Genesis 20:4 - Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, “Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation?
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What does "Genesis 20:4" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:4 is a crucial part of a story about Abraham, Sarah, and King Abimelech of Gerar. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now Abimelech had not come near her." This is key. It states that Abimelech had not had sexual relations with Sarah. He hadn't consummated the marriage he thought he was entering into. This is important because it underscores his potential innocence in God's eyes.
"He said, 'Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation?'" Abimelech is essentially protesting to God. He's arguing that his people, his "nation," are generally righteous or innocent. He believed he was acting in good faith and unaware that Sarah was Abraham's wife, not his sister. He thought he was entering a legitimate marriage. He's questioning the justice of God punishing his entire nation for what he sees as an innocent mistake.
In essence, the verse expresses Abimelech's plea and justification for his people and himself. He's claiming:
Lack of Knowledge: He didn't know Sarah was Abraham's wife. He believed Abraham's deception.
Good Faith: He acted in what he believed to be an honest and just manner.
Disproportionate Punishment: He argues that punishing an entire nation for the mistake of its ruler (made in ignorance) would be unjust.
This sets the stage for God's response in the following verses, where God acknowledges Abimelech's sincerity and explains why He intervened. It highlights the importance of intention and knowledge in determining guilt and punishment.
Genesis 20:4 - Now Abimelech had not come near her. He said, “Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation?
What does "Genesis 20:4" mean?
This verse from Genesis 20:4 is a crucial part of a story about Abraham, Sarah, and King Abimelech of Gerar. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Now Abimelech had not come near her." This is key. It states that Abimelech had not had sexual relations with Sarah. He hadn't consummated the marriage he thought he was entering into. This is important because it underscores his potential innocence in God's eyes.
"He said, 'Lord, will you kill even a righteous nation?'" Abimelech is essentially protesting to God. He's arguing that his people, his "nation," are generally righteous or innocent. He believed he was acting in good faith and unaware that Sarah was Abraham's wife, not his sister. He thought he was entering a legitimate marriage. He's questioning the justice of God punishing his entire nation for what he sees as an innocent mistake.
In essence, the verse expresses Abimelech's plea and justification for his people and himself. He's claiming:
Lack of Knowledge: He didn't know Sarah was Abraham's wife. He believed Abraham's deception.
Good Faith: He acted in what he believed to be an honest and just manner.
Disproportionate Punishment: He argues that punishing an entire nation for the mistake of its ruler (made in ignorance) would be unjust.
This sets the stage for God's response in the following verses, where God acknowledges Abimelech's sincerity and explains why He intervened. It highlights the importance of intention and knowledge in determining guilt and punishment.