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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for the LORD had kept all the women in Abimelek&#8217s household from conceiving because of Abraham&#8217s wife Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD had caused all the women to be infertile because of what happened with Abraham’s wife, Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />for the LORD had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had completely closed all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham&#8217s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For Yahweh had utterly shut all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD had securely closed the wombs of all [the women] in Abimelech’s household because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech&#8217s household on account of Sarah, Abraham&#8217s wife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />(The LORD had made it impossible for any woman in Abimelech's household to have children because of Abraham's wife Sarah.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />since the LORD had made all the women barren in Abimelech's household on account of Abraham's wife Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />for on account of Abraham?s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech?s household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had caused infertility to strike every woman in the household of Abimelech because he took Sarah, Abraham's wife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For God had made every woman infertile in the household of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD had made barren all the females of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for YHWH restraining had restrained every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for Jehovah restraining had restrained every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For shutting up, Jehovah shut up without every womb to the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the Lord had closed up every womb of the house of Abimelech on ac- count of Sara, Abraham's wife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For the Lord had closed every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, the wife of Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for the LORD had closed every womb in Abimelech’s household on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had fast closed up the wombs of all women in the household of Abimeleck because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because shutting, LORD JEHOVAH had shut every womb of the house of Abimelek publicly, because of Sara the wife of Abraham. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Because the Lord had fast closed from without every womb in the house of Abimelech, because of Sarrha Abraam's wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/20-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4533" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children— <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">account</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">of Abraham’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/8283.htm" title="8283: śā·rāh (N-proper-fs) -- Princess, a wife of Abraham. The same as sarah; Sarah, Abraham's wife.">Sarah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6113.htm" title="6113: ‘ā·ṣōr (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To restrain, retain. A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble.">had completely closed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6113.htm" title="6113: ‘ā·ṣar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To restrain, retain. A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble."></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.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/7358.htm" title="7358: re·ḥem (N-ms) -- Womb. From racham; the womb.">the wombs</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.">in Abimelech’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇêṯ (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">household.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Genesis 12:17</a></span><br />The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a></span><br />So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-2.htm">Genesis 30:2</a></span><br />Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-6</a></span><br />But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. / Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/5-6.htm">1 Samuel 5:6-12</a></span><br />Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors. / And when the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay here with us, because His hand is heavy upon us and upon our god Dagon.” / So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and asked, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” “It must be moved to Gath,” they replied. So they carried away the ark of the God of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-23.htm">2 Samuel 6:23</a></span><br />And Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">2 Kings 4:14-17</a></span><br />So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” / “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. / And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a></span><br />“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-14.htm">Hosea 9:14</a></span><br />Give them, O LORD—what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a></span><br />But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Luke 1:36-37</a></span><br />Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. / For no word from God will ever fail.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Luke 1:57</a></span><br />When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19-20</a></span><br />But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Acts 12:23</a></span><br />Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-7.htm">Genesis 20:7</a></b></br> Now therefore restore the man <i>his</i> wife; for he <i>is</i> a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore <i>her</i> not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that <i>are</i> thine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Genesis 12:17</a></b></br> And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a></b></br> And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Abimelech's</a> <a href="/genesis/17-27.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/8-2.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/genesis/7-3.htm">Females</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Restraining</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Tight</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Womb</a> <a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Wombs</a> <a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Abimelech's</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Abraham's</a> <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/genesis/21-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-46.htm">Closed</a> <a href="/genesis/21-18.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/genesis/30-41.htm">Females</a> <a href="/genesis/23-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/psalms/65-7.htm">Restraining</a> <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/22-9.htm">Tight</a> <a href="/genesis/21-21.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Womb</a> <a href="/hosea/9-14.htm">Wombs</a> <a href="/genesis/24-11.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Abraham sojourns at Gerar.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">He rebukes Abraham.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Restores Sarah;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">and reproves her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah</b><br>This phrase highlights the central role of Sarah in the narrative. Sarah, Abraham's wife, is a key figure in God's covenant with Abraham, as she is to be the mother of Isaac, the child of promise (<a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19</a>). Her presence in Abimelech's household, due to Abraham's deception, creates a situation that threatens the fulfillment of God's promise. This incident underscores the importance of Sarah in God's plan and the lengths to which God will go to protect her. The protection of Sarah also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.<p><b>the LORD had completely closed all the wombs</b><br>This divine intervention demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over human fertility, a recurring theme in the Bible. The closing of the wombs is a direct act of God, emphasizing His control over life and His ability to intervene in human affairs. This act serves as a protective measure for Sarah, ensuring that no child could be born to her while she was in Abimelech's household, thus preserving the integrity of the promised lineage through Isaac. This theme of God opening and closing wombs is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the stories of Rachel (<a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22</a>) and Hannah (<a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-6</a>).<p><b>in Abimelech’s household</b><br>Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is a significant figure in this narrative. His household represents a foreign power that unknowingly comes into conflict with God's covenant plan. The mention of his household indicates that the impact of God's intervention was widespread, affecting not just Abimelech but all those under his authority. This incident takes place in the region of Gerar, which is located in the Negev, south of Canaan. The historical and geographical context highlights the interactions between the patriarchs and the surrounding nations, illustrating the broader narrative of God's people living among and sometimes in conflict with other cultures. The story of Abimelech also parallels later interactions between Israel and foreign kings, such as Pharaoh in Egypt, where God intervenes to protect His people and His promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The sovereign God who intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His power and authority over life and fertility.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, who unknowingly took Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a></b><br>Abraham's wife, whose presence in Abimelech's house led to divine intervention due to the potential threat to God's covenant promise.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented his relationship with Sarah, leading to the events in Gerar.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a> took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>This passage underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs, including life and fertility. Believers can trust in His perfect will and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a></b><br>The protection of Sarah's integrity highlights the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_deception.htm">Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>Abraham's deception led to unintended consequences, reminding us of the importance of honesty and trust in God's protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a></b><br>God's intervention in closing and opening wombs shows His active role in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to rely on His faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_fear.htm">Faith and Fear</a></b><br>Abraham's actions were driven by fear rather than faith, teaching us to trust God even in uncertain situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_20_a_repeated_deception_pattern.htm">Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For the Lord</span> (<span class="accented">Jehovah</span>; vide <span class="accented">supra</span> on Ver. 3) <span class="cmt_word">had fast closed up all the wombs</span> - i.e. prevented conception, or produced barrenness (cf. <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/66-9.htm">Isaiah 66:9</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5, 6</a>; for the opposite, <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a>; <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22</a>); "poena convenientissima; quid enim convenientius esse poterat, quam ut amittat, qui ad se rapit aliena" (Musculus). <span class="accented">Vide</span> Havernick, § 19 - <span class="cmt_word">of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife</span> - the motive obviously being to protect the purity of the promised seed. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">account</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Abraham’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wife</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sarah,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8283.htm">Strong's 8283: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had completely closed</span><br /><span class="heb">עָצֹ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6113.htm">Strong's 6113: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wombs</span><br /><span class="heb">רֶ֖חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(re·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7358.htm">Strong's 7358: </a> </span><span class="str2">The womb </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Abimelech’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">household.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבֵ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:18 For Yahweh had closed up tight all (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:1" /></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>