Old Testament
Genesis 20:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For the LORD had completely closed every womb in Abimelech's household on account of Sarah, Abraham's wife.
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For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.
What Genesis 20:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant event where God intervenes in the lives of Abimelech and his household. Due to the situation involving Sarah, Abraham's wife, God closed the wombs of all the women in Abimelech's household. This act was a direct response to protect Sarah and fulfill His promise to Abraham. It highlights God's power over life and fertility, showing that He can control circumstances to achieve His purposes. The closure of the wombs serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the situation and the importance of honoring relationships. It also emphasizes the protective nature of God over His chosen people. This moment illustrates how God can influence events in ways that may seem mysterious but are ultimately for a greater plan. It invites us to trust in His timing and sovereignty in our own lives, even when we don't understand the reasons behind certain challenges we face. God’s actions here remind us that He is always at work, even in difficult situations.
How to apply Genesis 20:18 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that God is in control of every situation. Trust that He has a purpose, even when things seem difficult or confusing. Seek to honor your relationships and understand the importance of integrity in your actions. God’s timing is perfect, so remain patient and faithful in your journey. He is always working for your good, even when you can't see it right away. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter reveals God’s protective nature over
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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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 20:18 mean?
Genesis 20:18 means that God intervened in Abimelech's household by closing the wombs of all the women due to the situation involving Sarah, Abraham's wife. This act was a protective measure by God to honor His covenant with Abraham.
What is the significance of God closing the wombs in Genesis 20:18?
The closing of the wombs signifies God's control over fertility and His protective nature towards Sarah and Abraham. It highlights the seriousness of the situation and God's commitment to fulfilling His promises.
Why did God close the wombs in Genesis 20:18?
God closed the wombs in Genesis 20:18 as a response to protect Sarah, Abraham's wife, from being taken by Abimelech. This action underscores the importance of honoring relationships and God's authority over life.
How does Genesis 20:18 relate to trusting God?
Genesis 20:18 illustrates that even in difficult situations, God is in control and has a purpose. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when circumstances are challenging.
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