Genesis 20:10
What does Genesis 20:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 20:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 20:10 means
Abimelech presses Abraham further, seeking to understand the underlying motive for his deceptive behavior. He asks Abraham, 'What did you see?' implying a desire to grasp Abraham's perspective or the perceived threat that led him to such a dangerous lie. This question underscores Abimelech's genuine confusion and his attempt to logically comprehend an act that, to him, seemed entirely without justifiable cause, especially given the perilous consequences it had almost brought upon his household.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Abimelech said to Abraham, Why did you do this thing?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Abimelech also saith unto Abraham, `What hast thou seen that thou hast done this thing?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And again he expostulated with him, and said: What sawest thou, that thou hast done this?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Abimelech said to Abraham, What hast thou seen that thou hast done this?
Context
This verse continues Abimelech's direct and pointed confrontation with Abraham, immediately following his initial accusations in verse 9. By asking 'What sawest thou?', Abimelech seeks to uncover the root cause of Abraham's deception. This question directly elicits Abraham's explanation and justification for his actions, which follows in the next verses.
v.9Then 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.
v.10This passage
v.11And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.
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