Genesis 20:11 net — Abraham replied,“Because I thought,‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’

NET Bible

"Abraham replied,“Because I thought,‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’"

— Genesis 20:11, NET Bible

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Genesis 20:11 in Other Translations

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Genesis 20 — Context

8

Early in the morning Abimelech summoned all his servants. When he told them about all these things, they were terrified.

9

Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him,“What have you done to us? What sin did I commit against you that would cause you to bring such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done!”

10

Then Abimelech asked Abraham,“What prompted you to do this thing?”

11

Abraham replied,“Because I thought,‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’

12

What’s more, she is indeed my sister, my father’s daughter, but not my mother’s daughter. She became my wife.

13

When God made me wander from my father’s house, I told her,‘This is what you can do to show your loyalty to me: Every place we go, say about me,“He is my brother.”’”

14

So Abimelech gave sheep, cattle, and male and female servants to Abraham. He also gave his wife Sarah back to him.

Genesis 20:11 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 20:11 say?
Genesis 20:11 in the NET Bible reads: “Abraham replied,“Because I thought,‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’”
Where is Genesis 20:11 in the Bible?
Genesis 20:11 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 20, verse 11.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 20:11.
What translation should I read Genesis 20:11 in?
Genesis 20:11 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 20:11?
Genesis 20:11 reads (NET): “Abraham replied,“Because I thought,‘Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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