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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 20:8 Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/20-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_20_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 20:8 - Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified." /><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/20-8.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/20-8.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 8</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="/ad8.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/20-7.htm" title="Genesis 20:7">◄</a> Genesis 20:8 <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm" title="Genesis 20:9">►</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"><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 />Early the next morning Abimelek summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech got up early in the morning and called all his servants, and told all these things in their presence; and the people were greatly frightened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech got up early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things; and the men were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally told them all these things, and the men were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally told them all these things, and the men were terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Early the next morning Abimelech sent for his officials, and when he told them what had happened, they were frightened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Early in the morning Abimelech called together all his officials. He told them about all of this, and they were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Early the next morning Abimelech called all his officials and told them what had happened, and they were terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech got up early the next morning, summoned all his servants, and told them all these things. The men became terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Early in the morning Abimelech summoned all his servants. When he told them about all these things, they were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were greatly afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech rises early in the morning, and calls for all his servants, and speaks all these words in their ears; and the men fear exceedingly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abimelech riseth early in the morning, and calleth for all his servants, and speaketh all these words in their ears; and the men fear exceedingly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech will rise early in the morning, and will call to all his servants, and will speak all these words in their ears: and the men shall be greatly afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech forthwith rising up in the night, called all his servants: and spoke all these words in their hearing, and all the men were exceedingly afraid. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And immediately Abimelech, rising up in the night, called all his servants. And he spoke all these words in their hearing, and all the men were very afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants and informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were filled with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants and told them all these things; and the men were very much afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore Abimeleck rose early in the morning and called all of his servants and told them all these words; and the men were exceedingly afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek arose early at dawn and he called all his Servants and he spoke all these words in their ears, and the men were very afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears; and the men were sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and he spoke all these words in their ears, and all the men feared exceedingly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/20-8.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=4439" 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">7</span>Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.” <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1242.htm" title="1242: bab·bō·qer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Morn- ing. From baqar; properly, dawn; generally, morning.">Early the next morning</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/7925.htm" title="7925: way·yaš·kêm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; but used only as denominative from shkem; literally, to load up, i.e. To start early in the morning.">got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">and summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and when he described to them</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê·hem (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 3mp) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></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/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">had happened,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yî·rə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">were terrified.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>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.”…<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 12:17-20</a></span><br />The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai. / 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!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Genesis 26:9-11</a></span><br />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.” / “What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” / So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Exodus 9:20-21</a></span><br />Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, / but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-30.htm">Exodus 12:30-33</a></span><br />During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. / Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. / Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/5-8.htm">1 Samuel 5:8-12</a></span><br />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. / But after they had moved the ark to Gath, the LORD’s hand was also against that city, throwing it into great confusion and afflicting the men of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors. / So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/6-2.htm">1 Samuel 6:2-9</a></span><br />the Philistines summoned the priests and diviners, saying, “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD? Tell us how to send it back to its place.” / They replied, “If you return the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it away empty, but by all means return it to Him with a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and you will understand why His hand has not been lifted from you.” / “What guilt offering should we send back to Him?” asked the Philistines. “Five gold tumors and five gold rats,” they said, “according to the number of rulers of the Philistines, since the same plague has struck both you and your rulers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">2 Samuel 24:10-17</a></span><br />After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” / When David got up in the morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David’s seer: / “Go and tell David that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am offering you three options. Choose one of them, and I will carry it out against you.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-6.htm">1 Kings 13:6</a></span><br />Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-13.htm">2 Kings 1:13-15</a></span><br />So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours please be precious in your sight. / Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.” / Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-25.htm">2 Chronicles 32:25-26</a></span><br />But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. / Then Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart—he and the people of Jerusalem—so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6-9</a></span><br />When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. / Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-12.htm">Matthew 2:12-13</a></span><br />And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. / When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Matthew 27:19</a></span><br />While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-11.htm">Luke 1:11-13</a></span><br />Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. / When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. / But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Luke 2:8-20</a></span><br />And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. / Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. / But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/genesis/19-27.htm">Early</a> <a href="/genesis/19-13.