Genesis 20

1Abraham moved from there toward the Negev. He lived between Kadesh and Shur. Then he stayed for a while in Gerar.

2Abraham said of his wife Sarah: She is my sister. So Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.

3But God came to Abimelech in a dream at night. God said: You are a dead man because of the woman you have taken. She is another man's wife.

4Abimelech had not gone near her. He said: Lord, will You kill a nation that is innocent?

5Did Abraham not say to me: She is my sister? Sarah herself said: He is my brother. I did this with an honest heart and clean hands.

6God said to Abimelech in the dream: Yes, I know you did this with an honest heart. I kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.

7Now give the man his wife back. He is a prophet, and he will pray for you so that you will live. If you do not give her back, you will surely die. Everyone who belongs to you will die too.

8Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants. He told them everything that had happened. The men were very afraid.

9Then Abimelech called Abraham and said: What have you done to us? How have I wronged you? You have brought a great sin on me and my kingdom. You have done to me what should never be done.

10Abimelech also said to Abraham: What made you do this?

11Abraham said: I thought no one in this place fears God. I thought they would kill me to get my wife.

12Also, she really is my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not of my mother. She became my wife.

13God made me leave my father's house and wander. I said to Sarah: Do this kindness for me. Everywhere we go, say that I am your brother.

14Then Abimelech gave Abraham sheep, oxen, and male and female servants. Abimelech gave Sarah, Abraham's wife, back to him.

15Abimelech said: My land is before you. Live wherever you like.

16Abimelech said to Sarah: I have given your brother 1,000 pieces of silver. This is to make everything right with you and everyone with you. You are cleared before everyone.

17Abraham prayed to God. God healed Abimelech, his wife and his female servants. They could have children again.

18The LORD had closed every womb in the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.