1From there Abraham traveled to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he lived in Gerar, Gn 26:1,6

2Abraham said about his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” Gn 12:13; 26:7 So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.

3But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” Lit is possessed by a husband

4Now Abimelech had not approached her, so he said, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent?

5Didn’t he himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with a clear conscience Lit with integrity of my heart and clean Lit cleanness of my hands.”

6Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. Lit with integrity of your heart I have also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore I have not let you touch her.

7Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, 1Sm 7:5; 2Kg 5:11; Jb 42:8 and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.”

8Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally Lit in their ears told them all these things, and the men were terrified.

9Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, “What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” Gn 12:19; 26:9

10Abimelech also said to Abraham, “What did you intend when you did this thing? ”

11Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘There is absolutely no fear of God in this place. Neh 5:15; Pr 16:6 They will kill me because of my wife.’

12Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.

13So when God had me wander from my father’s house, Gn 12:1 I said to her: Show your loyalty to me wherever we go and say about me: ‘He’s my brother.’ ” Gn 12:13; 20:5

14Then Abimelech took sheep and cattle and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him.

15Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Gn 13:9; 34:10; 47:6 Settle wherever you want.” Lit Settle in the good in your eyes

16And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your brother 1,000 pieces of silver. It is a verification of your honor Lit a covering of the eyes to all who are with you. You are fully vindicated.”

17Then Abraham prayed to God, Nm 12:13; 21:7; Jms 5:16 and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children,

18for the Lord had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.