Genesis 20:8
What does Genesis 20:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 20:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 20:8 means
Upon waking, Abimelech promptly obeys God's command. He convenes all his servants early the next morning and recounts the entire divine encounter and warning. The profound fear that grips his household upon hearing this news demonstrates the gravity of the situation and their recognition of God's power and justice. This immediate and public response shows Abimelech's leadership and his sincere concern for the well-being of his kingdom, motivating him to avoid divine wrath.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Abimelech got up early in the morning and sent for all his servants and gave them word of these things, and they were full of fear.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Abimelech riseth early in the morning, and calleth for all his servants, and speaketh all these words in their ears; and the men fear exceedingly;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Abimelech forthwith rising up in the night, called all his servants: and spoke all these words in their hearing, and all the men were exceedingly afraid.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and spoke all these words in their ears; and the men were greatly afraid.
Context
This verse directly follows God's stern command to Abimelech in verse 7. Abimelech's swift and public action demonstrates his fear of God and his intention to obey. His calling of his servants and relaying the dream sets the scene for his subsequent direct confrontation with Abraham, now fully informed of Abraham's deception and the divine intervention.
v.7Now 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.
v.8This passage
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.
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