Genesis 20:4 akjv — But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation?

American King James Version

"But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation? "

— Genesis 20:4, American King James Version

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Genesis 20:4 in Other Translations

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Genesis 20 — Context

1

And Abraham journeyed from there toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.

2

And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

3

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, you are but a dead man, for the woman which you have taken; for she is a man’s wife.

4

But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation?

5

Said he not to me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands have I done this.

6

And God said to him in a dream, Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; for I also withheld you from sinning against me: therefore suffered I you not to touch her.

7

Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for you, and you shall live: and if you restore her not, know you that you shall surely die, you, and all that are yours.

Genesis 20:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 20:4 say?
Genesis 20:4 in the American King James Version reads: “But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation? ”
Where is Genesis 20:4 in the Bible?
Genesis 20:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 20, verse 4.
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 20:4.
What translation should I read Genesis 20:4 in?
Genesis 20:4 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 20:4?
Genesis 20:4 reads (AKJV): “But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, LORD, will you slay also a righteous nation? ” 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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