King James Version
What Does Genesis 20:12 Mean?
“And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.”
Context
10
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
11
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.
12
And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
13
And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
14
And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **Not the daughter of my mother.**—This disproves the notion that Sarah was the same as Iscah (Genesis 11:29); for as Iscah was Terah’s granddaughter, the distinction between the identity of the father and the diversity of the mother would in her case be unmeaning. Sarah was apparently Abraham’s half-sister, being Terah’s daughter by another wife; and we gather from her calling her child Sarai—that is, *princely *(see Genesis 17:15)—that she was not a concubine, but belonged to some noble race.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Genesis 20:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Genesis 20:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge