Genesis 20:9

Genesis 20:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and wherein have I sinned against thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Abimelech sent for Abraham, and said, What have you done to us? what wrong have I done you that you have put on me and on my kingdom so great a sin? You have done to me things which are not to be done.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Abimelech summoned Abraham and asked him “What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you should treat me like this, bringing this terrible sin on me and my kingdom? You've done things to me that no one should ever do!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Afterward Abimelech called Abraham, and said vnto him, What hast thou done vnto vs? and what haue I offeded thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdome this great sinne? thou hast done things vnto me that ought not to be done.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Abimelech calleth for Abraham, and saith to him, 'What hast thou done to us? and what have I sinned against thee, that thou hast brought upon me, and upon my kingdom, a great sin? works which are not done thou hast done with me.'

World English Bible WEB

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, What has thou done to us? and in what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds to me that ought not to be done.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Abimelech called also for Abraham, and said to him: What hast thou done to us? what have we offended thee in, that thou hast brought upon me and upon my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done to us what thou oughtest not to do.

Translation for Translators T4T

Abimelech then summoned Abraham, and said to him, “You should not have done that to us [RHQ]! Did I do something wrong to you, with the result that you are causing me and the people in [MTY] my kingdom to be guilty of committing a great sin [RHQ]? You have done things to me that ◄should not be done/you should not have done►!”

Plain English Version PEV

Then Abimelek sent somebody to get Abraham, and Abraham came to that meeting. Abimelek said to Abraham, “Look, you have made trouble for me and my people. What did I do to you, so that you paid me back with this trouble? You have done a bad thing to us.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:9

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 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ לְ/אַבְרָהָ֗ם וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ל֜/וֹ מֶֽה עָשִׂ֤יתָ לָּ֨/נוּ֙ וּ/מֶֽה חָטָ֣אתִי לָ֔/ךְ כִּֽי הֵבֵ֧אתָ עָלַ֛/י וְ/עַל מַמְלַכְתִּ֖/י חֲטָאָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה מַעֲשִׂים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא יֵֽעָשׂ֔וּ עָשִׂ֖יתָ עִמָּדִֽ/י

וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ ʼĂbîymelek H40 Ahimelech N-proper

לְ/אַבְרָהָ֗ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham Prep | N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֜/וֹ Prep | Suff

מֶֽה mâh H4100 what? Part

עָשִׂ֤יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לָּ֨/נוּ֙ Prep | Suff

וּ/מֶֽה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Part

חָטָ֣אתִי châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לָ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

הֵבֵ֧אתָ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

עָלַ֛/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

מַמְלַכְתִּ֖/י mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom N-fs | Suff

חֲטָאָ֣ה chăṭâʼâh H2401 sin N-fs

גְדֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

מַעֲשִׂים֙ maʻăseh H4639 deed N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יֵֽעָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms

עִמָּדִֽ/י ʻimmâd H5978 with me Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:9

וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א 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.

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.

לְ/אַבְרָהָ֗ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" Prep | 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.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֜/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

מֶֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

עָשִׂ֤יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָּ֨/נוּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

וּ/מֶֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Part

חָטָ֣אתִי châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

לָ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הֵבֵ֧אתָ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

עָלַ֛/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

מַמְלַכְתִּ֖/י mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" N-fs | Suff

This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.

Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign

Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.

חֲטָאָ֣ה chăṭâʼâh H2401 "sin" N-fs

This word means a sin or an offense, and also a sacrifice made to atone for that sin. It is used in the Bible to describe the sin offerings made by the Israelites. The KJV translates it as 'sin' or 'sin offering'.

Definition: 1) sin, sin offering 1a) sin 1b) sin offering Aramaic equivalent: chat.ta.ah (חַטָּאָה "sin offering" H2402)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: sin (offering). See also: Genesis 20:9; 2 Kings 17:21; Psalms 32:1.

גְדֹלָ֑ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

מַעֲשִׂים֙ maʻăseh H4639 "deed" N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵֽעָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

עָשִׂ֖יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

עִמָּדִֽ/י ʻimmâd H5978 "with me" Prep | Suff

Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.

Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.

Study Notes — Genesis 20:9

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Context
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Genesis 20:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:9
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:9
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:9
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:9
Sermons on Genesis 20:9

Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech

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?” 11Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 12:18	So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?
2	Genesis 26:10	“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.”
3	Genesis 39:9	No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
4	Exodus 32:21	“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
5	Titus 1:11	who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.
6	Leviticus 20:10	If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.
7	1 Samuel 26:18–19	And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
8	Hebrews 13:4	Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
9	Exodus 32:35	And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they had done with the calf that Aaron had made.
10	2 Samuel 13:12	“No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not humiliate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!

