Genesis 20:4 - Forerunner Commentary

Genesis 20:4

2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ^a“She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and ^btook Sarah.

3 But ^aGod came to Abimelech ^bin a dream by night, and said to him, ^c“Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is¹ a man’s wife.”

4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, ^awill You slay a righteous nation also?

5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ ^aIn the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.”

6 And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For ^aI also withheld you from sinning ^bagainst Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.

7 Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; ^afor he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, ^bknow that you shall surely die, you ^cand all who are yours.”

8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid.

9 And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I¹ offended you, ^athat you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me ^bthat ought not to be done.”

Verse Comparison: Genesis 20:4

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Genesis 20:5 >>

American Standard Version
Now Abimelech had not come near her. And he said, Lord, wilt thou slay even a righteous nation?

Amplified® Bible
But Abimelech had not come near her, so he said, Lord, will you slay a people who are just {and} innocent?

Contemporary English Version
Abimelech said to the Lord, "Don't kill me! I haven't slept with Sarah. Didn't they say they were brother and sister? I am completely innocent."

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

Good News Bible
But Abimelech had not come near her, and he said, "Lord, I am innocent! Would you destroy me and my people?

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

New American Standard Bible
Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, "Lord, will You slay a nation, even {though} blameless?

New International Version
Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation?

New King James Version
But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, "Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also?

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, "Lord, will You slay a nation, even though it proves blameless?

Revised Standard Version
Now Abim'elech had not approached her; so he said, "Lord, wilt thou slay an innocent people?

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

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Genesis 20:5 >>

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