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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 20:13 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."'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/20-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/01_Gen_20_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 20:13 - Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/20-13.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/20-13.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/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 13</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="/ad13.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/20-12.htm" title="Genesis 20:12">◄</a> Genesis 20:13 <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm" title="Genesis 20:14">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/20.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/20.htm">New International Version</a> And when God had me wander from my father&#8217s household, I said to her, &#8216This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, &#8220He is my brother."&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> When God called me to leave my father’s home and to travel from place to place, I told her, ‘Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.’” <a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.”’” <a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father&#8217s house, that I said to her, &#8216This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, &#8220He is my brother."&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and it happened when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the lovingkindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This kindness and loyalty you can show me: at every place we stop, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So when God had me wander from my father’s house, I said to her: Show your loyalty to me wherever we go and say about me, ‘He’s my brother.’ ” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So when God had me wander from my father&#8217s house, I said to her: Show your loyalty to me wherever we go and say about me: &#8216He&#8217s my brother.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 show unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. <a href="/cev/genesis/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When God made us leave my father's home and start wandering, I told her, "If you really love me, then tell everyone that I am your brother." <a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When God had me leave my father's home and travel around, I said to her, 'Do me a favor: Wherever we go, say that I'm your brother.'" <a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> So when God sent me from my father's house into foreign lands, I said to her, 'You can show how loyal you are to me by telling everyone that I am your brother.'" <a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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.'" <a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.??? <a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a> When God made me wander from my father's house, I told her, 'This is what you can do to show your loyalty to me: Every place we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'" <a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, "He is my brother."'" <a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show to me; At every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. <a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a> When God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and it comes to pass, when God has caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I say to her, This [is] your kindness which you do with me: at every place to where we come, say of me, He [is] my brother.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it cometh to pass, when God hath caused me to wander from my father's house, that I say to her, This is thy kindness which thou dost with me: at every place whither we come, say of me, He is my brother.' <a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it shall be when God causes me to wander from my father's house, and I said to her, This thy kindness which thou shalt do by me; at every place to which we shall come, there say of me, He is my brother.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And after God brought me out of my father's house, I said to her: I Thou shalt do me this kindness: In every place, to which we shall come, thou shalt say that I am thy brother. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, after God led me out of my father’s house, I said to her: ‘You will show this mercy to me. In every place, to which we will travel, you will say that I am your brother.’ ” <a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a> When God sent me wandering from my father’s house, I asked her: ‘Would you do me this favor? In whatever place we come to, say: He is my brother.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, He is my brother.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass when God brought me forth out of my father's house, I said to her, This is the favor which you shall do to me; at every place whither we shall go, say of me, He is my brother. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was that when God brought me out from my father's house, I said to her, ‘Do this favor for me in every place where we are going; say about me there, "He is my brother”.’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 show unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me: He is my brother.' <a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when God brought me forth out of the house of my father, that I said to her, This righteousness thou shalt perform to me, in every place into which we may enter, say of me, He is my brother. <a href="/parallel/genesis/20-13.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=4486" 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> …12Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife. 13<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">So when</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8582.htm" title="8582: hiṯ·‘ū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To err. A primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. Reel or stray; also causative of both.">had me journey</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">from my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">to Sarah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">‘This is how</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śî (V-Qal-Imperf-2fs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you can show</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·dêḵ (N-msc:: 2fs) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">your loyalty</a> <a href="/hebrew/5978.htm" title="5978: ‘im·mā·ḏî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Along with, against, by, from">to me:</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Wherever</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."></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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: nā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">we go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’im·rî- (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">of me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“He is</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">my brother.”’”</a> 14So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.…<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/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7-9</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.” / When 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. / Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, “So she is really your wife! How could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac replied, “Because I thought I might die on account of her.” <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8-9</a> By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. / By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">1 Peter 3:6</a> just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1-8</a> When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. / I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” / Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, ... <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-15</a> Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ... <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17-21</a> As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. / Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. ... <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6-9</a> So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ... <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Genesis 15:1-6</a> After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” / But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” / Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” ... <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm">Genesis 24:7</a> The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2-5</a> And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, / and told him, ‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.’ / So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. ... <a href="/genesis/11-31.htm">Genesis 11:31-32</a> And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there. / Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran. <a href="/genesis/13-14.htm">Genesis 13:14-17</a> After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, / for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. / I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, This is your kindness which you shall show to me; at every place where we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.God.<a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1,9,11</a> Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: … <a href="/acts/7-3.htm">Acts 7:3-5</a> And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee… <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8</a> By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.This.