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Genesis 26:11

Genesis 26:11 in Multiple Translations

So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”

And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

And Abimelech charged all the people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

And Abimelech gave orders to his people that anyone touching Isaac or his wife was to be put to death.

Abimelech issued orders to all the people, warning them, “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be executed.”

Then Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man, or his wife, shall die the death.

and Abimelech commandeth all the people, saying, 'He who cometh against this man or against his wife, dying doth die.'

Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”

And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

He that shall touch this man’s wife, shall surely be put to death.

Then Abimelech commanded all his people, saying, “Do not harm/molest this man or his wife! Anyone who does that will surely be executed!”

After that, Abimelek talked strongly to all the people in Gerar. He said, “If any one of you hurts Isaac or Rebekah, I will kill you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:11

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 26:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְצַ֣ו אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ אֶת כָּל הָ/עָ֖ם לֵ/אמֹ֑ר הַ/נֹּגֵ֜עַ בָּ/אִ֥ישׁ הַ/זֶּ֛ה וּ/בְ/אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת
וַ/יְצַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ ʼĂbîymelek H40 Ahimelech N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/נֹּגֵ֜עַ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch Art | V-Qal
בָּ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֛ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
וּ/בְ/אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 woman Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
מ֥וֹת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָֽת mûwth H4191 to die V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:11

וַ/יְצַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ 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.
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הַ/נֹּגֵ֜עַ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בָּ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms
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.
הַ/זֶּ֛ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וּ/בְ/אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Conj | Prep | 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.
מ֥וֹת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָֽת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — Genesis 26:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 105:15 “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”
2 Genesis 20:6 Then 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.
3 Proverbs 6:29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
4 Zechariah 2:8 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—

Genesis 26:11 Summary

This verse shows how Abimelech, a non-believer, recognized the importance of treating Isaac and his wife with respect and protecting them from harm. Abimelech's warning to his people demonstrates that he understood Isaac was under God's care, just like God promised to bless those who bless Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12:3. We can learn from Abimelech's example by taking responsibility for our actions and seeking to do what is right in God's eyes, as seen in Proverbs 28:13. By trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, we can have confidence that He is working all things for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abimelech issue a warning to the people to not harm Isaac or his wife?

Abimelech issued this warning because he recognized that Isaac was under God's protection, as seen in the way God had blessed him, and he did not want to incur God's wrath, as warned in Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 20:6-7.

What does this verse reveal about Abimelech's character?

This verse shows that Abimelech was a wise and fair leader, who recognized the importance of treating God's people with respect and protecting them from harm, as also seen in his actions in Genesis 21:22-24.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and protection?

This verse demonstrates how God's sovereignty and protection extend to those who are faithful to Him, such as Isaac, and how He uses even pagan leaders like Abimelech to accomplish His will, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 45:5.

What can we learn from Abimelech's response to the situation with Isaac and his wife?

We can learn the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and seeking to do what is right in God's eyes, even when we have been deceived or misled, as Abimelech did in acknowledging his mistake and taking steps to prevent harm to Isaac and his wife, in accordance with Proverbs 28:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which God has protected me or provided for me in my life, and how can I be more mindful of His presence and care?
  2. How can I, like Abimelech, take steps to prevent harm or injustice to those around me, and what are some practical ways I can show respect and kindness to others?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances, and how can I apply this in my relationships with others?
  4. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even in uncertain or challenging situations, and what Bible verses can I turn to for encouragement and comfort?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:11

And Abimelech charged all [his] people,.... All his subjects throughout his kingdom, and particularly the inhabitants of Gerar, and more especially his courtiers and servants about him: saying, he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:11

And Isaac dwelt in Gerar: Isaac dwelt in Gerar; and the men of the place asked him of his wife.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:11

He that hurteth or injureth. So that word is used, ; and being applied to a woman, it is used for the defiling or humbling of her, as .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:11

Genesis 26:11 And Abimelech charged all [his] people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.Ver. 11. He that toucheth this man, &c.] So sweetly doth God, many times, turn even our sins to our safety here, and to our salvation hereafter. What is not God able to do for his?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:11

Verse 11. He that toucheth] He who injures Isaac or defiles Rebekah shall certainly die for it. Death was the punishment for adultery among the Canaanites, Philistines, and Hebrews. See Genesis 38:24.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:11

7–11 (J). Isaac and Rebekah at the Court of Abimelech In this narrative Isaac from motives of fear tells the inhabitants of Gerar that Rebekah is his sister. The resemblance to the similar narratives in the story of Abraham (1) in Egypt, Genesis 12:13, (2) at Gerar, chap. 20, is obvious. The plea of the relationship of a half-sister could be made for Sarah, but not for Rebekah. The same story was repeated in slightly different versions. It commemorated (a) the moral weakness of the patriarch, and (b) the protection which was accorded by Jehovah to the ancestors of the Israelite people. Contact with civilization brought perils no less real than the solitary life of the nomad.

Sermons on Genesis 26:11

SermonDescription
Denis Lyle How to Deal With Vandals by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on how to deal with vandals, drawing parallels between the church under attack in Revelation and a modern-day church facing hostility. He discusses the story of
A.B. Simpson Touch Not Mine Anointed, and Do My Prophets No Harm by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the grave consequences of speaking against God's servants, likening it to playing with dangerous forces. He warns that slander and gossip can lead to person
Rolfe Barnard The God of the Bible vs. the God of Today 2 of 2 by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's mercy and the need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God holds the power over lif
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
St. John Chrysostom 2 Corinthians 13:10 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, reconciliation, and unity among believers, urging them to rejoice, be perfected, comforted, be of the same mind, and live in peac
Zac Poonen We Need Never Be Discouraged (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Satan's tactics, particularly focusing on discouragement as one of his main weapons against young people. It highlights the n
David Davis Blood on the Moon by David Davis This sermon delves into the spiritual battle in the Middle East, contrasting the shedding of blood in the region with the sacrificial blood of Jesus. It emphasizes the need for a f

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