Genesis 20:18

KJV

For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} had fast {H6113} closed up {H6113} all the wombs {H7358} of the house {H1004} of Abimelech {H40}, because {H1697} of Sarah {H8283} Abraham's {H85} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI had made every woman in Avimelekh's household infertile on account of Sarah Avraham's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:18 serves as a pivotal explanatory statement, revealing the divine judgment enacted upon the household of Abimelech. It explicitly states that the LORD had supernaturally "fast closed up all the wombs" within Abimelech's house as a direct consequence of his unwitting act of taking Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his harem. This intervention underscores God's unwavering commitment to protect the sanctity of the covenant through which the promised heir, Isaac, was to be born, demonstrating His meticulous faithfulness even when His chosen servant, Abraham, faltered in his trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic explanation for the preceding events in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech"). The narrative opens with Abraham's deceptive act of presenting Sarah as his sister to Abimelech, king of Gerar, a fearful maneuver previously employed in Egypt ([Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's deception in Egypt")). Unbeknownst to Abimelech, Sarah was Abraham's wife. God's direct intervention, appearing to Abimelech in a dream ([Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "God warns Abimelech in a dream")) and revealing Sarah's true marital status, averted a grave sin. Abimelech, upon learning the truth and asserting his blameless intent, immediately returned Sarah to Abraham. The preceding verses detail the confrontation between Abimelech and Abraham, the subsequent reconciliation, and the exchange of gifts. [Genesis 20:18](/genesis/20-18 "The Lord closes wombs in Abimelech's house") clarifies the specific divine judgment that had already been in effect upon Abimelech's household, explaining the affliction that prompted Abraham's intercessory prayer for them in [Genesis 20:17](/genesis/20-17 "Abraham prays for Abimelech"). This verse emphasizes God's meticulous protection of Sarah, who was essential for the birth of Isaac, the promised heir ([Genesis 17:16](/genesis/17-16 "God's promise concerning Sarah and Isaac")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, fertility was considered a paramount blessing, often seen as a direct sign of divine favor. Conversely, barrenness or the inability to bear children was viewed as a severe curse or a mark of divine displeasure, bringing great shame upon a household and threatening its future lineage. Kings, in particular, sought to establish strong dynasties through numerous offspring. The concept of a king's harem was common, signifying power and prestige, and any woman entering it was expected to bear children for the king. Furthermore, the sanctity of marriage, though sometimes nuanced by cultural practices like concubinage, was generally upheld, especially concerning the wife of a respected elder or patriarch. God's direct intervention through a dream was also a recognized mode of divine communication in this period, lending authority to Abimelech's subsequent actions. The affliction of "closed wombs" would have been an undeniable and deeply unsettling sign to Abimelech's entire court that a powerful deity had been offended, demanding immediate rectification.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **sovereign faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a vast lineage to Abraham ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise of a great nation to Abraham")). Despite Abraham's repeated failures and deceptions, God actively intervenes to protect Sarah, the chosen vessel for the promised heir, Isaac. This demonstrates God's **providential care** over His redemptive plan, ensuring its fulfillment regardless of human weakness. The narrative also underscores the **sanctity of marriage** as an institution divinely ordained and protected. Even unwitting threats to this institution, especially when they impede God's greater purposes, incur divine displeasure. Finally, it illustrates the **far-reaching consequences of actions**, even those performed in ignorance, and God's **righteousness** in addressing potential threats to His divine order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
"For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal name of God, H3068, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty, unchanging nature, and covenant faithfulness. The use of "LORD" here underscores that the action was not a random misfortune but a direct, deliberate act of the covenant-keeping God of Abraham, demonstrating His personal involvement and authority over all creation and human affairs.
* **fast closed up (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** The Hebrew root H6113, _ʻâtsâr_, meaning "to inclose" or "to hold back," is repeated twice in the original text for emphatic effect, signifying a complete and decisive cessation. The KJV's "fast closed up" captures this intensity. This emphasizes that the barrenness was not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural, intentional act of divine restraint, preventing conception and birth throughout Abimelech's household. It highlights the absolute power of God to open and close wombs, a theme seen elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Genesis 29:31](/genesis/29-31 "The Lord opened Leah's womb") and [1 Samuel 1:5](/1-samuel/1-5 "The Lord had closed Hannah's womb")).
* **wombs (Hebrew, _rechem'_):** This term, H7358, specifically refers to the "womb" or "matrix." Its direct mention signifies that the divine judgment specifically targeted the reproductive capacity of the women in Abimelech's household. This was a direct, physical manifestation of God's displeasure, impacting the very source of life and lineage, which was of utmost importance in ancient societies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD had fast closed up":** This opening clause establishes the divine agency behind the affliction. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) points to the covenant God of Israel, indicating that this was a deliberate, personal intervention. The emphatic repetition of the verb "closed up" (Hebrew _'atsar 'atsar_) underscores the completeness and severity of the divine action, leaving no doubt that this was a supernatural, not natural, event.
* **"all the wombs of the house of Abimelech":** This specifies the target and scope of the judgment. "All the wombs" indicates that the affliction was comprehensive, affecting every fertile woman within Abimelech's royal household, including his wife and female servants, as confirmed in [Genesis 20:17](/genesis/20-17 "Abraham prays for Abimelech"). This widespread barrenness would have been a profound and public humiliation, threatening the future of Abimelech's dynasty and serving as an unmistakable sign of divine displeasure.
* **"because of Sarah Abraham's wife":** This crucial phrase (using the Hebrew H1697, _dâbâr_, meaning "on account of the matter/cause of") provides the precise reason for God's action. Sarah's status as "Abraham's wife" is paramount. She was not merely a woman, but the chosen vessel through whom God's covenant promises to Abraham, particularly the birth of Isaac ([Genesis 17:16](/genesis/17-16 "God's promise concerning Sarah and Isaac")), were to be fulfilled. Any threat to her purity or ability to bear children was a direct assault on God's redemptive plan, prompting His swift and decisive protective measure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, highlighting God's direct and active role in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over life and fertility. The use of the divine name **LORD (Yahweh)** underscores His covenant faithfulness and personal involvement in protecting His promises. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of the Hebrew verb _'atsar_ ("closed up"), intensifying the severity and completeness of the divine action. The affliction of "closed wombs" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the spiritual barrenness and judgment that comes from unknowingly interfering with God's sacred plans and institutions. This specific judgment also serves as a form of **Poetic Justice**, as it directly relates to the threat against Sarah's ability to bear the promised heir, effectively mirroring the potential barrenness of God's covenant plan had Abimelech's actions gone unchecked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 20:18 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His active involvement in human history to ensure His redemptive purposes are fulfilled. Even when His chosen instruments, like Abraham, display weakness and fear, God remains faithful, protecting His promises and the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This divine intervention underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human perfection but are secured by His own sovereign power and faithfulness. The affliction on Abimelech's household, though severe, was a protective measure, signaling the gravity of the threat to Sarah's purity and the sanctity of the marital covenant, which was foundational to God's plan for a blessed lineage.

* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalms/105-14-15 "God protects His anointed in Psalm 105:14-15")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God declares the end from the beginning in Isaiah 46:10")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good in Romans 8:28")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 20:18 offers a powerful and sobering reflection on God's sovereignty and His profound investment in His redemptive purposes. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to ensure His will is accomplished, even when His people falter. This verse instills confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that His plans are secure, not because of our strength, but because of His omnipotence and commitment. For believers today, this account serves as a call to trust in God's perfect providence, recognizing that He can use even our weaknesses and others' unwitting actions to advance His kingdom. It also compels us to respect and uphold the sacred institutions God has established, such as marriage, understanding that our actions carry spiritual weight and can have far-reaching consequences, even if unintended. Our lives should reflect a deep reverence for God's holiness and His purposes, aligning our choices with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's intervention in Abimelech's household affirm His faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when Abraham displayed fear and deception?**
* **What does the "closing of wombs" symbolize about God's view of actions that threaten His redemptive plan or sacred institutions like marriage?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's sovereign protection and provision, even amidst uncertainty or the failures of others?**

### FAQ
**Why did God afflict Abimelech's entire household for his actions?**

Answer: God's judgment on Abimelech's entire household highlights the collective nature of ancient societies and the far-reaching consequences of a leader's actions, especially when those actions threatened God's covenant plan. In the ancient Near East, the household (including servants and extended family) was seen as an extension of the head of the household. The affliction served as a clear, undeniable sign to Abimelech and his people that they had offended a powerful God, prompting immediate repentance and restitution. It also underscored the gravity of the threat to Sarah, whose purity was essential for the promised lineage. The widespread nature of the judgment ensured that the divine warning was unmistakable and impactful, leading to a swift resolution and the protection of God's covenant purposes.

**Was Abimelech truly innocent if God still intervened with judgment?**

Answer: Abimelech was innocent in his *intent*, as he acted without knowledge that Sarah was Abraham's wife ([Genesis 20:4-5](/genesis/20-4-5 "Abimelech's plea of innocence in Genesis 20:4-5")). God Himself affirmed Abimelech's integrity of heart in the dream, acknowledging that he acted "in the integrity of your heart." However, innocence of intent does not negate the *objective danger* or *potential for sin* that Abimelech's actions posed to God's covenant plan. God's intervention was not primarily punitive for a committed sin, but preventative, to avert a greater sin (adultery and the defilement of the matriarch) and protect His promises. The "closing of wombs" was a divine warning and a protective measure, signaling the severe spiritual consequences of interfering with God's chosen instruments and His sacred institutions, even unknowingly. It was a demonstration of God's holiness and His commitment to His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 20:18](/genesis/20-18 "The Lord closes wombs in Abimelech's house") powerfully foreshadows Christ by demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to protect the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. Sarah's preservation from defilement was critical for the birth of Isaac, the "son of promise," who served as a type of Christ, born supernaturally and central to God's covenant. God's faithfulness in protecting His covenant, even when Abraham, the human instrument, displayed weakness and deceit, points to Christ's perfect faithfulness. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, the "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The promise to Abraham and his seed in Galatians 3:16")). Unlike Abraham's faltering trust, Christ perfectly upholds God's covenant through His sinless life and atoning death. He is the one who brings true spiritual fruitfulness where there was barrenness, opening the way for all who believe to become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "Receiving Christ to become children of God")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, Christ offers ultimate protection and ensures the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, establishing a new covenant that guarantees eternal life and spiritual blessing for all who are "in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "New creation 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

Genesis 12:17

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

Genesis 30:2

And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, [Am] I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

Genesis 20:7

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.

Genesis 16:2

And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

1 Samuel 5:10

Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people.

1 Samuel 1:6

And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.