Genesis 20:9 Summary

[In Genesis 20:9, Abimelech is concerned about the guilt that Abraham's actions have brought upon him and his kingdom. This verse teaches us that our actions can have a big impact on those around us, and we should be mindful of this, as seen in Matthew 7:12. Abimelech's response also shows us the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and seeking to understand the impact of our actions on others, as taught in Galatians 6:7-8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abimelech confront Abraham in Genesis 20:9?

Abimelech confronted Abraham because he was concerned about the tremendous guilt that Abraham's actions had brought upon him and his kingdom, as seen in Genesis 20:9, and he wanted to understand what had led to this situation, as stated in Genesis 20:10.

What was Abimelech's attitude towards Abraham in this verse?

Abimelech's attitude towards Abraham in Genesis 20:9 was one of confusion and concern, as he asked Abraham what he had done to bring guilt upon him and his kingdom, and he also showed a willingness to listen and understand Abraham's perspective, as seen in Genesis 20:10-11.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt in the Bible?

This verse highlights the concept of sin and guilt in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 20:9, where Abimelech recognizes that Abraham's actions have brought guilt upon him and his kingdom, and it also points to the importance of acknowledging and confessing sin, as taught in Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:9.

What can we learn from Abimelech's response to the situation in Genesis 20:9?

We can learn from Abimelech's response that it is important to take responsibility for our actions and to seek to understand the impact of our actions on others, as seen in Genesis 20:9-11, and to be willing to listen and learn from others, as taught in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:19-20.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that my actions may be affecting those around me, and how can I be more mindful of this?
How can I, like Abimelech, take responsibility for my actions and seek to understand the impact of my actions on others?
What are some areas in my life where I may be causing guilt or harm to others, and how can I make things right?
How can I, like Abraham, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult situations, as seen in Genesis 20:11 and Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham,.... Who might be in the king's palace, being taken into it caressed by the king for the sake of Sarah: and said unto him; not in a passion, as might have been expected,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:9

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:9

What hast thou done unto us? How great a danger hast thou exposed us to! A great sin: even the heathens, who thought fornication harmless, judge adultery to be a very great and heinous crime. See 23:45,47. Or, a great punishment, as this word is oft used; which seems better to answer to his offending Abraham now mentioned.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:9

Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.Ver. 9. What hast thou done unto us? &c.] Some warmth must be in a reproof, but it must not be scalding hot. Words of reviling and disgrace, they scald, as it were; but words that tend to stir up the conscience to a due consideration of the fault (as here) they be duly warm, and tend to make the physic work more kindly. How could Abraham resist this sweet and sovereign reprehension? How could he but be much ashamed, that he should give occasion to it? No oratory is so powerful with good natures as that of mildness. Remember to reprove with modesty and moderation. Aegros, quos potus fortis non curavit, ad salutem pristinam aqua tepens revocavit . - Greg.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:9

9. What hast thou done unto us] Syriac Peshitto “what have I done unto thee,” which suits the second clause rather better. deeds … that ought not to be done] Cf. Genesis 34:7; 2 Samuel 13:12. The moral standard of the heathen king here stands higher than that of Abraham the prophet. There were at Gerar, presumably, no written laws; but the custom of the people, with which was bound up its religion, was more powerful than law. The Code of Hammurabi reflects the moral standard of the most civilized community of the time.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:9

9. Abimelech called Abraham — The king remonstrated with Abraham “publicly, in the presence of his servants, partly for his own justification in the sight of his dependents, and partly to put Abraham to shame.” — Keil.

Sermons on Genesis 20:9

	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
	A Bit of the Old Nature by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer discusses the hidden sins that can linger in our hearts, drawing parallels to Abraham's past deceit regarding Sarah, which resurfaced in a moment of fear. He emphasizes
	(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's commitment to serving God and maintaining a high moral standard, even in a land f
	06 Purity in Sexual Matters by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the heart of God when reading the Bible, highlighting the longing and grief God expresses for His people to follow His comman
	Lessons From the Pit by Teresa Conlon	The sermon is titled "Lessons from the Pit" and the speaker begins by praying for guidance and understanding from the Holy Spirit. The message focuses on the story of Joseph from t
	(Genesis) 55 - Joseph - Tested and Triumphant by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights the pattern of humiliation and exaltation in Joseph's life, emphasizing that many of us fa