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Genesis 20:1

Genesis 20:1 in Multiple Translations

Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar,

And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the land of the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar.

And Abraham went on his way from there to the land of the South, and was living between Kadesh and Shur, in Gerar.

Abraham traveled towards the Negev, staying between Kadesh and Shur. After that he moved on to live in Gerar.

Afterward Abraham departed thence toward the South countrey and dwelled betweene Cadesh and Shur, and soiourned in Gerar.

And Abraham journeyeth from thence toward the land of the south, and dwelleth between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourneth in Gerar;

Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in Gerar.

And Abraham journeyed from thence towards the south country, and dwelt between Kadash and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

Abraham removed from thence to the south country, and dwelt between Cades and Sur, and sojourned in Gerara.

Abraham left Mamre and moved southwest to the Negev desert and lived in a place named Gerar, between Kadesh and Shur.

At one time, Abraham moved his camp south to the Negev desert, and he lived between the 2 towns called Kadesh and Shur. Then later, he moved his camp to a town called Gerar.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:1

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 20:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּסַּ֨ע מִ/שָּׁ֤ם אַבְרָהָם֙ אַ֣רְצָ/ה הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב בֵּין קָדֵ֖שׁ וּ/בֵ֣ין שׁ֑וּר וַ/יָּ֖גָר בִּ/גְרָֽר
וַ/יִּסַּ֨ע nâçaʻ H5265 to set out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/שָּׁ֤ם shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv
אַבְרָהָם֙ ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham N-proper
אַ֣רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Art | N-ms
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵּין bêyn H996 between Prep
קָדֵ֖שׁ Qâdêsh H6946 Kadesh N-proper
וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
שׁ֑וּר Shûwr H7793 Shur N-proper
וַ/יָּ֖גָר gûwr H1481 to sojourn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ/גְרָֽר Gᵉrâr H1642 Gerar Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:1

וַ/יִּסַּ֨ע nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
מִ/שָּׁ֤ם shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אַבְרָהָם֙ ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אַ֣רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Art | N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בֵּין bêyn H996 "between" Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
קָדֵ֖שׁ Qâdêsh H6946 "Kadesh" N-proper
Kadesh refers to a holy place in the desert, mentioned in the Bible as a city in southern Judah. It is also known as Kedesh and Kadesh-barnea. The name means 'holy' and is associated with the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
Definition: § Kadesh = "holy" a city in the extreme south of Judah same as 'Kedesh' and 'Kadesh-barnea'
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Kadesh. Compare H6947 (קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ). See also: Genesis 14:7; Numbers 33:36; Psalms 29:8.
וּ/בֵ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
שׁ֑וּר Shûwr H7793 "Shur" N-proper
Shur is a desert region near Egypt, where the Israelites traveled after crossing the Red Sea, as told in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: § Shur = "wall" a place southwest of Palestine on the eastern border or within the border of Egypt; the Israelites passed through the wilderness of Shur after crossing the Red Sea also 'wilderness of Etham'
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Shur. See also: Genesis 16:7; Exodus 15:22; 1 Samuel 27:8.
וַ/יָּ֖גָר gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
בִּ/גְרָֽר Gᵉrâr H1642 "Gerar" Prep | N-proper
Gerar was a city in the land of the Philistines, south of Gaza, where Abraham and Isaac both had encounters with King Abimelech, as told in Genesis.
Definition: § Gerar = "a lodging place" a Philistine town south of Gaza, modern 'Umm'
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Gerar. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 26:17; 2 Chronicles 14:13.

Study Notes — Genesis 20:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 26:1 Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar.
2 Genesis 26:6 So Isaac settled in Gerar.
3 Genesis 18:1 Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.
4 Psalms 29:8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
5 2 Chronicles 14:13–14 Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.
6 Genesis 10:19 and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.
7 Numbers 20:16 and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.
8 Genesis 26:20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.
9 Numbers 13:26 and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.
10 Deuteronomy 1:19 And just as the LORD our God had commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites, through all the vast and terrifying wilderness you have seen. When we reached Kadesh-barnea,

Genesis 20:1 Summary

[Abraham traveled to a new place called the Negev region, where he settled between two cities called Kadesh and Shur. He stayed in a place called Gerar, which was ruled by a king named Abimelech. This was a new and unfamiliar place for Abraham, but he trusted God to take care of him, just as God had promised to be with him and bless him (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 28:15). As we read about Abraham's journey, we can remember that God is always with us, even in new or uncertain circumstances, and we can trust Him to guide and provide for us (Psalm 32:8, Jeremiah 29:11).]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abraham leave the previous location and travel to the Negev region?

Abraham's journey to the Negev region in Genesis 20:1 may have been due to a search for food or water for his livestock, as seen in his previous travels (Genesis 12:10).

What is the significance of Abraham settling between Kadesh and Shur?

The location between Kadesh and Shur in Genesis 20:1 is notable because it is in the southern region of Israel, and Kadesh is also mentioned in Numbers 13:26 as a stopping point for the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Why did Abraham stay in Gerar, and what can we learn from this?

Abraham's decision to stay in Gerar, as mentioned in Genesis 20:1, may have been a test of his faith, as Gerar was a foreign land with its own king, Abimelech, and Abraham would need to trust God for protection (Genesis 20:2-3, Psalm 91:1-2).

How does Abraham's journey relate to the broader biblical narrative?

Abraham's journey to the Negev region in Genesis 20:1 is part of the larger story of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and reaffirmed throughout the book of Genesis.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have had to trust God in unfamiliar or uncertain circumstances, and how did He provide for me?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of Abraham's journey to my own life, trusting God to guide me and provide for my needs?
  3. What are some ways I can be a blessing to those around me, as Abraham was to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:2-3)?
  4. In what ways can I trust God to be my rock and refuge, as David did in Psalm 91:1-2, and how can I apply this to my life today?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:1

And Abraham journeyed from thence towards the south country,.... He returned from the plains or oaks of Mamre, where he had lived fifteen or twenty years, into the more southern parts of the land of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:1

And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. Abraham journeyed from thence. Whence?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:1

GENESIS CHAPTER 20 Abraham sojourns in Gerar, ; denies Sarah to be his wife: Abimelech sends and takes her, . God warns Abimelech in a dream, . He expostulates with God, who answers and commands him to restore Sarah, . Abimelech warns his servants, ; rebukes Abraham, ,10; who excuses and defends what he had said, . Abimelech kind to Abraham; restores his wife, ,15; rebukes Sarah, . Abraham prays for Abimelech; God removes his judgments, ,18. 1808 From thence; from the plain of Mamre, , where he had long dwelt; and whence he removed, either because of its nearness to that filthy lake, which now was in the place of that late fruitful plain; or for other reasons and conveniences needless to be here inquired or determined. Towards the south country, yet more towards the southern part of Canaan.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:1

Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.Ver. 1. And Abraham journeyed from thence, &c.] Either as grieved at the sight of Sodom; or annoyed by the ill air thereof; or as loathing Lot’ s incest; or driven out by a famine; or desirous of doing good to many. Whatever it was that occasioned his removal, we find him ever and anon journeying from one place, and sojourning in another. God’ s people are a brood of travellers. This was Abram the Hebrew, of Heber, which signifieth, pilgrim or stranger. They look toward heaven as their home, as Ulysses is said to do toward Ithaca, as a bird looks to her nest on the highest rocks. Inde tam gravis halitus manat, ut eum nulla animalia perferant, cuius solo olfactu intereant . Plin. lib. viii. cap. 28.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:1

XX. ABRAHAM’S DENIAL OF HIS WIFE AT GERAR.(1) Abraham journeyed from thence.—That is, from Mamre, where he had so long halted, and which seems to have continued to be one of his homes. As he had been commanded to traverse the whole land (Genesis 13:17-18), we need seek no reasons for his removal. It was the rule of his life to move from place to place, both on account of his cattle, and also because by so doing he was taking possession of the country. There were, nevertheless, certain places which were his head-quarters, such as Bethel, Mamre, and Beer-sheba. The south country.—It is a proper name, the Negeb; see Note on Genesis 12:9. For Kadesh, see Genesis 16:14; for Shur, Genesis 16:7; and for Gerar, Genesis 10:19.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:1

