Genesis 20:3 - But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken. For she is a man’s wife.”
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What does "Genesis 20:3" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:3 is a key moment in a story about Abraham (though he's referred to as Abram at times) and his wife Sarah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night..." God directly intervenes by appearing to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, in a dream. This highlights the importance of the situation and God's intention to ensure justice and protect His promise related to Abraham and Sarah's descendants. Dreams were often seen as a means of divine communication in ancient times.
"...and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken." God warns Abimelech that he is facing imminent death ("a dead man") because he has taken Sarah into his household. The severity of the warning emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the potential consequences of violating it.
"For she is a man’s wife.” The reason for the impending death is clearly stated: Sarah is already married to Abraham. Abimelech has unknowingly committed a serious offense (adultery or potentially taking another man's wife for himself) against God's established order and covenant.
In essence, the verse means:
God is directly warning Abimelech in a dream that he is in grave danger of dying because he has taken Sarah into his household, unaware that she is a married woman. God's direct intervention emphasizes the importance of the situation and the consequences of adultery.
Context within the broader story:
This verse is part of a larger narrative where Abraham, fearing for his life, has claimed that Sarah is his sister rather than his wife. Abimelech, believing Sarah to be unmarried, takes her into his harem. God intervenes to prevent Abimelech from consummating the relationship, thus protecting Sarah and the lineage that God has promised through her and Abraham.
Genesis 20:3 - But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken. For she is a man’s wife.”
What does "Genesis 20:3" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:3 is a key moment in a story about Abraham (though he's referred to as Abram at times) and his wife Sarah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night..." God directly intervenes by appearing to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, in a dream. This highlights the importance of the situation and God's intention to ensure justice and protect His promise related to Abraham and Sarah's descendants. Dreams were often seen as a means of divine communication in ancient times.
"...and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken." God warns Abimelech that he is facing imminent death ("a dead man") because he has taken Sarah into his household. The severity of the warning emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the potential consequences of violating it.
"For she is a man’s wife.” The reason for the impending death is clearly stated: Sarah is already married to Abraham. Abimelech has unknowingly committed a serious offense (adultery or potentially taking another man's wife for himself) against God's established order and covenant.
In essence, the verse means:
God is directly warning Abimelech in a dream that he is in grave danger of dying because he has taken Sarah into his household, unaware that she is a married woman. God's direct intervention emphasizes the importance of the situation and the consequences of adultery.
Context within the broader story:
This verse is part of a larger narrative where Abraham, fearing for his life, has claimed that Sarah is his sister rather than his wife. Abimelech, believing Sarah to be unmarried, takes her into his harem. God intervenes to prevent Abimelech from consummating the relationship, thus protecting Sarah and the lineage that God has promised through her and Abraham.