Genesis 20:11

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.

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}.

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.'

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.’

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

Commentary on Genesis 20:11

In Genesis 20:11, Abraham offers his rationale to Abimelech, the king of Gerar, for deceiving him about Sarah being his sister rather than his wife. This verse reveals Abraham's deep-seated fear and his assumptions about the moral climate of the region he had just entered.

Context

This incident in Gerar echoes a similar situation Abraham faced in Egypt (see Genesis 12:13). Upon arriving in Gerar, Abraham, fearing that his life would be taken because of Sarah's beauty, instructed her to say she was his sister. This half-truth (Sarah was indeed his half-sister, but primarily his wife) was a calculated act born out of self-preservation. God, however, intervened directly, appearing to Abimelech in a dream (Genesis 20:3) to prevent him from taking Sarah, thus protecting His covenant plan and Abraham's lineage. Abimelech, upon realizing the deception, confronts Abraham, leading to this explanation.

Key Themes

  • The Fear of God: Abraham's primary justification is his belief that "the fear of God is not in this place." In biblical terms, "the fear of God" (Hebrew: yir'at Elohim) is not terror, but a profound reverence, respect, and awe for God that leads to moral integrity, justice, and obedience to His laws. Abraham assumed its absence would lead to lawlessness and violence, particularly against strangers.
  • Human Frailty and Deception: Despite being called the "father of faith," Abraham repeatedly demonstrates human weakness and a tendency to resort to deception when faced with perceived threats. This incident highlights that even great figures of faith can falter due to fear and a lack of full trust in God's provision.
  • Divine Protection and Intervention: Even in Abraham's error, God faithfully protects His chosen servant and the promise of a lineage through Sarah. God's intervention demonstrates His sovereignty and commitment to His covenant, even when His people are disobedient.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fear of God" (Hebrew: yir'at Elohim) is crucial. It signifies a moral compass guided by divine principles. Abraham's assessment was that such a compass was absent in Gerar, implying a society without moral restraint. Ironically, Abimelech, a pagan king, displays more integrity and a quicker response to divine warning than Abraham's actions initially suggest (see Genesis 20:6).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that fear can lead even believers to compromise their integrity and trust in God. It challenges us to:

  • Trust God Fully: Even in threatening circumstances, our ultimate security lies in God's faithfulness, not in human schemes or deceptions. We are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
  • Cultivate the Fear of God: Living with a reverent awe of God should shape our decisions and interactions, leading us to righteousness and ethical conduct, regardless of our surroundings.
  • Recognize Our Own Frailty: Like Abraham, we are prone to fear and doubt. This narrative encourages humility and reliance on God's grace, acknowledging that He works through imperfect people.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 2:5 (4 votes)

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

  • Nehemiah 5:15 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Psalms 36:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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