CHAPTER XX Abraham leaves Mamre, and, after having sojourned at Kadesh and Shur, settles in Gerar, 1. Abimelech takes Sarah, Abraham having acknowledged her only as his sister, 2. Abimelech is warned by God in a dream to restore Sarah, 3. He asserts his innocence, 4, 5. He is farther warned, 6, 7. Expostulates with Abraham, 8-10. Abraham vindicates his conduct, 11-13. Abimelech restores Sarah, makes Abraham a present of sheep, oxen, and male and female slaves, 14; offers him a residence in any part of the land, 15; and reproves Sarah, 16. At the intercession of Abraham, the curse of barrenness is removed from Abimelech and his household, 17, 18. NOTES ON CHAP. XX Verse 1. And Abraham journeyed] It is very likely that this holy man was so deeply affected with the melancholy prospect of the ruined cities, and not knowing what was become of his nephew Lot and his family, that he could no longer bear to dwell within sight of the place. Having, therefore, struck his tents, and sojourned for a short time at Kadesh and Shur, he fixed his habitation in Gerar, which was a city of Arabia Petraea, under a king of the Philistines called Abimelech, my father king, who appears to have been not only the father of his people, but also a righteous man.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:1

1. from thence] This passage is evidently derived from some distinct source. As it ignores the previous section dealing with Lot, and the last reference to Abraham is in Genesis 18:33, when he is at Mamre, the precise meaning of “from thence” must remain obscure. the South] See note on Genesis 12:9. between Kadesh and Shur] For these places, see Genesis 14:7, Genesis 16:7. he sojourned in Gerar] This causes a difficulty. Gerar is the court of the king Abimelech. In Genesis 26:1, Abimelech is king of the Philistines. Gerar has, therefore, been identified with a spot a few miles south of Gaza (Umm Gerar). This, however, is hardly a place of sojourn “between Kadesh and Shur.” Either, therefore, there is a lacuna between the two clauses of this verse, representing a journey from the Negeb into the Philistine region; or Gerar may be a place S.W. of Kadesh (Wady Gerur), whose king happened to have the same name as the Philistine king of Gerar in chap. 26. Of these alternatives the former is the more probable.

Barnes' Notes on Genesis 20:1

- Abraham in Gerar 2. אבימלך .2 'ǎbı̂ymelek, Abimelekh, “father of the king.” 7.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:1

ABRAHAM AND , Genesis 20:1-18. 1. Abraham journeyed from thence — Not impelled by fear, as Lot (Genesis 19:30) when he went up out of Zoar, but probably impressed by the destruction of Sodom that he

Sermons on Genesis 20:1

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 20 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on chapter 20 of the book of Genesis. Abraham and Sarah are on a journey and they end up in a place called Gira. Abraham, out of fear, lies to
S. Lewis Johnson (Genesis) 35 - the Patriarch Practicing Deceit by S. Lewis Johnson In this sermon, Mr. Newell focuses on the importance of faith and belief in God's justification of the ungodly. He refers to Romans chapter 4, verse 5, which states that salvation
W.F. Anderson The Life of Abraham - Part 8 by W.F. Anderson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of unfairness and suffering in the world. They highlight the examples of the children killed in Bethlehem and the martyrdom of James
John Calvin Genesis 20:1-18 by John Calvin John Calvin preaches about the journey of Abraham and his encounter with Abimelech, highlighting Abraham's faith and struggles, as well as the grace and protection of God amidst hu
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 26:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of Abraham. Despite not being under the Mosaic system, Abraham believed God and acted upon
S. Lewis Johnson (Genesis) 42 - Isaac - the Passive and Patient Patriarch by S. Lewis Johnson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Isaac and how believers face difficulties in their daily lives. Despite Isaac's lies about his wife, God blesses him abundantly
John Calvin Genesis 26:1-35 by John Calvin John Calvin preaches about the trials and blessings experienced by Isaac, highlighting how God's faithfulness sustains His servants through famine, divine guidance, and conflicts w

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