Genesis 20:1-10 ▼

1 Abraham journeyed from there to the Negev region and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he lived as a temporary resident in Gerar,

2 Abraham said about his wife Sarah, |She is my sister.| So Abimelech, king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her.

3 But God appeared to Abimelech in a dream at night and said to him, |You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is someone else's wife.|

4 Now Abimelech had not gone near her. He said, |Lord, would you really slaughter an innocent nation?

5 Did Abraham not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' I have done this with a clear conscience and with innocent hands!|

6 Then in the dream God replied to him, |Yes, I know that you have done this with a clear conscience. That is why I have kept you from sinning against me and why I did not allow you to touch her.

7 But now give back the man's wife. Indeed he is a prophet and he will pray for you; thus you will live. But if you don't give her back, know that you will surely die along with all who belong to you.|

8 Early in the morning Abimelech summoned all his servants. When he told them about all these things, they were terrified.

9 Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him, |What have you done to us? What sin did I commit against you that would cause you to bring such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done!|

10 Then Abimelech asked Abraham, |What prompted you to do this thing?|