to say, "She is my wife," since he thought to himself, "The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/26-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_26_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 26:7 - Isaac Deceives Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, She is my sister. For he was afraid to say, She is my wife, since he thought to himself, The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/26-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/26-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/26-6.htm" title="Genesis 26:6">◄</a> Genesis 26:7 <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm" title="Genesis 26:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/26.htm">New International Version</a> When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, &#8220She is my sister,&#8221 because he was afraid to say, &#8220She is my wife.&#8221 He thought, &#8220The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.” <a href="/esv/genesis/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance. <a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/26.htm">King James Bible</a> And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/26.htm">New King James Version</a> And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, since she is beautiful.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, &#8220She is my sister,&#8221 for he was afraid to say, &#8220my wife,&#8221 thinking, &#8220the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful in appearance.” <a href="/amp/genesis/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The men of the place asked him about his wife, and he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife”—thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, since she is very beautiful.” <a href="/csb/genesis/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say “my wife,” thinking, “The men of the place will kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is a beautiful woman.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, &#8220She is my sister,&#8221 for he was afraid to say &#8220my wife,&#8221 thinking, &#8220The men of the place will kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is a beautiful woman.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> and the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, My wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. <a href="/cev/genesis/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> with his beautiful wife Rebekah. He was afraid that someone might kill him to get her, and so he told everyone that Rebekah was his sister. <a href="/erv/genesis/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> and the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, My wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah: because she was fair to look upon. <a href="/gwt/genesis/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the men of that place asked about his wife, Isaac answered, "She's my sister." He was afraid to say "my wife." He thought that the men of that place would kill him to get Rebekah, because she was an attractive woman. <a href="/gnt/genesis/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the men there asked about his wife, he said that she was his sister. He would not admit that she was his wife, because he was afraid that the men there would kill him to get Rebecca, who was very beautiful. <a href="/isv/genesis/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> Later on, the men of that place asked about his wife, so he replied, "She's my sister," because he was afraid to call her "my wife." He kept thinking, "…otherwise, the men around here will kill me on account of Rebekah, since she's very beautiful." <a href="/msb/genesis/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” <a href="/net/genesis/26.htm">NET Bible</a> When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he replied, "She is my sister." He was afraid to say, "She is my wife," for he thought to himself, "The men of this place will kill me to get Rebekah because she is very beautiful." <a href="/nheb/genesis/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, "She is my sister," for he was afraid to say, "My wife," lest, he thought, "the men of the place might kill me for Rebekah, because she is very beautiful." <a href="/wbt/genesis/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. <a href="/web/genesis/26.htm">World English Bible</a> The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “My wife”, lest, he thought, “the men of the place might kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to look at.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and men of the place ask him of his wife, and he says, “She [is] my sister”: for he has been afraid to say, “My wife—lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, for she [is] of good appearance.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and men of the place ask him of his wife, and he saith, 'She is my sister:' for he hath been afraid to say, 'My wife -- lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, for she is of good appearance.' <a href="/slt/genesis/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the men of the place will ask concerning his wife; and he will say, She is my sister: for he will be afraid to say, My wife, lest the men of the place will kill me for Rebekah, because she is good in appearance.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he was asked by the men of that place, concerning his wife, he answered: She is my sister; for he was afraid to confess that she was his wife, thinking lest perhaps they would like him because of her beauty. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he was questioned by the men of that place about his wife, he answered, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to confess her to be his mate, thinking that perhaps they would put him to death because of her beauty. <a href="/nabre/genesis/26.htm">New American Bible</a> When the men of the place asked questions about his wife, he answered, “She is my sister.” He was afraid that, if he called her his wife, the men of the place would kill him on account of Rebekah, since she was beautiful. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “My wife,” thinking, “or else the men of the place might kill me for the sake of Rebekah, because she is attractive in appearance.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the men of the place asked him concerning his wife; and he said, She is my sister; for he was afraid to say, She is my wife; lest the men of the place should kill him on account of Rebekah, because she was fair to look upon. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the men of the place asked him about his wife and he said, “She is my sister”, because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife”, lest the men of the place would kill him, because Raphqa was beautiful in her appearance.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said: 'She is my sister'; for he feared to say: 'My wife'; 'lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she is fair to look upon.' <a href="/sep/genesis/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men of the place questioned him concerning Rebecca his wife, and he said, She is my sister, for he feared to say, She is my wife, lest at any time the men of the place should slay him because of Rebecca, because she was fair. <a href="/parallel/genesis/26-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=6069" 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/26.htm">Isaac Deceives Abimelech</a> 6So Isaac settled in Gerar. 7<a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">But when the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: ham·mā·qō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">of that place</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: lə·’iš·tōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">about his wife,</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.">he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">“She</a> <a href="/hebrew/269.htm" title="269: ’ă·ḥō·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Sister. Irregular feminine of 'ach; a sister (like 'Ezrachiy), literally and figuratively).">is my sister.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yā·rê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">he was afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">to say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">“She is my wife,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">since he thought to himself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">“The men</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: ham·mā·qō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">of this place</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: ya·har·ḡu·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: 1cs) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">will kill me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on account of</a> <a href="/hebrew/7259.htm" title="7259: riḇ·qāh (N-proper-fs) -- Wife of Isaac. From an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering; Ribkah, the wife of Isaac.">Rebekah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇaṯ (Adj-fsc) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is so beautiful.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’eh (N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision."></a> 8When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah.