Genesis 20:18 - For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 20:18" mean?
Genesis 20:18 is a direct consequence of Abraham's deception and Abimelech's unwitting acquisition of Sarah as a wife. Let's break down the meaning:
"For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech..." This means that God caused all the women in Abimelech's household to become infertile. They could not conceive or give birth.
"...because of Sarah, Abraham's wife." This explicitly states the reason for the infertility. It was a divine response to Abimelech's actions regarding Sarah. Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, believing her to be Abraham's sister (a lie Abraham told to protect himself). God intervened to prevent Abimelech from consummating the relationship with Sarah, who was still technically Abraham's wife.
In summary, the verse explains that God inflicted infertility on Abimelech's household as a direct result of Abimelech taking Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household. The infertility was a divine sign and protective measure to ensure that Sarah, who was destined to bear Isaac and continue the covenant line, would not be compromised.
Theological Implications
Divine Protection: The verse demonstrates God's protection of Sarah and the promise He made to Abraham about his descendants. God actively intervened to prevent Sarah from being defiled and to ensure the continuation of the chosen lineage.
Consequences of Deception: While Abimelech acted in ignorance, Abraham's deception set the stage for this entire situation. The verse indirectly highlights the negative consequences of dishonesty.
God's Sovereignty: The verse showcases God's power and sovereignty over fertility and the natural order. He can open and close wombs as He sees fit to accomplish His purposes.
Moral Complexity: The story is complex and raises questions about Abraham's behavior and God's methods. It's a reminder that the Bible presents nuanced characters and situations.
Genesis 20:18 - For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
What does "Genesis 20:18" mean?
Genesis 20:18 is a direct consequence of Abraham's deception and Abimelech's unwitting acquisition of Sarah as a wife. Let's break down the meaning:
"For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech..." This means that God caused all the women in Abimelech's household to become infertile. They could not conceive or give birth.
"...because of Sarah, Abraham's wife." This explicitly states the reason for the infertility. It was a divine response to Abimelech's actions regarding Sarah. Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, believing her to be Abraham's sister (a lie Abraham told to protect himself). God intervened to prevent Abimelech from consummating the relationship with Sarah, who was still technically Abraham's wife.
In summary, the verse explains that God inflicted infertility on Abimelech's household as a direct result of Abimelech taking Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household. The infertility was a divine sign and protective measure to ensure that Sarah, who was destined to bear Isaac and continue the covenant line, would not be compromised.
Theological Implications
Divine Protection: The verse demonstrates God's protection of Sarah and the promise He made to Abraham about his descendants. God actively intervened to prevent Sarah from being defiled and to ensure the continuation of the chosen lineage.
Consequences of Deception: While Abimelech acted in ignorance, Abraham's deception set the stage for this entire situation. The verse indirectly highlights the negative consequences of dishonesty.
God's Sovereignty: The verse showcases God's power and sovereignty over fertility and the natural order. He can open and close wombs as He sees fit to accomplish His purposes.
Moral Complexity: The story is complex and raises questions about Abraham's behavior and God's methods. It's a reminder that the Bible presents nuanced characters and situations.