King James Version
Genesis 20:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.”
Genesis 20:8 · KJV
And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.
Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“rose early”
H7925literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
“Therefore Abimelech”
H40abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
“and called”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“and told”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“all these things”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“were sore”
H3966properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
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.
Genesis 20:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.