Genesis 20:17

Translations

Modern

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—

Traditional

So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

Literal

And Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants, and they bore children.

Latin

Orante autem Abraham, sanavit Deus Abimelech et uxorem, ancillasque ejus, et pepererunt:

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—

Notes

Genesis 20:17–18

The inability to have children suggests that some time had passed. God controls births. He decides when women can have children (25:21; 29:31; 30:2, 17, 22–23; 1 Samuel 1:19–20; Psalms 113:9; 127:3; Luke 1:13).

Genesis 20:1–18

This second "sister story" in Genesis (compare 12:10–20) happened just before Sarah became pregnant with Isaac (chapter 21). In both instances, God protected Abraham and Sarah's marriage to keep it pure for the covenant promises. To be part of God's plan, his people must separate from worldly corruption.
This story happened in the promised land. It showed Israel how God intervened in people's lives to fulfill his plan. He protected them from threats from other tribes. He used his chosen people to mediate his relationship with other nations.
By preventing adultery from destroying Abraham's marriage, God reminded the Israelites not to marry those who would lead them away from the Lord (Ezra 9:1–4; Nehemiah 13:23–27; Malachi 2:10–17). They should not allow any chance for temptation. Adultery would eventually destroy the covenant and the people.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Sarah Infertility Symbolic Numbers The Plagues

Related verses

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
Job 42:9–10
So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:25
Brothers, pray for us as well.
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Genesis 29:31
When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.
Isaiah 45:11
Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “Concerning things to come, do you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands?
Ezra 6:10
Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons.
1 Samuel 5:11–12
Then the Ekronites called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was very heavy upon it.
Genesis 20:7
Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Abimelech Barrenness Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Dreams Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Sarah

Topics

Barrenness: Sent As a Judgment Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Ignorance: Punishment of Sins of Abimelech Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Abimelech Miracles: Catalogue of The Closing of the Wombs of Abimelech's Household Prayer: Answered for Abimelech

Genesis 20:17

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