Genesis 20:8
Genesis 20:8 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
So Abimelech got up early in the morning and sent for all his servants and gave them word of these things, and they were full of fear.
Abimelech got up early in the morning and called all his servants together. He explained everything that had happened, and they were all terrified.
Then Abimelech rising vp early in ye morning, called all his seruants, and tolde all these things vnto them, and the men were sore afraid.
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;
Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared.
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.
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.
Early the next morning, Abimelech summoned all his officials, and told them everything that had happened. When they heard that [MTY], his men were very afraid that God would punish them.
So early in the morning, Abimelek called a meeting for all his important workers. He told them everything that God said, and they were all very frightened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:8
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 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ
בַּ/בֹּ֗קֶר
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
לְ/כָל
עֲבָדָ֔י/ו
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֛ר
אֶת
כָּל
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּֽירְא֥וּ
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
shâkam
H7925
to rise
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
בַּ/בֹּ֗קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֲבָדָ֔י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֛ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd | Suff
וַ/יִּֽירְא֥וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:8
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ
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.
בַּ/בֹּ֗קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲבָדָ֔י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֛ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וַ/יִּֽירְא֥וּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 20:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 20:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
6Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.
7Now 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.”
8Early 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.
9Then 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.” 10Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?”Genesis 20:8 Summary
In Genesis 20:8, Abimelech got up early in the morning and told all his servants about the dream he had from God, and they were all very scared. This shows that Abimelech took God's warning very seriously and wanted to make things right, which is an important lesson for us to learn too (see Psalm 119:60). We should always try to obey God's commands quickly and be willing to listen to His guidance, just like Abimelech did. By doing so, we can demonstrate our respect and reverence for God's power and authority, just as Abimelech's servants did when they heard about the dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abimelech summon all his servants in Genesis 20:8?
Abimelech summoned his servants to inform them about the dream he had from God, as mentioned in Genesis 20:6-7, and to take action based on God's warning to return Abraham's wife.
What was the reaction of Abimelech's servants when they heard what had happened?
The servants were terrified when they heard about the dream and God's warning, indicating that they recognized the gravity of the situation and the power of God, as seen in Genesis 20:8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of authority and obedience?
This verse shows that Abimelech, as a leader, took immediate action to obey God's command, demonstrating a willingness to submit to a higher authority, similar to what is taught in Romans 13:1-2.
What can we learn from Abimelech's prompt response to God's warning?
Abimelech's swift action to correct his mistake and obey God's command serves as an example of the importance of responding quickly to God's warnings and guidance, as emphasized in Psalm 119:60.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take immediate action to obey God's commands, just like Abimelech did in Genesis 20:8?
- How can I, like Abimelech, demonstrate a willingness to submit to God's authority and recognize His power in my life?
- What are some ways that I can share with others the things that God has done in my life, just as Abimelech shared his dream with his servants?
- In what ways can I show reverence and respect for God's power and authority, as seen in the reaction of Abimelech's servants in Genesis 20:8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:8
Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning,.... Awaking upon the dream, could sleep no more, his thoughts running upon what had been said to him by the Lord in it: wherefore as soon as it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:8
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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
His servants; his counsellors and principal officers, as that word is used, 10:13.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
Genesis 20:8 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.Ver. 8. Therefore Abimelech rose early, &c.] He "made haste, and delayed not to keep God’ s commandments". This is a check to our dulness, whom so many exhortations and menaces of God’ s mouth move not to amend. Some are semper victuri , as Seneca saith. They defer so long till the drawbridge be taken up, till the gale of grace be blown over, till the bridegroom goes by, and so are shut out with the foolish virgins, for their lingering and futuring. Nolite vero tempus in nugis terere, vel Cras, ut ille, Seria, reiectis in hilari compotatione, literis indiciis hodie morituri, protelare . At the next puff of breath thou mayest blow away thy life; or, by not discerning thy time, thou mayest lose thy soul, as Saul did his kingdom. Opportunities are headlong. And called all his servants.] Nature taught infidels to take care of their own families. Socrates is said to have called philosophy down from heaven to earth; that is, to have directed men to be good at home, and setting aside other studies, chiefly to mind, “ Aedibus in propriis quae pravae aut recta gerantur. ” Cato said that he could pardon all men’ s faults, save only the faults of his own family.
And Augustus, when he went about to restrain garish attire, and looseness of life in others, was jeered and upbraided at Rome with the excesses and enormities of his own household. He had three untoward children whom he was wont to term tres vomicas, tria carcinomata so many mattery impostumes, ulcerous sores. His wife Livia was thought to be too familiar with her friend and physician, Eudemus; Pliny calls him her paramour. Tacitus saith, he was specie artis, frequens secretis . All this might be without his fault, but not without his reproach. The malicious Pharisees could object it to our Saviour - "thy disciples wash not," "thy disciples fast not," &c.; as if he were much to blame for suffering such things. And surely, he is not a complete Christian, walks not "in a perfect way," that is not good "at home," that is, not relatively good. The fifth commandment is called by Philo, εντολημικτη, a mixed commandment, and made a part of the first table. It is therefore set between both tables of the law, saith another, because all we get from God or men we bring it home to our houses - as Abimelech here relates his divine dream to his servants - the place of well employing it. And the men were sore afraid.] This fear freed them; for according to men’ s fear, so is God’ s displeasure.
Cavebis si pavebis . But they that tremble not in hearing, shall be crushed to pieces in feeling, said that martyr. This was a sign that the Israelites feared God, when they believed God, and his servant Moses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
Verse 8. Abimelech rose early, c.] God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and we find as the day broke he arose, assembled his servants, (what we would call his courtiers,) and communicated to them what he had received from God. They were all struck with astonishment, and discerned the hand of God in this business. Abraham is then called, and in a most respectful and pious manner the king expostulates with him for bringing him and his people under the Divine displeasure, by withholding from him the information that Sarah was his wife when, by taking her, he sought only an honourable alliance with his family.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:8
8. Rose early — The visions of the night had made a profound impression, stirring the depths of his soul, and he hastened with the dawn to inquire into the matter. Compare Daniel 6:19.