Genesis 20:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 20:2 mean?

Genesis 20:2 tells how Abraham, while staying in Gerar, said that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife. As a result, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her into his household.

In this verse, Abraham is speaking about Sarah, his wife, to the people of Gerar. The situation is tense because Abraham fears for his safety, so he claims Sarah is his sister. This leads Abimelech, the local king, to take Sarah, likely intending to add her to his harem, not knowing she is married to Abraham.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 20:2

• אִשָּׁה (ishah, "wife"): This word makes it clear that Sarah is Abraham’s wife, highlighting the seriousness of Abraham’s claim that she is only his sister.
• אֲחוֹתִי (achoti, "sister"): Abraham uses this word to describe Sarah, which is technically true in a sense (she is his half-sister, as explained elsewhere), but here it is used to hide their marriage.
• לָקַח (laqach, "took"): This word often means to take or seize, and in this context, it shows that Abimelech actively brought Sarah into his household, not just as a guest but with the intention of making her part of his family.

Why Genesis 20:2 matters

• This verse sets up a conflict that will be resolved later in the chapter, showing the potential consequences of Abraham’s fear-driven decision.
• It highlights a recurring theme in Genesis where Abraham’s actions put Sarah at risk, echoing a similar event in Egypt (Genesis 12).
• The verse also introduces Abimelech, a foreign king, and shows how misunderstandings about relationships can have serious implications in ancient societies.