Genesis 20:11

Abraham answered, “Because I thought, ‘Surely reverence for God is not in this place and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.’

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

In Context

10Abimelech said to Abraham, “What was your purpose in doing this thing?”

12Moreover, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father, though not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

Read all of Genesis 20

Cross References

Genesis 12:12so that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘She is his wife’; and they will kill me, but let you live.

Genesis 26:7When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister”. He was afraid to say “my wife”. He thought that the men of the place would kill him for Rebekah, because she was beautiful to look at.

Psalms 36:1Sin whispers within the heart of the wicked, no respect for God shows in their eyes.

Matthew Henry on Genesis 20:9-14

Abimelech's Conduct Towards Abraham. ( b. c. 1898.) 8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? 11… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Genesis 20:11