Genesis 20:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God had closed all the wombs in Abimelech's house because of Sarah.
The Context of Genesis 20:18
God's complete protection of the covenant line through barrenness.
What Does Genesis 20:18 Mean?
This concluding verse reveals the full scope of God's protection: He did not just protect Sarah from violation, but He extended that protection to the entire household by making all women barren. This prevents any child who might be born from Sarah's situation, protecting the covenant line.
The verse shows God's sovereignty over fertility itself. God's action parallels Sarah's own barrenness until He opens her womb. The closing of Abimelech's household's wombs demonstrates how seriously God guards the exclusive marital union and the promise of descendants through Sarah and Abraham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 20:18
What does Genesis 20:18 mean?
God had closed all the wombs in Abimelech's house because of Sarah.
What is the context of Genesis 20:18?
God's complete protection of the covenant line through barrenness.