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/18-20.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/genesis/18-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/genesis/14-14.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/19-27.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/genesis/12-15.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/genesis/19-35.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-27.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/genesis/15-11.htm">Scared</a> <a href="/genesis/17-23.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/19-9.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/23-13.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Early</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/42-35.htm">Frightened</a> <a href="/genesis/23-9.htm">Full</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-21.htm">Scared</a> <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/24-15.htm">Words</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>Early the next morning</b><br>This phrase indicates promptness and urgency in Abimelech's actions. In biblical narratives, early morning often signifies a time of important activity or divine encounter (e.g., <a href="/genesis/19-27.htm">Genesis 19:27</a>, <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Exodus 24:4</a>). It reflects Abimelech's immediate response to God's warning in a dream, showing his fear of God and desire to rectify the situation quickly.<p><b>Abimelech got up</b><br>Abimelech, a Philistine king, is portrayed as a man of action. His rising early signifies his leadership and responsibility. In the ancient Near East, kings were expected to act decisively, especially in matters involving divine intervention. This action underscores his role as a ruler who takes divine warnings seriously.<p><b>and summoned all his servants</b><br>The summoning of his servants indicates the gravity of the situation. In ancient cultures, a king's servants would include his advisors and officials, suggesting that Abimelech sought counsel and transparency. This collective involvement highlights the communal aspect of leadership and the importance of addressing potential divine wrath.<p><b>and when he described to them all that had happened</b><br>Abimelech's transparency in recounting the dream to his servants shows his integrity and fear of God. It also reflects the cultural practice of sharing divine revelations with trusted advisors for interpretation and action. This openness is crucial for maintaining trust and unity within his court.<p><b>the men were terrified</b><br>The fear of Abimelech's men underscores the seriousness of the divine warning. In the ancient world, dreams were often seen as messages from the gods, and a threat from the God of Abraham would have been particularly alarming. This reaction highlights the recognition of God's power and the potential consequences of disobedience, echoing the fear of God seen throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18-20</a>, <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, who unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch who, out of fear for his life, misled Abimelech by claiming Sarah was his sister.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a></b><br>Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech due to Abraham's deception.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>The region where Abimelech ruled and where this event took place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_warning.htm">God's Warning</a></b><br>God appeared to Abimelech in a dream, warning him of the truth about Sarah and the consequences of keeping her.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear_and_deception.htm">The Consequences of Fear and Deception</a></b><br>Abraham's fear led to deception, which almost brought disaster upon Abimelech and his household. Fear can lead us away from trusting God and into sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_protection.htm">God's Sovereign Protection</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God intervenes to protect His covenant promises. This reassures us of His faithfulness even when we falter.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>Abimelech's response to God's warning shows the importance of integrity and immediate action when confronted with truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a></b><br>Abimelech's gathering of his servants to inform them of the situation highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_warnings.htm">Responding to God's Warnings</a></b><br>Abimelech's fear and subsequent actions demonstrate a proper response to divine warnings, emphasizing the need for obedience and reverence.<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/evidence_of_abimelech's_gerar_in_genesis_20.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence to support the presence of Abimelech or a kingdom in Gerar at the time of Genesis 20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_beersheba_well_in_genesis.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the well at Beersheba mentioned in Genesis 21:25-31?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_david's_authorship_of_psalm_34.htm">On what historical basis can we trust the attribution of Psalm 34 to David when some scholars question the accuracy of biblical authorship claims?</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 8</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning</span>, - an evidence of the terror into which' he had been cast by the Divine communication, and of his earnest desire to carry out the Divine instructions - <span class="cmt_word">and called all his servants, and told all these things in their</span> <span class="cmt_word">ears</span>: - confessed his fault, explained his danger, and affirmed his intention to repair his error; a proof of the humility of this God-fearing king (Lange) - <span class="cmt_word">and the men were sere afraid</span>. It spoke well for the king's household that they received the communication with seriousness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-8.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">Early the next morning</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּבֹּ֗קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(bab·bō·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dawn, morning</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ</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">got up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaš·kêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7925.htm">Strong's 7925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To load up, to start early in the morning</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and summoned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">his servants;</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and when he described to them</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבֵּ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</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">that</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֖לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had happened,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדְּבָרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(had·də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<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">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ă·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were terrified.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yî·rə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/20-8.htm">Genesis 20:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:8 Abimelech rose early in the morning (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 20:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:9" /></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>