Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:13

What does Genesis 20:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:13 means

Abraham reveals that this strategy of presenting Sarah as his sister was a long-standing agreement between them, dating back to when God first called him to leave his father's house and wander. He had asked Sarah to show him this 'kindness' by always identifying him as her brother in their travels. This confession exposes a pattern of fear and a lack of full trust in God's protection, indicating a consistent willingness to rely on human cunning rather than divine faithfulness throughout his nomadic journey.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when God sent me wandering from my father's house, I said to her, Let this be the sign of your love for me; wherever we go, say of me, He is my brother.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it cometh to pass, when God hath caused me to wander from my father's house, that I say to her, This <FI>is<Fi> thy kindness which thou dost with me: at every place whither we come, say of me, He <FI>is<Fi> my brother.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after God brought me out of my father's house, I said to her: Thou shalt do me this kindness: In every place, to which we shall come, thou shalt say that I am thy brother.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass whenGod caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, Let this be thy kindness which thou shalt shew to me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

Context

Continuing his explanation from verses 11 and 12, Abraham clarifies that his deception was a pre-arranged plan, not a spontaneous lie. This revelation demonstrates a long-term pattern of fear and self-reliance rather than a moment of weakness. It marks the culmination of Abraham's justification, setting up Abimelech's gracious but firm response, as he now fully understands the extent of Abraham's deceit.

v.12And moreover she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:

v.13This passage

v.14And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men-servants and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 23:21

    And Saul said, Blessed be ye of Jehovah; for ye have had compassion on me.

  • Genesis 12:11

    And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:

  • Genesis 12:9

    And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Acts 5:9

    But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.

  • Acts 7:3

    and said unto him, Get thee out of thy land, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee.

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