Genesis 20:1

Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner,

Genesis 20:2

Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, "She is my sister." So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace.

Genesis 20:3

But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!"

Genesis 20:4

But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation?

Genesis 20:5

Didn't Abraham tell me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'Yes, he is my brother.' I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean."

Genesis 20:6

In the dream God responded, "Yes, I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.

Genesis 20:7

Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don't return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die."

Genesis 20:8

Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called for Abraham. "What have you done to us?" he demanded. "What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done!

Genesis 20:10

Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?"

Genesis 20:11

Abraham replied, "I thought, 'This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.'

Genesis 20:12

And she really is my sister, for we both have the same father, but different mothers. And I married her.

Genesis 20:13

When God called me to leave my father's home and to travel from place to place, I told her, 'Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.'"

Genesis 20:14

Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him.

Genesis 20:15

Then Abimelech said, "Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live."

Genesis 20:16

And he said to Sarah, "Look, I am giving your 'brother' 1,000 pieces of silver in the presence of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared."

Genesis 20:17

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, so they could have children.

Genesis 20:18

For the LORD had caused all the women to be infertile because of what happened with Abraham's wife, Sarah.