Genesis 20:13

KJV

And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This [is] thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He [is] my brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when God {H430} caused me to wander {H8582} from my father's {H1} house {H1004}, that I said {H559} unto her, This is thy kindness {H2617} which thou shalt shew {H6213} unto me; at every place {H4725} whither we shall come {H935}, say {H559} of me, He is my brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When God had me leave my father's house, I told her, 'Do me this favor: wherever we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'"

Berean Standard Bible

So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

American Standard Version

and it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:13 provides a candid glimpse into Abraham's pre-arranged strategy with Sarah, instructing her to identify herself as his sister in every new location they encountered. This deeply revealing verse exposes a recurring pattern of fear-driven deception in Abraham's life, born from a lack of faith in God's protective power, even as it acknowledges God's sovereign hand in guiding his nomadic journey. It serves as a powerful testament to the persistent human struggle with trust and integrity, reminding us that even foundational figures of faith are susceptible to profound moral lapses, yet God's faithfulness to His covenant promises remains steadfast despite human imperfection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Abraham's second recorded deception concerning Sarah, occurring during his sojourn in Gerar. Following his departure from Mamre and settlement in the Negev region, Abraham, fearing for his life due to Sarah's beauty, presented her as his sister to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This incident immediately follows the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), placing it in a period where Abraham is still grappling with the implications of God's judgment and his own role as a recipient of divine promises. The immediate context of [Genesis 20:13](/genesis/20-13 "Abraham's Premeditated Deception") is Abraham's explanation to Abimelech, after God supernaturally intervened to prevent Abimelech from unknowingly taking Sarah and thus sinning against God. This explanation reveals that the deception was not a spontaneous act but a long-standing, pre-meditated arrangement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a man presenting his wife as his sister was a desperate, though not unheard of, survival tactic in the ancient Near East, particularly when traveling through foreign lands. In some cultures, a sister might have greater legal protection or a higher bride-price than a wife, making her less vulnerable to abduction or her husband less likely to be killed for her. While a half-sister relationship (as Sarah was to Abraham, [Genesis 20:12](/genesis/20-12 "Sarah, Abraham's Half-Sister")) might offer a shred of technical truth, the intent was clearly deceptive. The patriarchal society of the time meant that women were often vulnerable without a male protector, and a beautiful woman could easily become a target. Abraham's fear reflects the real dangers of travel and settlement in a time without established legal protections for foreigners.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 20:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and Abraham's narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Human Frailty and Imperfection**, even within figures chosen by God, echoing Abraham's previous similar deception in Egypt in [Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's Deception in Egypt"). It underscores the tension between **Fear and Faith**, showing how fear can lead even a man of great faith to compromise his integrity and God's promises. Crucially, it highlights **God's Unwavering Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as God intervenes to protect Sarah and Abimelech, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant with Abraham despite Abraham's failings. This incident also touches on the theme of **Divine Guidance**, as Abraham acknowledges that God "caused me to wander," revealing a recognition of God's active hand in his life's journey, even if his responses to that leading were sometimes flawed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 20:13 reveals the premeditated nature of Abraham's deception, a strategy born of fear and a lack of complete trust in God's protection. It is a confession to Abimelech that this was not a one-time lapse but a standing agreement with Sarah.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Here, Abraham attributes his nomadic life directly to God's orchestration, acknowledging divine agency in his journey. The use of _ʼĕlôhîym_ underscores the ultimate authority and power of the one who directed Abraham's path, even when Abraham's own actions within that path were imperfect.
* **Wander (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_):** In its Hiphil stem (causative), as used here, this verb means "to cause to go astray," "to lead astray," or "to cause to wander." Abraham's statement, "God caused me to wander," signifies a recognition of God's purposeful direction in his life, leading him from his familiar "father's house" into unknown territories. While the word can sometimes imply being led into error, in this context, it primarily denotes God's sovereign guidance of Abraham's nomadic lifestyle, placing him in various locations where his faith would be tested and developed.
* **Kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich Hebrew term typically denotes "steadfast love," "covenant loyalty," "mercy," or "faithfulness." However, Abraham employs it here in a self-serving manner, asking Sarah for a "favor" or "loyalty" that involves participating in a deception. This specific usage highlights the human capacity to twist noble concepts for personal gain or safety, revealing Abraham's human imperfection and the perversion of true _chêçêd_ for self-preservation. It is a request for a "good deed" that is morally compromised.
* **Brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** A primitive word meaning "brother" in its widest sense, encompassing literal relationship (as Sarah was Abraham's half-sister) and metaphorical affinity. While technically true that Sarah was his half-sister ([Genesis 20:12](/genesis/20-12 "Sarah and Abraham's Relationship")), the intent of Abraham's instruction was to deceive, using the familial connection to imply a lack of marital bond and thus protect himself from potential harm. The word itself is neutral, but its context here reveals a deliberate misrepresentation of the primary relationship for personal safety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of Abraham's nomadic life. Abraham recognizes that his journey, initiated by God's call to leave Ur and Haran ([Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "God's Call to Abraham")), was entirely orchestrated by God. This phrase highlights God's sovereign leading, even into challenging and potentially dangerous circumstances, setting the stage for Abraham's subsequent human response to these divinely ordained wanderings. It underscores that Abraham's life was not random but divinely directed.
* **"that I said unto her, This [is] thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me;"**: Here, Abraham reveals the long-standing nature of his deceptive plan. The phrase "I said unto her" indicates a prior agreement, not a spontaneous decision. His request for "kindness" (Hebrew _chêçêd_) from Sarah is deeply ironic. While _chêçêd_ typically signifies loyalty and steadfast love, Abraham uses it to solicit participation in a self-preserving deception. This perversion of a noble concept for a morally dubious act exposes Abraham's fear-driven pragmatism and his willingness to compromise truth for personal safety.
* **"at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He [is] my brother."**: This final clause underscores the premeditated and habitual nature of the deception. It was not an isolated incident but a standing policy for "every place" they would visit. This reveals a deep-seated pattern of fear overriding faith in Abraham's life, a recurring struggle with trusting God's protection fully. Despite previous divine interventions (e.g., in Egypt, [Genesis 12:17-20](/genesis/12-17-20 "God Protects Sarah in Egypt")), Abraham continued to rely on his own cunning rather than God's unfailing care, demonstrating a persistent area of spiritual weakness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, particularly in Abraham's request for "kindness" (_chêçêd_) from Sarah, a term usually associated with steadfast love and loyalty, here twisted to justify a deceptive act. This highlights the moral compromise inherent in his plan. **Repetition** is also a key device, as this incident mirrors Abraham's earlier deception in Egypt ([Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Abraham's Journey to Egypt")), underscoring a recurring pattern of fear and lack of faith in the patriarch's life. This thematic repetition emphasizes Abraham's persistent struggle and serves as a teaching moment about human frailty. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this repeated failure hints at the ongoing need for divine intervention and grace throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to a greater deliverer who would embody perfect truth and trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 20:13 powerfully illustrates the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, revealing that God's plans unfold even amidst the imperfections and moral compromises of His chosen instruments. Abraham's fear-driven deception, despite his status as a patriarch of faith, reminds us that even the most devout individuals are susceptible to human weaknesses and ethical lapses. Yet, the verse simultaneously affirms God's unwavering hand in guiding Abraham's life, demonstrating that His purposes are not thwarted by human failings but rather highlighted by His consistent faithfulness and protective intervention. This tension between human frailty and divine faithfulness is a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative, underscoring the necessity of God's grace and redemptive work.

