Genesis 20:9 - Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”
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What does "Genesis 20:9" mean?
This verse, Genesis 20:9, comes from the story where Abraham passes his wife Sarah off as his sister to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Abimelech called Abraham..." This indicates a formal summons, a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Abimelech is clearly upset.
"...and said to him, “What have you done to us?" This is the central question of the verse, highlighting Abimelech's shock and confusion. He feels betrayed and potentially endangered.
"How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin?" This part reveals Abimelech's main concern: he believes Abraham's deception has placed him and his people in grave danger. Abimelech believes he has done nothing to Abraham to deserve such deceit. He fears that because he took Sarah into his household, thinking she was unmarried, he has committed adultery unknowingly, which could bring divine wrath or punishment upon his kingdom. "Great sin" implies a sin that could have serious consequences for the entire kingdom, potentially including divine punishment or societal upheaval.
"You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”" This is a general statement of moral outrage. Abraham's actions are considered dishonorable and unacceptable, violating the principles of hospitality and trust that were crucial in that society. It emphasizes the breach of social norms and the betrayal of Abimelech's trust. Abraham, as a visitor, had a responsibility to act honestly.
In summary, this verse reveals Abimelech's anger, fear, and moral indignation at Abraham's deception. He feels wronged because Abraham's actions have put him and his kingdom in a position where they might unknowingly have committed a serious sin against God. The verse highlights the importance of honesty, trust, and adherence to societal norms in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Here are the key implications of this verse:
Sin and Divine Retribution: The passage underscores the ancient belief in divine judgment and the potential for sin to bring harm not only to the individual but also to the entire community. Abimelech fears that his unintentional transgression (taking another man's wife) will provoke God's anger.
Hospitality and Trust: In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. Abimelech had welcomed Abraham into his land, offering protection and resources. Abraham's deception violated this sacred trust and endangered Abimelech.
Moral Obligation: The verse highlights the moral responsibility that individuals had towards one another, particularly in the context of hospitality and social interaction. Abraham's behavior is viewed as a serious breach of these obligations.
Abimelech's Innocence: Abimelech emphasizes his innocence in the matter, underscoring the injustice of Abraham's actions. He believes he is being punished for something he did not knowingly do.
The verse is a turning point in the story. Abimelech's reaction leads to the revelation of Abraham's deceit and sets the stage for the resolution of the situation. It highlights the tension between Abraham's actions and the moral standards of the time, and the consequences those actions could have.
Genesis 20:9 - Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”
What does "Genesis 20:9" mean?
This verse, Genesis 20:9, comes from the story where Abraham passes his wife Sarah off as his sister to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Abimelech called Abraham..." This indicates a formal summons, a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Abimelech is clearly upset.
"...and said to him, “What have you done to us?" This is the central question of the verse, highlighting Abimelech's shock and confusion. He feels betrayed and potentially endangered.
"How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin?" This part reveals Abimelech's main concern: he believes Abraham's deception has placed him and his people in grave danger. Abimelech believes he has done nothing to Abraham to deserve such deceit. He fears that because he took Sarah into his household, thinking she was unmarried, he has committed adultery unknowingly, which could bring divine wrath or punishment upon his kingdom. "Great sin" implies a sin that could have serious consequences for the entire kingdom, potentially including divine punishment or societal upheaval.
"You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”" This is a general statement of moral outrage. Abraham's actions are considered dishonorable and unacceptable, violating the principles of hospitality and trust that were crucial in that society. It emphasizes the breach of social norms and the betrayal of Abimelech's trust. Abraham, as a visitor, had a responsibility to act honestly.
In summary, this verse reveals Abimelech's anger, fear, and moral indignation at Abraham's deception. He feels wronged because Abraham's actions have put him and his kingdom in a position where they might unknowingly have committed a serious sin against God. The verse highlights the importance of honesty, trust, and adherence to societal norms in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Here are the key implications of this verse:
Sin and Divine Retribution: The passage underscores the ancient belief in divine judgment and the potential for sin to bring harm not only to the individual but also to the entire community. Abimelech fears that his unintentional transgression (taking another man's wife) will provoke God's anger.
Hospitality and Trust: In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. Abimelech had welcomed Abraham into his land, offering protection and resources. Abraham's deception violated this sacred trust and endangered Abimelech.
Moral Obligation: The verse highlights the moral responsibility that individuals had towards one another, particularly in the context of hospitality and social interaction. Abraham's behavior is viewed as a serious breach of these obligations.
Abimelech's Innocence: Abimelech emphasizes his innocence in the matter, underscoring the injustice of Abraham's actions. He believes he is being punished for something he did not knowingly do.
The verse is a turning point in the story. Abimelech's reaction leads to the revelation of Abraham's deceit and sets the stage for the resolution of the situation. It highlights the tension between Abraham's actions and the moral standards of the time, and the consequences those actions could have.