<a href="/1_samuel/23-21.htm">1 Samuel 23:21</a> And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.<a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Psalm 64:5</a> They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?<a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Acts 5:9</a> Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.say.<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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/genesis/19-34.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/19-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/19-19.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Love</a> <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Show</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Wander</a> <a href="/genesis/11-2.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Whither</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/27-20.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/genesis/41-56.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Love</a> <a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Show</a> <a href="/genesis/31-40.htm">Wander</a> <a href="/genesis/24-63.htm">Wandering</a> <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Whither</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>So when God had me journey from my father’s house This phrase refers to God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland, as initially recorded in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1</a>. This divine directive marks the beginning of Abraham's journey of faith and obedience. The departure from his father's house signifies a break from his past and a step into the unknown, relying solely on God's promises. This act of faith is later highlighted in <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8</a>, where Abraham's obedience is commended. The journey from his father's house also symbolizes a spiritual journey, leaving behind old ways and stepping into a covenant relationship with God.I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Abraham's request to Sarah reflects the cultural norms and practices of the ancient Near East, where familial ties and loyalty were paramount. In this context, loyalty involves protecting one's family and ensuring their safety. Abraham's concern for his safety in foreign lands led him to devise a plan that he believed would protect them both. This request also underscores the patriarchal structure of the time, where wives were expected to support and follow their husbands' directives.Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” This strategy was employed by Abraham to protect himself from potential harm in foreign territories, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">Genesis 12:10-20</a> and later in <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7-11</a> with Isaac. The claim that Sarah was his sister was a half-truth, as she was his half-sister (<a href="/genesis/20-12.htm">Genesis 20:12</a>). This tactic reflects the precarious nature of travel in ancient times, where strangers could be viewed with suspicion or hostility. The repetition of this strategy in different contexts highlights human tendencies to rely on self-devised plans rather than fully trusting in God's protection. It also foreshadows the ultimate need for divine intervention and grace, as seen in the resolution of these situations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch who is speaking in this verse. He is recounting his journey and the agreement he made with his wife, Sarah, to protect themselves. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> Abraham's wife, who is asked to say that Abraham is her brother to protect him from potential harm due to her beauty. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine being who called Abraham to leave his father's house and wander, leading to the events described. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> The region where Abraham and Sarah are staying when this event takes place. It is ruled by King Abimelech. 5. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The king of Gerar who takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_fear.htm">Faith and Fear</a> Abraham's actions reveal a tension between faith in God's promises and fear of human threats. Believers today can learn from this tension, recognizing the importance of trusting God even when circumstances seem threatening. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_deception.htm">Integrity and Deception</a> The decision to deceive others about their relationship raises questions about integrity. Christians are called to live truthfully, trusting God to protect and provide. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite Abraham's fear-driven actions, God's sovereignty is evident as He intervenes to protect Sarah and fulfill His promises. This reassures believers of God's control over their lives. <a href="/topical/m/marital_unity.htm">Marital Unity</a> The agreement between Abraham and Sarah highlights the importance of unity and mutual support in marriage, even in difficult situations. <a href="/topical/l/lessons_from_repetition.htm">Lessons from Repetition</a> The repetition of similar events in Abraham's life suggests that God uses recurring challenges to teach and refine His people. Believers can reflect on patterns in their own lives to discern God's lessons.<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/how_is_abraham's_faith_shown_in_genesis_20.htm">How can Abraham's actions in Genesis 20 be reconciled with later biblical claims that he was a model of faith and righteousness?</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/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 href="/q/do_angels_possess_souls.htm">Did God intend it for good?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) When God caused me to wander.--According to rule, Elohim is construed with a verb singular for the true God, but with a verb plural for false gods. Here the verb is plural, and the same construction occurs in <a href="/genesis/35-7.htm" title="And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother.">Genesis 35:7</a>; <a href="/exodus/22-9.htm" title="For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double to his neighbor.">Exodus 22:9</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/7-22.htm" title="Why you are great, O LORD God: for there is none like you, neither is there any God beside you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.">2Samuel 7:22</a> (but singular in <a href="/1_chronicles/17-20.htm" title="O LORD, there is none like you, neither is there any God beside you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.">1Chronicles 17:20</a>); and <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm" title="So that a man shall say, Truly there is a reward for the righteous: truly he is a God that judges in the earth.">Psalm 58:11</a> : moreover, in <a href="/joshua/24-19.htm" title="And Joshua said to the people, You cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.">Joshua 24:19</a>, Elohim is joined with an adjective (holy) in the plural. These exceptions may either be relics of a less strict use of the name Elohim, or they may be errors of copyists, misled by the ordinary rules of grammar. This latter view is confirmed by the fact that the Samaritan Pentateuch, both here and in <a href="/genesis/35-7.htm" title="And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared to him, when he fled from the face of his brother.">Genesis 35:7</a>, has the singular. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander (or to go on pilgrimages) from my father's house, - Elohim, usually construed with a singular verb, is here joined with a verb in the plural, as an accommodation to the polytheistic stand-point of Abimelech (Keil), as a proof that Elohim is to be viewed as a Pluralis Majes-taticus (Kalisch), as referring to the plurality of Divine manifestations which Abraham had received (Lange), as showing that Elohim here signifies angels (Calvin), or, most likely, as an instance of the literal meaning of the term as the supernatural powers (Murphy. Cf. <a href="/genesis/35-7.htm">Genesis 35:7</a>; <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Exodus 22:8</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/7-23.htm">2 Samuel 7:23</a>; Psalm 58:12 [Psalm 58:11] - that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me. The third plea which the patriarch presented for his conduct; it had no special reference to Abimelech, but was the result of an old compact formed between himself and Sarah. At every place whither he shall come, say of me, He is my brother (cf. <a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a>). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So when כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God אֱלֹהִים֮ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative had me journey הִתְע֣וּ (hiṯ·‘ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8582.htm">Strong's 8582: </a> To vacillate, reel, stray from my father’s אָבִי֒ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father house, מִבֵּ֣ית (mib·bêṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house I said וָאֹמַ֣ר (wā·’ō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to [Sarah], לָ֔הּ (lāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> ‘This is how זֶ֣ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that you can show תַּעֲשִׂ֖י (ta·‘ă·śî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make your loyalty חַסְדֵּ֔ךְ (ḥas·dêḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty to me: עִמָּדִ֑י (‘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, Wherever כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every we go, נָב֣וֹא (nā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go say of me, אִמְרִי־ (’im·rî-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “He is הֽוּא׃ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are my brother.”’” אָחִ֥י (’ā·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:13 It happened when God caused me (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/20-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 20:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:14" /></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>