Genesis 20:1 kjv

And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

Genesis 20:1 nkjv

And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar.

Genesis 20:1 niv

Now Abraham moved on from there into the region of the Negev and lived between Kadesh and Shur. For a while he stayed in Gerar,

Genesis 20:1 esv

From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar.

Genesis 20:1 nlt

Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner,

Genesis 20 verses

Genesis 20 1 Meaning

Genesis chapter 20, verse 1 describes Abraham's movement from the area of Mamre after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It details his journey towards the dry southern region (Negev) of Canaan, where he then temporarily settled between the significant locations of Kadesh and Shur before residing as a foreign resident in the city of Gerar. This verse marks a significant geographical shift, setting the stage for the next phase of Abraham's covenant journey and the testing of his faith.

Genesis 20 1 Context

Immediate Chapter Context: Genesis 20:1 directly follows the climactic judgment and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19), and Lot's subsequent flight and descent into sin (Gen 19:30-38). Abraham's physical removal from Mamre, where he had interceded for Sodom and witnessed its demise, signals a narrative transition. The verse introduces a new location, Gerar, which then sets the stage for Abraham's repeated deception concerning Sarah's identity, an incident that echoes an earlier one with Pharaoh in Egypt (Gen 12) but now involves Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This reoccurrence underscores the ongoing challenges to God's covenant promises and Abraham's recurring lack of faith despite witnessing God's powerful acts.

Historical and Cultural Context: Abraham's life as described in Genesis is one of a nomadic pastoralist, constantly seeking pasture and water for his livestock. Movement between regions was common. The "Negev" (Southern country) was a semi-arid zone, demanding resilience and indicating potential challenges in sustaining a large household. Kadesh and Shur were notable desert landmarks on trade routes, likely known for water sources, defining a challenging region close to the Egyptian border. Gerar itself was a Philistine (or Proto-Philistine) city-state in the western Negev, an established political entity with a king, representing a point of contact between Abraham's nomadic lifestyle and the settled agricultural/urban cultures of the region. This contact often led to tension, requiring God's intervention to protect His covenant bearer. Abraham's status as a "sojourner" reflects the legal and social reality of foreigners living in another's land without permanent land rights, entirely dependent on the host's goodwill and divine favor.

Genesis 20 1 Word analysis

• And Abraham journeyed: וַיִּסַּע אַבְרָהָם (vayyissa’ Avraham).
  • וַיִּסַּע (vayyissa'): Literally "and he pulled out/departed." From the root נסע (nasa'). Implies breaking camp and moving away. This highlights the fluidity and migratory nature of Abraham's life as a pastoralist. It signifies not merely a trip, but a change of residence.
  • אַבְרָהָם (Avraham): "Father of a multitude," his new name from Gen 17:5, signifying God's covenant purpose. This reminds the reader of the promises he carries, even in a physical move.
• from there: מִשָּׁם (mi-sham).
  • מִשָּׁם (mi-sham): "From there." This is a concise linking word. "There" refers to the area of the oaks of Mamre (Hebron) where Abraham had been dwelling (Gen 13:18) and where he interceded for Sodom (Gen 18). It indicates a deliberate relocation post-Sodom's destruction, though the immediate trigger for the move is not explicitly stated.
• toward the South country: אֶל־אֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב (el-’eretz ha-Negev).
  • אֶל־אֶרֶץ (el-’eretz): "To the land of." Directional.
  • הַנֶּגֶב (ha-Negev): "The Negev," meaning "the dry/southland." It refers to the semi-arid southern region of Canaan. Abraham had traveled there before (Gen 12:9). This indicates a move to a challenging, often resource-scarce environment, requiring divine provision.
• and dwelt: וַיֵּשֶׁב (vayyeshev).
  • וַיֵּשֶׁב (vayyeshev): From the root ישב (yashav), "to sit, dwell, settle." This denotes a period of settling or remaining in a place, implying a more prolonged stay than simply passing through, contrasting with the subsequent "sojourned." It sets up a temporary residence before moving into a specific city.
• between Kadesh and Shur: בֵּין קָדֵשׁ וּבֵין שׁוּר (ben Qadesh uven Shur).
  • קָדֵשׁ (Qadesh): A prominent oasis and border town in the northern Sinai/southern Judah wilderness, important in Israel's later history (e.g., Kadesh Barnea). Its inclusion emphasizes a specific geographical marker.
  • שׁוּר (Shur): Refers to the "Wall" or "Border." It denotes a desert wilderness area stretching from Egypt eastward, known for its challenging conditions. This description pinpoints the approximate and often inhospitable location of Abraham's temporary dwelling.
• and sojourned: וַיָּגָר (vayyagar).
  • וַיָּגָר (vayyagar): From the root גור (gur), "to reside as an alien/foreigner, to sojourn." This word is crucial for Abraham's identity. It explicitly states his status as a non-native, someone without inherent land rights or citizenship, relying on permission from local rulers. This concept is foundational to Abraham's faith (Heb 11:9).
• in Gerar: בִּגְרָר (bi-Grar).
  • בִּגְרָר (bi-Grar): "In Gerar." Gerar was an important ancient city-state in the western Negev, near the Wadi Ghazzah, south of Gaza. It was later associated with the Philistines and is where Isaac would also face a similar challenge to Abraham's (Gen 26). Its mention brings Abraham into direct contact with a prominent Gentile king and culture.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Abraham journeyed... toward the South country": This phrase highlights Abraham's continued mobile existence, following God's leading, even after recent traumatic events. His destination, the "Negev," implies an area of potential hardship and a further testing of reliance on divine provision.
• "and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur": This specifies Abraham's transient residence in a challenging, sparsely populated wilderness borderland. It suggests a time before fully settling in the more established city of Gerar, emphasizing the often unsettled nature of his journey.
• "and sojourned in Gerar": This final part explicitly defines Abraham's mode of residence in Gerar. He did not own land or have permanent rights there but lived as a foreigner, which foreshadows the incident with Abimelech and underscores his identity as a pilgrim in a land promised to his descendants, but not yet his own.

Genesis 20 1 Bonus section

• The timing of this move immediately after the Sodom judgment might suggest a pastoral necessity due to depleted resources or a divine prompting to move away from the desolation, demonstrating God's continued guidance over Abraham's life even in times of transition or recovery.
• The re-entry into a situation paralleling Gen 12 (Abraham fearing for his life and deceiving about Sarah) underscores a key biblical principle: even great figures of faith are susceptible to repeating past mistakes and exhibiting human weakness. It highlights God's grace and faithfulness despite human failing.
• Gerar's importance as a strategic center near trade routes suggests a location that provided opportunity for interaction and influence, setting up a situation where Abraham, as God's representative, would engage with a foreign ruler. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God working through His people to interact with and bear witness to Gentile nations.
• The emphasis on "sojourning" can be seen as a spiritual metaphor for all believers, reminding them that their true homeland is not of this world, aligning with the New Testament concept of Christians as pilgrims awaiting an eternal city (1 Pet 2:11, Heb 11:13-16).

Genesis 20 1 Commentary

Genesis 20:1 initiates a new chapter in Abraham's narrative by detailing his geographical relocation from Mamre to the arid Negev region, specifically settling as a sojourner in Gerar. This move, following the cataclysmic destruction of Sodom, subtly suggests a spiritual cleansing and a physical separation from the remnants of judgment. The choice of the "Negev" points to a challenging environment, where Abraham's reliance on God for provision would be paramount. The term "sojourned" (גור, gur) is pivotal; it defines Abraham's lifelong status as a temporary resident, a stranger in the very land God promised to him (Heb 11:9). This transient identity reinforces his faith-journey, where ultimate belonging lies in God's future fulfillment, not current possession. Placing Abraham in Gerar, a foreign city ruled by Abimelech, immediately sets the scene for an upcoming test of Abraham's faith, revealing that despite past encounters with divine power (like the judgment on Sodom), he still harbors fear that leads him to repeat a prior deceptive action regarding Sarah. This verse therefore is not merely a geographic notation but a setup for a recurring narrative pattern concerning Abraham's flawed humanity and God's steadfast protection of His covenant people.