Old Testament
Genesis 20:11
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Abraham answered, "I assumed that there was no fear of God in this place, and that people would kill me to take my wife."
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And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.
What Genesis 20:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Abraham reveals his deep-seated fears about the people in the land he was visiting. He believed that they had no respect for God, which led him to think they might kill him to take his wife, Sarah. This assumption shows how fear can cloud our judgment and lead us to make decisions based on what we think might happen rather than trusting in God’s protection. Abraham’s concern highlights a common human tendency to underestimate the goodness of others and overestimate the dangers we face. Instead of relying on faith, he chose to act out of fear, which can lead to complicated situations. This story reminds us that our perceptions can be skewed by fear, and we should seek to trust in God’s presence and goodness, even in unfamiliar places. Abraham’s experience serves as a lesson about the importance of faith and the need to confront our fears with trust in God’s plan for our lives. It encourages us to look beyond our fears and see the potential for goodness in others.
How to apply Genesis 20:11 to your life
When faced with fear, remember that it can distort your view of reality. Instead of letting fear dictate your actions, take a moment to reflect on your faith and the goodness around you. Trust that there are people who respect and value you. Lean on your beliefs to guide you through uncertain situations, just as Abraham should have done. Embrace the idea that not everyone is a threat, and allow faith to lead your decisions
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: Abraham and Abimelech (Genesis 20:1–18)
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Abraham
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Genesis 20:11
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 20:11 mean?
Genesis 20:11 shows Abraham expressing his fear that the people in the land would kill him to take his wife, Sarah. He believed they had no respect for God, which led him to make decisions based on fear rather than faith.
What is the meaning of fear in Genesis 20:11?
In Genesis 20:11, fear represents Abraham's concern for his safety and his assumption that others would act immorally. This fear caused him to doubt the goodness of those around him and led to a lack of trust in God's protection.
How does Genesis 20:11 relate to trust?
Genesis 20:11 illustrates the struggle between fear and trust. Abraham's fear of the people around him caused him to doubt God's protection, reminding us that trust in God is essential, especially in uncertain situations.
What lesson can we learn from Genesis 20:11?
From Genesis 20:11, we learn that fear can distort our view of reality and lead to poor decisions. It encourages us to confront our fears with faith and to recognize the potential goodness in others.
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