King James Version

What Does Genesis 20:18 Mean?

Genesis 20:18 in the King James Version says “For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 20:18 · KJV

Context

16

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.

17

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

18

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

Read Genesis 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's ... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּֽי1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָצַר֙2 of 14

“closed up”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

עָצַר֙3 of 14

“closed up”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 14

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּעַ֥ד5 of 14
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֶ֖חֶם7 of 14

“all the wombs”

H7358

the womb

לְבֵ֣ית8 of 14

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ9 of 14

“of Abimelech”

H40

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

עַל10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּבַ֥ר11 of 14

“because”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

שָׂרָ֖ה12 of 14

“of Sarah”

H8283

sarah, abraham's wife

אֵ֥שֶׁת13 of 14

“wife”

H802

a woman

אַבְרָהָֽם׃14 of 14

“Abraham's”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

Study Guide

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 20:18 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 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 12:17Genesis 30:21 Samuel 5:10Genesis 16:2Genesis 20:71 Samuel 1:6

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