Genesis 20:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 20:17 mean?

Genesis 20:17 says that Abraham prayed to God, and as a result, God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants so that they could have children again. The verse shows that God responded to Abraham’s prayer by removing a specific problem that had affected Abimelech’s household.

In this scene, Abraham is praying on behalf of Abimelech, the king of Gerar, after a misunderstanding involving Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Earlier in the chapter, God had prevented Abimelech’s household from having children because Abimelech had unknowingly taken Sarah. Now, after Abraham’s prayer, God restores the ability to have children, highlighting both Abraham’s role as an intercessor and God’s power to heal.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 20:17

• The word for “prayed” is פָּלַל (palal), which often means to intercede or plead on someone else’s behalf. This shows Abraham is not just speaking to God for himself but is actively seeking help for others.
• The word for “healed” is רָפָא (rapha’), meaning to restore to health. Here, it refers to God undoing the physical condition that had stopped Abimelech’s household from bearing children.
• The word for “bare” is יָלַד (yalad), which means to give birth or bring forth children. The verse makes clear that the healing specifically restored the ability to have children, not just general health.

Why Genesis 20:17 matters

• Genesis 20:17 clarifies that God’s intervention was both specific and reversible—He had closed the wombs in Abimelech’s house and then reopened them in response to prayer.
• The verse highlights Abraham’s unique relationship with God, showing that his prayers have real effects for others, not just himself.
• This verse connects to the broader story by resolving the crisis that began when Abimelech took Sarah, showing God’s protection over Sarah and His faithfulness to Abraham.