Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:4

What does Genesis 20:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:4 means

Abimelech, having not yet come near Sarah intimately, expresses his confusion and pleads with God. He questions whether God would destroy an entire nation—his people—who are acting righteously in this situation. His plea emphasizes his innocence, as he had no knowledge that Sarah was a married woman. This response reveals Abimelech's conscience and his respect for what he believed to be divine justice, setting the stage for God's further explanation and the vindication of Abimelech's integrity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, Lord, will you put to death an upright nation?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abimelech hath not drawn near unto her, and he saith, `Lord, also a righteous nation dost thou slay?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Abimelech had not touched her, and he said: Lord, wilt thou slay a nation that is ignorant and just?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou also kill a righteous nation?

Context

This verse directly follows God's stern warning to Abimelech in a dream in verse 3. Abimelech's defense underscores his ignorance of Sarah's marital status and his nation's perceived righteousness. His plea for understanding prepares the reader for God's affirmation of his integrity and revelation of His protective hand in the next verse.

v.3But 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.

v.4This passage

v.5Said he not himself unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and the innocency of my hands have I done this.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 18:23

    And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou consume the righteous with the wicked?

  • Genesis 20:17

    And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:17

    And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, O Jehovah my God, be against me, and against my father’s house; but not against thy people, that they should be plagued.

  • 2 Samuel 4:11

    How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed, shall I not now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

  • Genesis 19:24

    Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven;

  • Genesis 20:6

    And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 20

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 20.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 20:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary