Genesis 20:11

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Abraham répondit: Je me disais qu'il n'y avait sans doute aucune crainte de Dieu dans ce pays, et que l'on me tuerait à cause de ma femme.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Abraham explains to Abimelech why he deceived him about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife. He feared that people in this place did not respect God and would harm him to take his wife.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're in a new neighborhood and you think no one there follows the rules. You might worry that if you tell the truth about something important to you, like a special toy, someone might take it from you. That's how Abraham felt about Sarah.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. It describes events in Abraham's life and the culture where people often took women by force, showing the lack of fear of God in some places.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you're in a new job where you think others might not value honesty. You might be tempted to hide something important about yourself. This verse reminds us to have faith and trust in God's protection, even in unfamiliar environments.

Topics

• fear of God
• trust
• deception
• protection
• faith
• integrity

Related Verses

• Genesis 12:10-20
• Genesis 26:6-11
• Exodus 20:12
• 1 Peter 3:1-2
• James 4:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abraham lie about Sarah being his sister?

Abraham feared that people in this place might harm him to take Sarah because they did not have a fear of God, showing a lack of moral values.

How does this verse relate to trust in God?

This verse highlights Abraham's fear and how he felt he needed to protect himself. It contrasts with the theme of trusting in God's protection and guidance.

What does 'the fear of God' mean in this context?

It refers to the reverence and respect for God's laws and commandments, which Abraham thought was lacking in the place where he and Sarah were.

How can this verse be applied in modern life?

In situations where we feel vulnerable or fear for our safety, we can trust in God's protection rather than resorting to deception or hiding who we are.