King James Version

What Does Genesis 20:17 Mean?

“So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.”

Context

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. where: Heb. as is good in thine eyes

And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.

For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

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Topics in This Verse

Prayer

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Abraham prayed . . . —**As Abimelech had now made very liberal compensation, it became the duty of Abraham to intercede for him. The malady seems to have been one confined to Abimelech, as its object was to protect Sarah; but in some way it so affected the whole household as to produce general barrenness. **Maidservants.**—Not the word rendered *women-servants *in Genesis 20:14, but one specially used of concubines. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

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 20:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.