Genesis 20:7 kjv

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.

Genesis 20:7 nkjv

Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."

Genesis 20:7 niv

Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die."

Genesis 20:7 esv

Now then, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."

Genesis 20:7 nlt

Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don't return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die."

Genesis 20 verses

Genesis 20 7 Meaning

Genesis 20:7 conveys God's direct command to King Abimelech of Gerar, instructing him to return Sarah to Abraham. The command is immediately followed by a revelation of Abraham's identity as a prophet (נָבִיא, navi), emphasizing that Abraham's prayer is essential for Abimelech's survival and the restoration of his household's health. The verse presents a stark choice between life through obedience and intercession, or sure death through continued transgression. It highlights God's sovereignty, His protection of His covenant people, and the vital role of the prophet as an intercessor.

Genesis 20 7 Context

This verse is part of a narrative where Abraham again fears for his life due to Sarah's beauty, leading him to claim she is his sister in the pagan kingdom of Gerar, just as he did in Egypt (Gen 12). King Abimelech, unaware that Sarah is Abraham's wife, takes her into his palace, likely with intentions of making her part of his harem. Before he can approach her, God directly intervenes by speaking to Abimelech in a dream. In the dream (Gen 20:3-6), God informs Abimelech that he is a "dead man" for taking a married woman, yet acknowledges Abimelech's integrity and ignorance, preventing him from touching Sarah. Verse 7 follows directly as God's specific command and condition for Abimelech's survival. The historical and cultural context reflects the dangers foreign travelers faced, the absolute authority of kings to take women, and God's powerful intervention to protect the integrity of the messianic lineage through Sarah and Abraham, despite their flaws.

Genesis 20 7 Word analysis

• Now therefore: Connects God's warning in the dream (Gen 20:3-6) to the subsequent command. It signifies a logical and immediate consequence of the revealed truth.
• restore (הָשֵׁב, hashev): An imperative verb, demanding immediate return. It implies an ethical obligation to right a wrong. This is about physical return, not just a verbal apology.
• the man his wife: Specifically identifies the relationship between Abraham and Sarah. It underscores the sanctity and boundaries of marriage, even within a non-covenantal kingdom.
• for (כִּי, ki): Introduces the reason for the command and the following conditions. It's a crucial explanatory conjunction.
• he is a prophet (נָבִיא הוּא, navi hu): This is the first biblical use of the term נָבִיא (navi) applied to an individual, signifying someone who speaks for God or through whom God reveals His will. Here, it also emphasizes his unique proximity to God that gives his prayers special efficacy.
• and he shall pray for thee (וְיִתְפַּלֵּל בַּעַדְךָ, v'yitpallel ba'adcha): Outlines the specific role of Abraham as an intercessor. God's directive implies that Abraham's prayer is the mechanism for Abimelech's healing and continued life, making the prophet an indispensable link.
• and thou shalt live (וּחְיֵה, u'khyeh): Direct promise of life, contingent on obedience and the prophet's intercession. It emphasizes that divine favor and protection are granted through these specific channels.
• and if thou restore her not: A conditional clause, presenting Abimelech with a clear choice. God grants freedom of will but attaches severe consequences.
• know thou (דַּע, da): Another imperative, demanding full comprehension and acceptance of the warning. There is no room for ignorance or pretense.
• that thou shalt surely die (מוֹת תָּמוּת, mot tamut): An emphatic construction in Hebrew, literally "dying you shall die." This signifies certain and inevitable death, a grave judgment, likely including the entire household already afflicted. It suggests a physical, punitive death rather than merely a spiritual one.
• thou, and all that are thine: The judgment is comprehensive, extending beyond Abimelech himself to his entire family and dependents. This reflects the ancient understanding of corporate identity and corporate responsibility, common in the Old Testament. It shows the devastating consequences of violating God's protective boundary around His covenant people.

Genesis 20 7 Bonus section

• The term נָבִיא (prophet) applied to Abraham here highlights that prophetic ministry long predates the formal establishment of prophets under the Mosaic Law. It indicates a direct, personal relationship with God.
• The text showcases divine revelation in a dream to a non-believer (Abimelech), demonstrating God's sovereign ability to communicate His will universally, even to those outside the covenant, for the purpose of justice and protection of His people.
• Abimelech's acknowledgment of Abraham as נָבִיא through obedience and seeking his prayer serves as a humble submission to God's revealed authority, even though Abimelech was a powerful king. This reverses the expected power dynamic of the time, placing the "foreigner" (Abraham) in a position of spiritual authority over the "king."
• This passage foreshadows the concept of Christ as the ultimate intercessor (Heb 7:25), through whom humanity can approach God and find life. Abraham's role here is a shadow of the perfect intercession that Christ offers.
• The narrative serves as a strong reminder that while human failures occur, God's divine plan and protection for His people will prevail, even in unexpected ways.

Genesis 20 7 Commentary

Genesis 20:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human affairs and His unyielding commitment to His covenant people. Despite Abraham's deception, God defends Sarah, preserving the integrity of the messianic lineage. The verse introduces Abraham as נָבִיא (navi), establishing the concept of the prophet as not only a recipient of divine revelation but also a vital intercessor. God specifically mandates that Abimelech seek Abraham's prayer for his own life, showcasing that even a pagan king must acknowledge God's chosen servant for divine favor. The severity of the threatened "surely die" underscores God's absolute holiness and the gravity of infringing upon His divine order and protection, impacting not only the individual but also their entire house. This also contrasts with pagan deities who often required appeasement rather than specific acts of restitution or intercession through a single, chosen spokesman. It subtly warns against sexual transgression and the taking of another's spouse, linking it to divine wrath and death.