Genesis 20:11

KJV

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God [is] not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} said {H559}, Because I thought {H559}, Surely {H7535} the fear {H3374} of God {H430} is not in this place {H4725}; and they will slay me {H2026} for my wife's {H802} sake {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham replied, "It was because I thought, 'There could not possibly be any fear of God in this place, so they will kill me in order to get my wife.'

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’

American Standard Version

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Abraham articulates his rationale to Abimelech for deceiving him about Sarah, confessing his assumption that "the fear of God" was absent in Gerar, leading him to believe he would be murdered for his wife's beauty. This pivotal verse unveils Abraham's profound, fear-driven misjudgment and the recurrent human tendency to resort to self-prespreservation, even for a patriarch of faith, highlighting the complex interplay of human frailty and divine faithfulness within the biblical narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This incident in Gerar, described in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech"), closely parallels Abraham's earlier deception regarding Sarah in Egypt, recounted in [Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham and Sarah in Egypt"). Both narratives present Abraham, the patriarch of faith, resorting to a half-truth to protect himself, placing his wife and God's covenant promises at risk. The immediate context of [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech") sees Abraham journeying south to Gerar after Sarah's barrenness and the birth of Ishmael, yet before the promised birth of Isaac. Abimelech, the king of Gerar, takes Sarah, believing her to be Abraham's sister. God then intervenes directly, appearing to Abimelech in a dream to prevent him from committing sin and to protect Sarah, thus safeguarding the lineage through which the covenant would be fulfilled. This divine intervention prompts Abimelech's confrontation with Abraham, to which [Genesis 20:11](/genesis/20-11 "Abraham's Explanation to Abimelech") serves as Abraham's defensive explanation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the land of Canaan, specifically Gerar, a Philistine city-state in the Negev region. In the ancient Near East, the abduction of women, especially those of beauty, was a real danger, and the killing of a husband to acquire his wife was not unheard of. Travelers, particularly those with valuable possessions or beautiful wives, were vulnerable. Abraham's fear, while understandable from a human perspective, reveals a lack of trust in God's protection, especially considering God's repeated promises to him. The concept of "the fear of God" (or gods) was present in various forms across ancient cultures, often implying a respect for divine justice or retribution that could deter certain immoral acts. Abraham's assumption about Gerar's lack of this fear speaks to a perception of moral depravity common in transient, non-covenant communities, contrasting sharply with the covenantal relationship God was establishing with Abraham.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 20:11](/genesis/20-11 "Abraham's Explanation to Abimelech") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over human plans and failures, as God actively intervenes to protect His covenant people and promises, even when they falter. It underscores the **Human Frailty of Even Great Figures of Faith**, demonstrating that Abraham, despite being the "father of faith," was prone to fear and deception, echoing his earlier actions in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham"). The narrative also explores the **Nature of Righteousness and "the Fear of God,"** contrasting Abraham's flawed judgment of Abimelech's people with Abimelech's surprising integrity and responsiveness to divine warning, as seen in [Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "Abimelech's integrity before God"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, showing that God remains committed to His promises despite the imperfections of His chosen instruments, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** From H3374, this word denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect, but also can imply dread or terror. In this context, Abraham uses it to describe the moral compass that he believes is absent. He assumes a lack of reverence for God would lead to a disregard for human life and justice, resulting in actions like murder. This "fear of God" is foundational to biblical morality, guiding ethical behavior and obedience.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this is the plural form of 'El, often used to refer to the supreme God, but also to lesser gods or even magistrates. Here, it specifically refers to the one true God, Israel's God. Abraham's statement implies that the people of Gerar do not acknowledge or respect the moral authority of the divine, leading to lawlessness.
* **slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, this primitive root means "to smite with deadly intent," encompassing killing, murder, or putting to death. Abraham's use of this word reveals his deepest fear: that his life would be taken for the sake of his wife, indicating a perceived lack of moral restraint and respect for human life in Gerar.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham said":** This introduces Abraham's direct response to Abimelech's confrontation, indicating a moment of explanation and self-justification following his deception. It sets the stage for his reasoning.
* **"Because I thought":** This phrase reveals Abraham's internal reasoning and assumption. His actions were not random but based on a preconceived notion or a judgment he made about the people and place of Gerar. This "thinking" was rooted in fear rather than faith.
* **"Surely the fear of God is not in this place":** This is the core of Abraham's justification. He assumes that because the inhabitants of Gerar are not part of the covenant community, they lack the foundational moral principle of reverent awe for God. This absence, in his mind, equates to a complete lack of moral restraint and a propensity for violence and injustice.
* **"and they will slay me for my wife's sake":** This clause articulates the specific consequence Abraham feared due to the perceived absence of "the fear of God." He believed his life was in direct jeopardy because of Sarah's beauty, and that the people would not hesitate to murder him to take her. This highlights his deep-seated anxiety and his reliance on human calculation over divine protection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony**, as Abraham, a patriarch of faith, assumes the absence of "the fear of God" in a place where the pagan king, Abimelech, actually demonstrates greater moral integrity and responsiveness to God's warning than Abraham's own actions initially suggest. There is also **Foreshadowing**, as this incident echoes Abraham's earlier deception in Egypt, suggesting a recurring pattern of human frailty despite divine promises. The phrase "the fear of God" functions as a **Metonymy**, where the "fear" stands for the entire moral and ethical framework that flows from a proper relationship with the divine. Abraham's statement is also a form of **Projection**, as he projects his own anxieties and distrust onto the people of Gerar, assuming their depravity based on his fears rather than on direct evidence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the tension between human fear and divine faithfulness. Abraham, despite being called by God and receiving incredible promises, repeatedly succumbs to fear, leading him to compromise truth and place others in jeopardy. Yet, God's unwavering commitment to His covenant remains paramount, as He intervenes supernaturally to protect Sarah and Abraham, ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are not thwarted by human imperfection but are accomplished through His sovereign power, often in spite of human failings. It also challenges our assumptions about who possesses "the fear of God," showing that moral integrity can manifest in unexpected places, even outside the explicit covenant community.

* [Genesis 12:13](/genesis/12-13 "Abraham's Deception in Egypt")
* [Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "Abimelech's Integrity")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's experience in Gerar serves as a sobering mirror for our own lives, revealing how easily fear can erode our trust in God and tempt us to compromise our integrity. When faced with perceived threats or uncertainties, do we, like Abraham, default to human schemes and half-truths, or do we lean into the unwavering faithfulness of God? This narrative calls us to cultivate a genuine "fear of God"—not a paralyzing dread, but a profound reverence and awe that shapes our character, guides our decisions, and inspires courageous obedience, regardless of our circumstances or the moral climate around us. It challenges us to examine our assumptions about others and to humbly acknowledge our own capacity for fear-driven failure, reminding us that true security lies not in our cleverness or control, but in God's sovereign protection and provision. We are invited to trust God's plan even when it seems perilous, knowing that He works through our imperfections to fulfill His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life does fear most often tempt you to compromise your integrity or trust in God?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper "fear of God" (reverence and awe) help you overcome fear-driven decisions?**
* **Are there times when you have misjudged others based on assumptions, similar to Abraham's assumption about the people of Gerar?**
* **How does God's faithfulness to Abraham, despite his failures, encourage you in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of God" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In the Bible, "the fear of God" (Hebrew: `yir'at Elohim`) is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond mere terror or dread. It primarily signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty. This reverential fear is the foundational principle for wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom")), moral integrity, and obedience to God's commands. It implies acknowledging God's ultimate authority and living in accordance with His will, leading to a life of righteousness and a desire to please Him in all aspects. Abraham's concern in [Genesis 20:11](/genesis/20-11 "Abraham's Explanation to Abimelech") was that without this foundational reverence, people would act without moral restraint.

**Why did Abraham repeatedly resort to deception about Sarah being his sister?**

Answer: Abraham's repeated deception, first in Egypt ([Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham and Sarah in Egypt")) and then in Gerar ([Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech")), stemmed from a deep-seated, self-preservation fear for his own life. Sarah was indeed his half-sister, making his statement a half-truth. He believed that if rulers or powerful men desired Sarah due to her beauty, they would kill him to take her. This recurring pattern reveals a human tendency, even in a man of great faith, to rely on his own schemes and perceived cleverness rather than fully trusting God's explicit promises to protect him and ensure his lineage. It highlights the ongoing struggle between human fear and divine providence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's fear-driven deception in [Genesis 20:11](/genesis/20-11 "Abraham's Explanation to Abimelech") and God's subsequent faithful intervention powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Abraham, the patriarch, faltered in fear and resorted to a half-truth, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the "fear of God" through His complete and unwavering reverence for the Father, demonstrating perfect obedience and integrity even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Where Abraham's fear led to a compromise of truth, Christ is the very embodiment of Truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), who perfectly reveals the Father's character and will. Furthermore, just as God supernaturally preserved Abraham and Sarah, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would come, Christ is the ultimate protector and preserver of His people. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, He ensures eternal life and true security for all who trust in Him, not through human schemes or deceptions, but through His divine power and faithfulness ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Unfailing Love")). In Christ, God's covenant promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Nehemiah 5:15

But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

Genesis 26:7

And the men of the place asked [him] of his wife; and he said, She [is] my sister: for he feared to say, [She is] my wife; lest, [said he], the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she [was] fair to look upon.

Genesis 12:12

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Proverbs 16:6

¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

Psalms 36:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.

Psalms 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.