* [Genesis 12:13](/genesis/12-13 "Abraham's Deception in Egypt")
* [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "God remains faithful, even when we are faithless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 20:13 serves as a profound and humbling mirror, reflecting the persistent human tendency to resort to self-preservation tactics rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign protection. Abraham, the father of faith, repeatedly succumbed to fear, demonstrating that even those with a profound relationship with God can falter in moments of perceived danger. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: where do we compromise truth or integrity out of fear of man, financial insecurity, or social pressure? It underscores the vital importance of aligning our actions with our faith, recognizing that true security comes not from our clever schemes but from unwavering trust in God's promises. The Bible's honest portrayal of its heroes' flaws is incredibly encouraging, reminding us that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plans, and His faithfulness endures even when ours wavers. Our call is to cultivate a faith that overcomes fear, choosing integrity and truthfulness in all circumstances, knowing that God is our ultimate defender and provider.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own cunning or control rather than fully trusting God's provision and protection?**
* **How does fear manifest in my decisions, and what steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's faithfulness?**
* **What "half-truths" or deceptions might I be tempted to employ to avoid discomfort or perceived danger, and how can I commit to greater integrity?**
* **How does Abraham's recurring struggle encourage me in my own journey of faith, knowing that God works through imperfect people?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham repeatedly resort to the same deception?**

Answer: Abraham's repeated use of the "sister" deception, documented in [Genesis 12:13](/genesis/12-13 "Abraham's deception in Egypt") and again in [Genesis 20:2](/genesis/20-2 "Abraham's deception in Gerar"), reveals a deep-seated, persistent fear for his own life that overrode his trust in God's protection. Despite having experienced God's miraculous intervention in the past to deliver him and Sarah, Abraham evidently struggled with consistent faith in moments of perceived danger. This highlights that even great figures of faith can have recurring areas of weakness and that spiritual growth is often a lifelong process of learning to trust God more fully, even when circumstances seem perilous. It underscores the human tendency to revert to familiar, albeit flawed, coping mechanisms under pressure.

**Does "God caused me to wander" imply God led Abraham to sin?**

Answer: No, the phrase "God caused me to wander" (Hebrew *ta'ah* in the Hiphil stem) refers to God's sovereign leading and direction of Abraham's nomadic journey, not to God leading him into sin. God orchestrated Abraham's path into unfamiliar territories and challenging situations as part of His divine plan to test and develop Abraham's faith, and ultimately to fulfill His covenant promises. Abraham's subsequent decision to deceive was his own human response, born of fear and a lack of trust, and was not a direct consequence or intention of God's leading. God's leading is always righteous, even when it places His servants in circumstances that reveal their own weaknesses and provide opportunities for growth and dependence on Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's repeated failure in [Genesis 20:13](/genesis/20-13 "Abraham's Premeditated Deception"), characterized by fear and deception, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and unwavering truthfulness of Jesus Christ. While Abraham sought to preserve his own life through cunning and half-truths, Christ willingly laid down His life, perfectly trusting His Father's will, even unto the ignominy and agony of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Abraham's flawed request for "kindness" (_chêçêd_) from Sarah—a self-serving favor—is profoundly superseded by Christ, who perfectly embodies true _chêçêd_, demonstrating God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness through His sacrificial life and atoning death for humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). In Christ, we find the perfect fulfillment of God's promises, not through human cunning or fear, but through divine integrity and self-giving love, providing the ultimate security and a flawless example of faith and truthfulness for all who believe ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the true "brother" who perfectly identifies with humanity without sin, offering genuine kindness and salvation.

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

Genesis 12:1

¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Genesis 12:9

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

Acts 7:3

And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

Acts 7:5

And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

1 Samuel 23:21

And Saul said, Blessed [be] ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.