Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:7

What does Genesis 20:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:7 means

God commands Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, identifying Abraham as a prophet whose prayers would bring healing and life to Abimelech. God warns Abimelech that failure to restore Sarah would result in certain death for him and his entire household. This command not only underscores the sanctity of marriage but also reveals Abraham's privileged position as a man of God, despite his recent failure. It emphasizes the power of prayer from a righteous person and the serious consequences of defying divine instruction.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now therefore restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now therefore restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So now, give the man back his wife, for he is a prophet, and let him say a prayer for you, so your life may be safe: but if you do not give her back, be certain that death will come to you and all your house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now send back the man's wife, for he <FI>is<Fi> inspired, and he doth pray for thee, and live thou; and if thou do not send back, know that dying thou dost die, thou, and all that thou hast.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now therefore restore the man his wife, for he is a prophet: and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: but if thou wilt not restore her, know that thou shalt surely die, thou and all that are thine.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And now, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and will pray for thee, that thou mayest live. And if thou do not restore [her], know that thou shalt certainly die, thou and all that is thine.

Context

Following God's affirmation of Abimelech's integrity and His own protective actions in verse 6, this verse delivers God's directive. It clearly outlines the necessary course of action for Abimelech — returning Sarah — and introduces Abraham's role as a prophet. This command creates a pathway for resolution, setting up Abimelech's obedience and subsequent confrontation with Abraham.

v.6And 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.

v.7This passage

v.8And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 11:5

    And if any man desireth to hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies; and if any man shall desire to hurt them, in this manner must he be killed.

  • Exodus 4:16

    And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.

  • 2 Kings 19:2

    And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

  • 1 Samuel 12:23

    Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

  • 2 Samuel 24:17

    And David spake unto Jehovah when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

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