Genesis 20:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham admits he feared the locals had no fear of God and would kill him for Sarah.
The Context of Genesis 20:11
Abraham's confession of fear and faulty judgment.
What Does Genesis 20:11 Mean?
Abraham confesses his assumption: that Gerar is a godless place where men have no moral restraint and will murder to possess a beautiful woman. This assumption drove his deception. His judgment of the Gerarites proved false—Abimelech honored integrity and obeyed God's voice.
The verse exposes a tragic irony: Abraham's own lack of faith in God's protection became a greater offense than the supposed danger he feared. His distrust of God led him to underestimate the virtue of foreigners and to betray the very wife whose integrity he claimed to protect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 20:11
What does Genesis 20:11 mean?
Abraham admits he feared the locals had no fear of God and would kill him for Sarah.
What is the context of Genesis 20:11?
Abraham's confession of fear and faulty judgment.