Genesis 20:17
Genesis 20:17 in Multiple Translations
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—
¶ So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children.
Then Abraham made prayer to God, and God made Abimelech well again, and his wife and his women-servants, so that they had children.
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, so that they could have children again.
Then Abraham prayed vnto God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his women seruants: and they bare children.
And Abraham prayeth unto God, and God healeth Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bear:
Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.
So Abraham prayed to God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants, and they bore children.
And when Abraham prayed, God healed Abimelech and his wife, and his handmaids, and they bore children:
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech’s wife and his slave girls so that they could become pregnant.
Then Abraham prayed to God and asked him to make Abimelek and his mob better. You see, before, at the time when Abimelek got Sarah so that he could marry her, God made Abimelek sick and stopped all the women in Abimelek’s house from having babies. But then God talked to Abimelek, and Abimelek gave Sarah back to Abraham. So then Abraham prayed to God, and God made Abimelek better, and he made Abimelek’s wife better, and he made all the women that lived in Abimelek’s house better too, so that they had babies again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:17
BAB
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 20:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
אֶל
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יִּרְפָּ֨א
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
אֶת
אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ
וְ/אֶת
אִשְׁתּ֛/וֹ
וְ/אַמְהֹתָ֖י/ו
וַ/יֵּלֵֽדוּ
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/יִּרְפָּ֨א
râphâʼ
H7495
to heal
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אִשְׁתּ֛/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אַמְהֹתָ֖י/ו
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
Conj | N-fp | Suff
וַ/יֵּלֵֽדוּ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:17
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יִּרְפָּ֨א
râphâʼ
H7495
"to heal"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.
Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִשְׁתּ֛/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/אַמְהֹתָ֖י/ו
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
וַ/יֵּלֵֽדוּ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Study Notes — Genesis 20:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 20:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
- Sermons on Genesis 20:17
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
15And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”
16And he said to Sarah, “See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you; you are completely cleared.”
17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—
18for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. |
| 2 | Matthew 21:22 | If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” |
| 3 | Job 42:9–10 | So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s request. After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions. |
| 4 | Philippians 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 6 | Matthew 7:7 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:11 | Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands? |
| 8 | Ezra 6:10 | Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons. |
| 9 | Genesis 29:31 | When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 10 | Genesis 20:7 | 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.” |
Genesis 20:17 Summary
This verse shows us the power of prayer and how God can heal and restore people when we pray for them. Abraham's prayer for Abimelech and his household was answered, and they were able to have children again. This reminds us that God is a loving and merciful God who wants to bless people and answer our prayers, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12. We can learn from Abraham's example and pray for those around us who may be struggling or in need, trusting in God's power to heal and restore, just like He did in Genesis 20:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God heal Abimelech and his household?
God healed Abimelech and his household in response to Abraham's prayer, demonstrating the power of intercessory prayer as seen in Genesis 20:17 and the importance of praying for others as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18.
What was the reason for the infertility in Abimelech's household?
According to Genesis 20:18, the Lord had closed all the wombs in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of righteous living as taught in Proverbs 10:9.
Can anyone pray for healing like Abraham did?
Yes, as believers, we are encouraged to pray for others, including those who may not know God, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, and trust in God's power to heal and restore as demonstrated in Genesis 20:17 and James 5:16.
What does this verse teach about the relationship between God and his people?
This verse shows that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, as seen in Psalm 34:15, and that He is willing to intervene on behalf of His people, demonstrating His love and care for them as taught in Jeremiah 31:3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Abraham, pray effectively for those around me who may be suffering or in need?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faith and trust in God's power to heal and restore, even in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to those around me, like Abraham was to Abimelech, by praying for them and seeking their well-being?
- How can I apply the principle of intercessory prayer in my own life, praying for friends, family, and even those who may not know God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:17
So Abraham prayed unto God,.... As the Lord had told Abimelech be would, Genesis 20:7; he might pray for the forgiveness of him and his wife, and might give thanks that Sarah had been restored to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:17
So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. So Abraham prayed unto God.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare [children].Ver. 17. So Abraham prayed unto God, and God healed Abimelech.] Here was that of St James verified, "The prayer of faith shall save the sick; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him". So he is healed on both sides. The story of Luther is well known, how by his prayers he recovered Theodorus Virus of a consumption, after the physicians had given him up for dead. The saints are God’ s favourites; they may have anything of him. Sejanus found Tiberius so facile, that he needed only to ask, and give thanks. He never denied him anything, and ofttimes anticipated his request. What shall we think of God’ s goodwill to his faithful servants and suppliants? Melch. Adam. in Vita Luther.
Life of Sejanus, by P. M., p. 5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
(17) Abraham prayed . . . —As Abimelech had now made very liberal compensation, it became the duty of Abraham to intercede for him. The malady seems to have been one confined to Abimelech, as its object was to protect Sarah; but in some way it so affected the whole household as to produce general barrenness. Maidservants.—Not the word rendered women-servants in Genesis 20:14, but one specially used of concubines.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
Verse 17. So Abraham prayed] This was the prime office of the נביא nabi; see Genesis 20:7.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:17
17. Abraham prayed] See note on Genesis 20:7. This verse explains Genesis 20:4. Barrenness was regarded as the sign of Divine displeasure, which might be averted by prayer and intercession: cf. Genesis 25:21, Genesis 30:2; Genesis 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:10. See note on Genesis 12:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:17
17. Prayed unto God — He prayed unto δΰμδιν, the true God; as one who felt the responsibility of being a prophet.
Sermons on Genesis 20:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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(Genesis) - Part 19 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free from attachment to worldly things. He uses the example of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to ill |
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Power of Faith - Aimee Semple Mcpherson by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Amy Simple McPherson emphasizes the power of faith in the lives of believers. She shares a story of a man who fell off a cliff and clung to a bush, crying out to Go |
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Hell-Shaking Prayer by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, focusing on the story of Daniel who prayed fervently despite facing opposition and the threat of the lion's den. It highlights the |
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Accountability to God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of accountability to God, arguing that if believers truly believed in the imminent return of Jesus, their lives would reflect that belief t |
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1 Kings 16-18 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the venue and encourages the audience to attend more frequently. The sermon then focuses on the book of James, specif |
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A Warning to America by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and righteousness in a land plagued by defilement and darkness. It highlights the power of prayer and the need f |