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class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </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 Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/nlt/genesis/26.htm">New Living Translation</a> But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah. <a href="/esv/genesis/26.htm">English Standard Version</a> When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/26.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/26.htm">New King James Version</a> Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down through a window, and saw them, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/nasb/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1995</a> It came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/lsb/genesis/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/amp/genesis/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It happened when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah his wife. <a href="/csb/genesis/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Isaac had been there for some time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Isaac had been there for some time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/asv/genesis/26.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/cev/genesis/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After Isaac had been there a long time, King Abimelech looked out a window and saw Isaac hugging and kissing Rebekah. <a href="/erv/genesis/26.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/gwt/genesis/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When he had been there a long time, King Abimelech of the Philistines looked out of his window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/gnt/genesis/26.htm">Good News Translation</a> When Isaac had been there for some time, King Abimelech looked down from his window and saw Isaac and Rebecca making love. <a href="/isv/genesis/26.htm">International Standard Version</a> After he had been there awhile, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out through a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/msb/genesis/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/26.htm">NET Bible</a> After Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines happened to look out a window and observed Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. <a href="/nheb/genesis/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and look, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. <a href="/wbt/genesis/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/web/genesis/26.htm">World English Bible</a> When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, when the days have been prolonged to him there, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looks through the window, and sees, and behold, Isaac is playing with his wife Rebekah. <a href="/ylt/genesis/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, when the days have been prolonged to him there, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looketh through the window, and seeth, and lo, Isaac is playing with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/slt/genesis/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it was when the days there were long to him, and Abimelech king of the Philistines shall bend forward through the window, and will see, and behold, Isaak playing with Rebekah his wife.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when very many days were passed, and he abode there, Abimelech king of the Palestines looking out through a window, saw him playing with Rebecca his wife. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when very many days had passed, and he had remained in the same place, Abimelech, king of the Palestinians, gazing through a window, saw him being playful with Rebekah, his wife. <a href="/nabre/genesis/26.htm">New American Bible</a> But when they had been there for a long time, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out of a window and saw Isaac fondling his wife Rebekah. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Isaac had been there a long time, King Abimelech of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw him fondling his wife Rebekah.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass when he had been there a long time that Abimeleck king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac fondling Rebekah his wife. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was that when the days grew long to him there, Abimelek the King of the Philistines looked out from a window and he saw Isaaq dancing with Raphqa his wife.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. <a href="/sep/genesis/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he remained there a long time, and Abimelech the king of Gerara leaned to look through the window, and saw Isaac sporting with Rebecca his wife. <a href="/parallel/genesis/26-8.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=6085" 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> …7But 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.” 8<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/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ’ā·rə·ḵū- (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">had been there</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">a long time,</a> <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.">Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/8259.htm" title="8259: way·yaš·qêp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To overhang, look out or down. A primitive root; properly, to lean out, i.e. peep or gaze.">looked down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: bə·‘aḏ (Prep) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/2474.htm" title="2474: ha·ḥal·lō·wn (Art:: N-cs) -- A window. A window.">the window</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and was surprised to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/6711.htm" title="6711: mə·ṣa·ḥêq (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To laugh. A primitive root; to laugh outright; by implication, to sport.">caressing</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">his wife</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> 9Abimelech 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.”…<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/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="/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/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/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9-10</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.” / Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?” <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22-23</a> At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. / Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” <a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">Exodus 2:11-14</a> One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. / After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. / The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” ... <a href="/1_samuel/21-12.htm">1 Samuel 21:12-13</a> Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. / So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard. <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2-5</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="/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/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18-20</a> May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. / Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger? <a href="/proverbs/7-18.htm">Proverbs 7:18-19</a> Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses! / For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. <a href="/songs/1-13.htm">Song of Solomon 1:13</a> My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts. <a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Song of Solomon 2:6</a> His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-19</a> This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a> But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.a window.<a href="/judges/5-28.htm">Judges 5:28</a> The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?<a href="/proverbs/7-6.htm">Proverbs 7:6</a> For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,<a href="/songs/2-9.htm">Song of Solomon 2:9</a> My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.sporting.<a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18,19</a> Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth… <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a> Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.