…<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/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11-13</a> As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, / and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. / Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2</a> Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. <a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a> You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a> “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. <a href="/leviticus/19-11.htm">Leviticus 19:11</a> You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Deuteronomy 5:20</a> You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2</a> “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. <a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">1 Samuel 27:10</a> who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2-4</a> One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. / So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” / Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home. <a href="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8-10</a> Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a> Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a> Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. <a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Proverbs 19:9</a> A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. <a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-5</a> “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. <a href="/hosea/4-2.htm">Hosea 4:2</a> Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look on.She is my sister.<a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a> Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.<a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2,5,12,13</a> And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah… <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a> The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.fair.<a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16</a> And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/25-19.htm">Account</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/25-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/revelation/19-5.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/genesis/22-10.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">Questioned</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/genesis/25-20.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/22-10.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Account</a> <a href="/genesis/26-24.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Questioned</a> <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/genesis/26-24.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/32-8.htm">Thinking</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 26</div>1. <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity.</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">He digs wells.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/26-23.htm">God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; </a> 26. <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">and Abimelech makes a covenant with him.</a> 34. <a href="/genesis/26-34.htm">Esau's wives.</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/genesis/26.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>When the men of that place asked about his wife This phrase sets the scene in Gerar, where Isaac and Rebekah have settled. The "men of that place" refers to the inhabitants of Gerar, a Philistine city. Historically, this reflects a time when tribal and familial alliances were crucial for survival, and strangers were often viewed with suspicion. The inquiry about Rebekah indicates a cultural practice of assessing newcomers, especially regarding potential threats or alliances.he said, 'She is my sister,' Isaac's response mirrors the actions of his father, Abraham, in earlier narratives (<a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a>; 20:2). The Hebrew root for "sister" (אָחוֹת, 'achot) can also imply a close kinship, which Isaac uses to protect himself. This decision reflects a recurring theme of human fear and self-preservation, even at the cost of truth, highlighting the frailty and imperfection of God's chosen people.for he was afraid to say, 'She is my wife,' Fear is a powerful motivator in this narrative. Isaac's fear (יָרֵא, yare) is not just personal but cultural, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern context where a woman's beauty could indeed lead to violence against her husband. This fear underscores the vulnerability of individuals in foreign lands and the lengths to which they might go to protect themselves.thinking, 'The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah Isaac's internal reasoning reveals his perception of the moral and social climate of Gerar. The phrase "might kill me" (יָהַרְגוּנִי, yaharguni) suggests a real threat, emphasizing the lawlessness and potential for violence in ancient societies. This reflects a world where divine protection was often sought amidst human treachery.for she is beautiful Rebekah's beauty (יָפָה, yafeh) is not just a physical attribute but a narrative device that drives the plot. In the biblical context, beauty often signifies God's blessing but also brings challenges, as seen with Sarah and Rachel. This beauty, while a gift, becomes a source of fear and deception, illustrating the complex interplay between divine gifts and human frailty.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) He said, She is my sister.--We have already seen that Abraham at Gerar showed no consciousness of having done wrong in denying his wife (<a href="/genesis/20-2.htm" title="And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.">Genesis 20:2</a>); and we now find Isaac imitating his example with even less reason for his conduct. The circumstances are, however, different. It is the people who inquire about Isaac's relation to Rebekah, and though she was "fair to look upon," yet no annoyance followed upon his denial of her. The king after "a long time" detects their intimacy; but there are no presents, and no marks of respect to Rebekah, and no friendship. It is only after long quarrels, during which Isaac is obliged to withdraw to a long distance from Gerar, that finally peace is made between them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - And the men of the place (i.e. the inhabitants of Gerar) asked him (literally, asked, or made inquiries; probably first at each other, though ultimately the interrogations might reach Isaac himself) of his wife (being in all likelihood fascinated by her beauty); and he said, - falling into the same infirmity as Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a>; <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2</a>) - She is my sister: - which was certainly an equivocation, since, although sometimes used to designate a female relative generally (vide <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Genesis 24:60</a>), the term "sister" was here designed to suggest that Rebekah was his own sister, born of the same parents. In propagating this deception Isaac appears to have been actuated by a similar motive to that which impelled his father - for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he (sc. to himself, the words describing the good man's secret apprehensions), the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; - the historian adding, as the explanation of his fears - because she was fair to look upon (vide <a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Genesis 24:16</a>). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/26-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But when the men אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of that place הַמָּקוֹם֙ (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition asked וַֽיִּשְׁאֲל֞וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand about his wife, לְאִשְׁתּ֔וֹ (lə·’iš·tōw) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female he said, וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (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 “She הִ֑וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is my sister.” אֲחֹ֣תִי (’ă·ḥō·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_269.htm">Strong's 269: </a> Sister -- a sister For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he was afraid יָרֵא֙ (yā·rê) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to say, לֵאמֹ֣ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “[She is] my wife,” אִשְׁתִּ֔י (’iš·tî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female since he thought to himself, פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> Removal, lest “The men אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of this place הַמָּקוֹם֙ (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition will kill יַֽהַרְגֻ֜נִי (ya·har·ḡu·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To smite with deadly intent me on account of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Rebekah, רִבְקָ֔ה (riḇ·qāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7259.htm">Strong's 7259: </a> Rebekah -- wife of Isaac because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction she הִֽיא׃ (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is so beautiful.” טוֹבַ֥ת (ṭō·w·ḇaṯ) Adjective - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">OT Law: Genesis 26:7 The men of the place asked him (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/26-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 26:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/26-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 26:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:8" /></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>