Old Testament
Genesis 20:3
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But God appeared to Abimelech in a dream that night and said, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman."
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But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.
What Genesis 20:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God intervenes in a critical moment for Abimelech, a king who unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household. God warns him in a dream that he is in grave danger because Sarah is married. This divine message highlights the seriousness of taking someone else's spouse. It shows that God is protective of marriage and will act to safeguard it. Abimelech, upon receiving this warning, realizes the gravity of his actions and responds with fear and respect for God's authority. This encounter emphasizes the importance of integrity and the consequences of our choices. It also illustrates how God communicates with people, even in dreams, to guide them away from harm. Ultimately, this story serves as a reminder of the sanctity of relationships and the need to honor commitments. Abimelech's story encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, reinforcing the idea that God is always watching over us, ready to steer us back on the right path.
How to apply Genesis 20:3 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our relationships and the commitments we make. It reminds us to respect the bonds of marriage and to be aware of the potential consequences of our actions. By honoring our promises, we can avoid unnecessary harm to ourselves and others. Let this story inspire us to act with integrity in all our dealings with others, especially in matters of the heart. God is always watching over us, guiding
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 20:3 mean?
Genesis 20:3 describes God's warning to Abimelech in a dream after he unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham's wife. God tells Abimelech that he is in danger because Sarah is married, highlighting the seriousness of taking someone else's spouse.
What is the significance of dreams in Genesis 20:3?
In Genesis 20:3, God uses a dream to communicate a critical warning to Abimelech. This shows that dreams can serve as a means for divine intervention and guidance, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to such messages.
What does God mean when He says Abimelech is a dead man?
When God tells Abimelech he is a 'dead man,' it signifies the serious consequences of his actions in taking a married woman. It emphasizes the gravity of violating marital commitments and the protection God offers to those relationships.
How does Genesis 20:3 relate to integrity?
Genesis 20:3 relates to integrity by showing the importance of respecting marriage vows. Abimelech's encounter with God serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and acting with integrity can prevent harm to ourselves and others.
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