<a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a> For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-6.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Playing</a> <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Prolonged</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Sporting</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/8-6.htm">Window</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/26-14.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-5.htm">Playing</a> <a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Prolonged</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Rebecca</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Rebekah</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Sporting</a> <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/joshua/2-15.htm">Window</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> <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/26.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/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Isaac had been there a long time Isaac's extended stay in Gerar reflects a period of settlement and interaction with the Philistines. This time allowed for the development of relationships and the testing of Isaac's faith. The duration suggests a significant period of adaptation and potential influence on the surrounding culture, as well as the testing of God's promises to Isaac.Abimelech king of the Philistines Abimelech is a title used for Philistine rulers, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt. This Abimelech may not be the same as the one who interacted with Abraham, suggesting a dynastic title. The Philistines were a significant presence in the region, often in conflict with the Israelites, and their interactions with the patriarchs set the stage for future tensions.looked down from the window The act of looking down from a window implies a position of authority and oversight. Windows in ancient times were often small openings, suggesting that Abimelech's observation was either accidental or divinely orchestrated. This moment of observation leads to a revelation of truth, reminiscent of other biblical instances where hidden truths are uncovered.and was surprised to see Abimelech's surprise indicates that Isaac's true relationship with Rebekah had been concealed. This moment of revelation is pivotal, as it uncovers deception and prompts a confrontation. The element of surprise underscores the human tendency to hide truth and the divine orchestration in revealing it.Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah The act of caressing signifies intimacy and affection, confirming Rebekah's status as Isaac's wife. This public display of affection was culturally significant, as it contradicted Isaac's earlier claim that Rebekah was his sister. This mirrors Abraham's similar deception with Sarah, highlighting a recurring theme of fear and protection within the patriarchal narratives. The revelation of their true relationship serves as a turning point, leading to a covenant of peace and protection with Abimelech.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of Israel. In this chapter, he is living in Gerar due to a famine in the land. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a> Isaac's wife, who is involved in the event where Abimelech sees her being caressed by Isaac, revealing their true relationship. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The king of the Philistines in Gerar. He observes Isaac and Rebekah and realizes they are husband and wife, not siblings as Isaac had claimed. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> A Philistine city where Isaac and Rebekah reside during the famine. It is a place of testing and revelation for Isaac. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_deception.htm">The Deception</a> Isaac, fearing for his life, tells the people of Gerar that Rebekah is his sister, echoing a similar event involving his father, Abraham.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a> Isaac's fear led him to deceive others, which could have resulted in serious consequences. Fear can lead us away from trusting God and into sin. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a> Despite Isaac's deception, the truth eventually came to light. This teaches us the value of honesty and integrity in our relationships. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_and_providence.htm">God's Protection and Providence</a> Even in Isaac's failure, God protected him and Rebekah. This reminds us of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when we falter. <a href="/topical/l/learning_from_the_past.htm">Learning from the Past</a> Isaac repeated a mistake of his father, Abraham. This highlights the importance of learning from past experiences and the experiences of others. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses.htm">The Role of Witnesses</a> Abimelech's observation led to the revelation of the truth. This shows how God can use others to bring about His purposes and correct our paths.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26</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/who_was_abimelech_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abimelech in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_isaac's_lie_in_gen_26_7_mirror_abraham's.htm">In Genesis 26:7, does Isaac’s deception about Rebekah mirror Abraham’s story too closely, suggesting the same incident was repeated or borrowed? </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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Abimelech.--Upon this title of the Philistine monarchs see Note on <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm" title="And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spoke to Abraham, saying, God is with you in all that you do:">Genesis 21:22</a>. As eighty years had elapsed since Abraham's sojourn in Gerar, it is highly improbable that the same king was still reigning; but both king and people maintain on this occasion the good character previously deserved. The Philistines, however, at this period, were a feeble colony of strangers, and were kept in restraint by a sense of their weakness. They had received a vast accession of strength from abroad before they became formidable enemies of the Israelites at the end of the period of the Judges. (See <a href="/genesis/10-14.htm" title="And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.">Genesis 10:14</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time (literally, when were prolonged to him there the days), that Abimelech king of the philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife - i.e. caressing and using playful liberties with her, which showed she was not a sister, but a wife - παίζοντα (LXX.), jocantem (Vulgate). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/26-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Isaac had been there שָׁם֙ (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither a long time, הַיָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day Abimelech אֲבִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ (’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 king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia looked down וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף (way·yaš·qêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8259.htm">Strong's 8259: </a> To overhang, look out or down from בְּעַ֖ד (bə·‘aḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1157.htm">Strong's 1157: </a> In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for the window הַֽחַלּ֑וֹן (ha·ḥal·lō·wn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2474.htm">Strong's 2474: </a> A window and was surprised to see וַיַּ֗רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see Isaac יִצְחָק֙ (yiṣ·ḥāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah caressing מְצַחֵ֔ק (mə·ṣa·ḥêq) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6711.htm">Strong's 6711: </a> To laugh outright, to sport his wife אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female Rebekah. רִבְקָ֥ה (riḇ·qāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7259.htm">Strong's 7259: </a> Rebekah -- wife of Isaac <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">OT Law: Genesis 26:8 It happened when he had been there (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/26-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 26:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/26-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 26:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:9" /></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>