Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:3

What does Genesis 20:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:3 means

God mercifully intervenes by appearing to Abimelech in a dream, warning him of the grave danger he is in because he has taken Sarah, who is married. God's message is direct and severe, declaring that Abimelech faces death precisely because he has taken another man's wife. This divine communication highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to protecting His covenant people and the purity of marriage, even when His people are at fault.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, because of the woman whom thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, because of the woman whom thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But God came to Abimelech in a dream in the night, and said to him, Truly you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken; for she is a man's wife.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And God cometh in unto Abimelech in a dream of the night, and saith to him, `Lo, thou <FI>art<Fi> a dead man, because of the woman whom thou hast taken--and she married to a husband.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and he said to him: Lo thou shalt die for the woman that thou hast taken: for she hath a husband.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

ButGod came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art [but] a dead man, because of the woman that thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

Context

This verse marks a crucial turning point, occurring immediately after Abimelech, unknowingly, takes Sarah into his household in verse 2. God's direct communication to Abimelech in a dream prevents a sinful act and demonstrates divine protection over Sarah. This intervention sets up Abimelech's plea for mercy and God's subsequent explanation of His actions in the following verses.

v.2And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

v.3This passage

v.4Now Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay even a righteous nation?

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 28:12

    And he dreamed; and behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

  • Jonah 3:4

    And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

  • Genesis 37:5

    And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

  • Genesis 37:9

    And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed yet a dream; and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me.

  • Job 4:12

    Now a thing was secretly brought to me, And mine ear received a whisper thereof.

  • Job 33:15

    In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;

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