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 20:7KJVWhat does Genesis 20:7 mean?
Genesis 20:7 records God telling Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham because Abraham is a prophet who can pray for Abimelech’s life; if Abimelech does not return her, he and his household will die. The verse highlights the seriousness of taking another man’s wife and the special role of Abraham as an intercessor.
God is speaking directly to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, in a dream after Abimelech unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham’s wife. God warns Abimelech that Abraham is a prophet (someone who speaks to God and for God) and that Abraham’s prayer can save him. This moment shows both the danger Abimelech is in and the respect God gives to Abraham’s relationship with Him.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 20:7
- restore (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means “to return” or “to give back.” God’s command to Abimelech is not just to let Sarah go, but to actively return her to Abraham, stressing the need to correct the wrong.
- prophet (נָבִיא, navi’): This is the first time the word “prophet” appears in the Bible. Here, it means someone who has a special connection to God and can intercede for others, showing Abraham’s unique status.
- pray (פָּלַל, palal): This word means “to intercede” or “to mediate.” God is saying Abraham’s prayer has real power to affect Abimelech’s fate, emphasizing the importance of intercessory prayer.
- surely die (מוֹת תָּמוּת, mot tamut): This phrase doubles the word for “die,” making the warning very strong. It means Abimelech’s death is certain if he does not obey.
Why Genesis 20:7 matters
- Genesis 20:7 clears up that Abraham’s role as a prophet is recognized by God Himself, not just by people, and that prophets can pray for others’ wellbeing.
- The verse shows that even unintentional wrongdoing (Abimelech did not know Sarah was married) still needs to be set right, but God gives a way for mercy through Abraham’s intercession.
- This verse connects to the wider story by showing God’s protection over Abraham and Sarah, and how God’s promises to Abraham are safeguarded even in foreign lands.