Genesis 26:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And Abimelech charged all [his] people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then Avimelekh warned all the people: "Whoever touches this man or his wife will certainly be put to death."

Berean Standard Bible:

So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”

American Standard Version:

And Abimelech charged all the people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Abimelech^{H40} charged^{H6680} all his people^{H5971}, saying^{H559}, He that toucheth^{H5060} this man^{H376} or his wife^{H802} shall surely^{H4191} be put to death^{H4191}.

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Commentary for Genesis 26:11

Genesis 26:11 is part of the narrative involving Isaac, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites, and Abimelech, the king of Gerar. The historical context of this verse is set during the period when the patriarchs lived in Canaan, interacting with the local rulers and inhabitants of the land.

**Themes:**

1. **Divine Protection:** Isaac, like his father Abraham, experiences divine protection during his sojourns. God reaffirms the covenant promises made to Abraham with Isaac, ensuring his safety and prosperity.

2. **Integrity and Trust:** The verse reflects the integrity of Isaac, as he does not reveal that Rebekah is his wife, fearing for his life. This fear stems from a previous incident where Abraham, out of similar fear, had presented Sarah as his sister rather than his wife to the Pharaoh of Egypt (Genesis 12). However, Isaac's half-truth is discovered by Abimelech, who then takes measures to protect Isaac and Rebekah.

3. **Respect for Marriage:** Abimelech's command to his people underscores the importance of respecting the sanctity of marriage and the serious consequences of adultery in the cultural and legal context of the time.

4. **Hospitality and Justice:** Abimelech's actions demonstrate a sense of hospitality towards strangers and the administration of justice by a foreign king, which is a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives.

**Historical Context:**

During the time of the patriarchs, the land of Canaan was inhabited by various peoples, and the social structure was tribal and localized. Kings like Abimelech had authority over their cities and territories, and their rule was often characterized by a mix of local customs and laws. The interactions between the patriarchs and these rulers are depicted as generally peaceful, with occasional conflicts arising from misunderstandings or competition over resources like water.

The specific context of Genesis 26:11 is Isaac's encounter with Abimelech after Isaac has settled in Gerar. Isaac, fearing the locals might kill him to take his wife Rebekah, presents her as his sister. However, Abimelech discovers the truth and, realizing that no harm has been done, issues a decree to protect Isaac and Rebekah, demonstrating his authority and the respect for the guest-host relationship that was integral to ancient Near Eastern societies.

In summary, Genesis 26:11 highlights themes of divine protection, integrity, respect for marriage, and the importance of hospitality and justice within the historical context of the patriarchal narratives in Canaan.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H40
   There are 1102 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
   Transliteration: ʼĂbîymelek
   Pronunciation: ab-ee-mel'-ek
   Description: from אָב and מֶלֶךְ; father of (the) king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites; Abimelech.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6680
   There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָוָה
   Transliteration: tsâvâh
   Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
   Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5971
   There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַם
   Transliteration: ʻam
   Pronunciation: am
   Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5060
   There are 142 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָגַע
   Transliteration: nâgaʻ
   Pronunciation: naw-gah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive, acquire); violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc.); beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch.
   
6. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
7. Strong's Number: H802
   There are 729 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִשָּׁה
   Transliteration: ʼishshâh
   Pronunciation: ish-shaw'
   Description: feminine of אִישׁ or אֱנוֹשׁ; irregular plural, נָשִׁים;(used in the same wide sense as אֱנוֹשׁ); a woman; (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English.
   
8. Strong's Number: H4191
   There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּת
   Transliteration: mûwth
   Pronunciation: mooth
   Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise.