Genesis 20:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore restore {H7725} the man {H376} his wife {H802}; for he is a prophet {H5030}, and he shall pray {H6419} for thee {H1157}, and thou shalt live {H2421}: and if thou restore {H7725} her not, know {H3045} thou that thou shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}, thou, and all that are thine.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, return the man's wife to him now. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you, so that you will live. But if you don't return her, know that you will certainly die - you and all who belong to you."

Berean Standard Bible

Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore restore the man’s 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:7 records God's direct and authoritative intervention in a dream to Abimelech, king of Gerar, who had unknowingly taken Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household. This divine command demands the immediate restoration of Sarah, explicitly identifying Abraham as a prophet whose intercession is vital for Abimelech's survival. The verse underscores God's active protection of His covenant people and the sanctity of His promises, while simultaneously presenting a stark warning of certain death for Abimelech and his entire household should he fail to obey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a narrative that begins with Abraham's deceptive act of presenting Sarah as his sister to Abimelech, king of Gerar, out of fear for his own life ([Genesis 20:1-2](/genesis/20-1-2 "Abraham's Deception in Gerar")). This deception, though partially true (Sarah was Abraham's half-sister, as confirmed in [Genesis 20:12](/genesis/20-12 "Sarah is Abraham's Half-Sister")), placed Sarah in a perilous position, threatening the integrity of the promised lineage through which God's covenant would be fulfilled. Before Abimelech could consummate a marriage with Sarah, God directly intervened in a dream ([Genesis 20:3-6](/genesis/20-3-6 "God's Warning to Abimelech in a Dream")), revealing Sarah's true marital status and preventing Abimelech from committing a grave sin. Verse 7 then delivers God's explicit command for Sarah's restoration and the severe consequences of disobedience, setting the stage for Abimelech's subsequent actions and Abraham's intercession. This incident notably echoes a similar deception by Abraham concerning Sarah in [Egypt](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's Deception in Egypt") earlier in his journey, highlighting a recurring pattern of human fear and divine faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set during the patriarchal period, a time characterized by tribal societies and the authority of kings over their domains. The practice of a king taking women into his harem was common, and the protection of one's wife was paramount. The concept of a "prophet" (*nâbîyʼ*) in this early period, as applied to Abraham, signifies not merely a foreteller of future events, but primarily a divinely appointed spokesman, one who has direct communion with God and whose prayers carry unique efficacy. This understanding is crucial for appreciating God's declaration that Abraham "is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee." The severe consequences for disobedience, extending to the entire household, reflect the ancient Near Eastern understanding of corporate responsibility, where the actions of a leader could bring blessing or curse upon their entire family or community. The emphasis on the sanctity of marriage, even in a culture where polygamy was practiced, underscores God's foundational design for the marital covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 20:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis") and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Protection and Covenant Faithfulness**: Despite Abraham's repeated failings and deceptions, God actively intervenes to protect His covenant people and ensure the fulfillment of His promises regarding Abraham's offspring and the land. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. Another key theme is **Intercession and the Power of Prayer**: God explicitly links Abimelech's life to Abraham's prayer, elevating Abraham's role as a mediator and highlighting the efficacy of prayer offered by God's chosen servants. This foreshadows the importance of intercession throughout biblical history. The verse also touches upon **Divine Justice and Mercy**: God, in His justice, holds Abimelech accountable for his actions once divine truth is revealed, yet in His mercy, He provides a clear path to avert judgment through obedience and intercession. Finally, the narrative underscores the **Sanctity of Marriage** and the **Consequences of Disobedience** to divine revelation, even if the initial transgression was unwitting.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
God's words to Abimelech in [Genesis 20:7](/genesis/20-7 "Read Genesis 20:7 KJV") are a direct, unyielding command coupled with a clear explanation of its necessity and consequences. The divine imperative demands immediate and complete restitution, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and God's unwavering protection of the covenant line.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** (H5030) From the root *nâbâʼ*, meaning "to bubble up, to gush forth," hence "to utter." A prophet is primarily one who is called by God to speak on His behalf, receiving and conveying divine messages. This designation for Abraham elevates his standing, indicating his unique relationship with God as a spokesperson and revealer of divine will, and crucially, as an intercessor.
* **Pray (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** (H6419) A primitive root meaning "to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray." In this context, it highlights Abraham's role as one who can effectively intercede with God on behalf of others. Abimelech's life is directly contingent upon Abraham's act of prayer, underscoring the power and necessity of intercession from God's chosen servant.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** (H2421) A primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this verse, it refers to physical survival and the preservation of life for Abimelech and his household. It stands in stark contrast to the "surely die" (H4191) and emphasizes the life-giving power of obedience to God's command and the efficacy of Abraham's intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore restore the man [his] wife":** This is a direct, imperative command from God to Abimelech. The verb "restore" (Hebrew: *shûwb*, H7725) implies turning back or returning something to its rightful owner. It demands immediate and complete restitution of Sarah to Abraham, emphasizing the sanctity of their marriage and God's absolute authority over human actions, even those performed in ignorance.
* **"for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live":** This clause provides the divine rationale and the path to life. God explicitly identifies Abraham as a "prophet" (*nâbîyʼ*), signifying his unique relationship with God and his role as a divine spokesman and intercessor. Abimelech's survival is directly linked to Abraham's prayer, highlighting the power of intercession offered by God's chosen servant and demonstrating God's mercy in providing a means for Abimelech to escape judgment.
* **"and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine":** This is a stark, absolute warning of judgment. The conditional clause ("if thou restore her not") sets up the dire consequence of disobedience. The phrase "surely die" (a Hebrew idiom emphasizing certainty, from *mûwth*, H4191) signifies an unavoidable, comprehensive judgment that extends beyond Abimelech to his entire household. This underscores the gravity of violating God's will once it has been clearly revealed, even if the initial transgression was unwitting.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as God directly issues an imperative to Abimelech, highlighting His sovereignty and authority. The use of a **Conditional Clause** ("and if thou restore [her] not") starkly contrasts the two possible outcomes—life through obedience versus death through disobedience—thereby emphasizing the gravity of the choice presented to Abimelech. There is also a powerful **Contrast** between Abraham's human failing (his deception) and God's unwavering faithfulness and protection of His covenant. Furthermore, the designation of Abraham as a "prophet" and the efficacy of his prayer serve as **Foreshadowing** for the later development of the prophetic office and the power of intercession in Israel's history. Finally, a subtle **Irony** exists in Abimelech, a powerful king, being entirely dependent on the prayer of Abraham, a seemingly vulnerable sojourner, for his very life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 20:7 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in protecting His covenant and ensuring His promises are fulfilled, even amidst human weakness and deception. It underscores the profound truth that God's plan will not be thwarted by human error. The verse also highlights the unique and vital role of God's chosen servants, like Abraham, as intercessors whose prayers carry divine weight and can avert judgment. God's justice is evident in the severe warning against disobedience once His will is revealed, yet His mercy is equally clear in providing a pathway to life through repentance and the intercession of His prophet. This balance of justice and mercy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

* [Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23-33 "Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"): Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom demonstrates his established role as one who converses with God and pleads on behalf of others, reinforcing the "prophet" designation in Genesis 20:7.
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalm/105-14-15 "God Protects His Anointed"): "He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." This psalm directly reflects God's protective stance over His chosen, like Abraham, and warns kings against harming them, providing a thematic parallel to God's rebuke of Abimelech.
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person"): "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." This New Testament verse affirms the enduring principle that God honors the prayers of His righteous servants, echoing the power of Abraham's intercession for Abimelech.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 20:7 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and purposes, even when we falter or make mistakes. It assures us that God actively intervenes to protect His plans and His people, demonstrating His sovereign control over all circumstances. The passage powerfully underscores the vital importance and effectiveness of intercessory prayer, revealing that God honors the prayers of His righteous servants and can use them as instruments of His mercy and salvation. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of immediate and complete obedience once God's will is made clear, warning that deliberate disobedience carries severe consequences, even if the initial transgression was unwitting. Finally, it teaches us to respect and honor those whom God has called and set apart, recognizing that God Himself defends His anointed and holds others accountable for how they treat them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's intervention in this passage highlight His faithfulness despite human failings?**
* **In what ways does this account encourage you to engage in intercessory prayer for others?**
* **What does Abimelech's situation teach us about accountability once God's will is revealed, even if initial actions were in ignorance?**
* **How can we apply the principle of respecting God's anointed to our interactions with spiritual leaders today?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Abraham is called a "prophet" in this verse?**

Answer: In this context, calling Abraham a "prophet" (Hebrew: *nâbîyʼ*, H5030) means he is a divinely appointed spokesman for God. He is someone to whom God reveals His will and who communicates God's messages to others. Crucially, it also signifies his unique access to God through prayer, as evidenced by God stating that Abraham "shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live." This highlights his role as an intercessor, a key function of a prophet. This is one of the earliest explicit designations of a prophet in the Bible, establishing a pattern for future divine-human communication.

**Why was Abimelech threatened with death if he was innocent of intentional wrongdoing?**

Answer: While Abimelech acted in ignorance initially, God's intervention in the dream ([Genesis 20:3-6](/genesis/20-3-6 "God's Warning to Abimelech")) revealed the truth of Sarah's marital status and His divine command. The threat of death was not for his initial unwitting act, which God Himself prevented from becoming a sin against Him ([Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "God Prevented Abimelech's Sin")), but for potential disobedience *after* receiving clear divine revelation. Once God's will is known, even if the initial sin was unintentional, immediate and complete obedience is required to avoid severe consequences. God, in His mercy, provided a way out (restoring Sarah and seeking Abraham's prayer), but failure to follow that path would incur His just judgment. This demonstrates that ignorance does not perpetually excuse, especially once divine truth is revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 20:7, with its profound themes of divine protection, intercession, and the consequences of sin, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Abraham, designated as a "prophet" and intercessor whose prayer brought life, foreshadows Christ as the supreme Prophet, who perfectly reveals God's will and truth to humanity ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Moses Prophesies of a Prophet Like Him") and [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God; the Son Reveals Him")). More significantly, Christ is our ultimate Intercessor, who not only offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin but also continually intercedes for His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Intercedes for Us") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). Just as Abimelech's life depended on Abraham's prayer, our eternal life and salvation depend entirely on Christ's atoning work and ongoing intercession. He is the faithful Son who perfectly protects His bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church")), ensuring that the covenant promises are fulfilled through His own perfect obedience and sacrifice. The stark warning of death for disobedience in the Old Testament points to the spiritual death and eternal judgment that await those who reject God's revealed will in Christ ([John 3:36](/john/3-36 "He Who Believes in the Son Has Eternal Life; He Who Does Not Believe Will Not See Life")). Conversely, Christ offers abundant life and salvation to all who believe and obey Him, fulfilling the promise of life through divine intervention and grace.

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

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

1 Samuel 7:5

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

2 Samuel 24:17

And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

1 Chronicles 16:22

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Numbers 16:32

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods.

Numbers 16:33

They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.