Abimelech
Abimelech in the Bible — King of Gerar who took Sarah (GEN 20:2). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “father of the king”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Abimelech was a male king of Gerar, notable in Scripture for taking Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 20:2. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, he is recognized primarily through his royal status and actions involving Abraham's family.
Names & Titles
The name Abimelech means '[my] father is king or [my] father is Molech,' indicating a royal or possibly religious connotation. He is also referred to by the titles 'King of Gerar,' denoting his rule over the region of Gerar, and 'King of the Philistines,' reflecting his authority among the Philistine people, as seen in Genesis 20:2 and Genesis 26:1.
Family
Scripture records a relationship between Abimelech and Phicol, who is also identified as a king, suggesting a possible alliance or contemporaneous rulership as inferred from Genesis 21:22. Beyond this, the biblical text does not provide further family relationships for Abimelech.
Significance
Abimelech's significance lies in his role in the Abrahamic narrative, where his interaction with Sarah highlights God's protection over Abraham's covenant family despite human failings and misunderstandings. His kingship over Gerar and association with the Philistines situate him as a prominent regional ruler during the patriarchal period, demonstrating the broader political and cultural context in which God's promises unfolded.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
- Transliteration
- aviymelekh
- Meaning
- [my] father is king or [my] father is Molech
- Greek
- Αβιμελεχ
- Reference
- GEN 20:2
- Strong's
- H40
- Hebrew
- מֶ֣לֶךְ גְּרָ֔ר
- Transliteration
- melek gərar
- Meaning
- king of Gerar (circle or region)
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Γεραρων
- Reference
- GEN 20:2
- Strong's
- H4428, H1642
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ־פְּלִשְׁתִּים
- Transliteration
- melek pəleishtiym
- Meaning
- king of [the] Philistines
- Greek
- βασιλέα Φυλιστιιμ
- Reference
- GEN 26:1
- Strong's
- H4428, H6430
Family & Relationships (1)
king
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abimelech in the Bible?
Abimelech was a male king of Gerar, notable in Scripture for taking Sarah, the wife of Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 20:2. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, he is recognized primarily through his royal status and actions involving Abraham's family.
What does the name Abimelech mean?
The name Abimelech means “father of the king” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.