Genesis 20:1
Genesis 20:1 in Multiple Translations
Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar,
And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the land of the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar.
And Abraham went on his way from there to the land of the South, and was living between Kadesh and Shur, in Gerar.
Abraham traveled towards the Negev, staying between Kadesh and Shur. After that he moved on to live in Gerar.
Afterward Abraham departed thence toward the South countrey and dwelled betweene Cadesh and Shur, and soiourned in Gerar.
And Abraham journeyeth from thence toward the land of the south, and dwelleth between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourneth in Gerar;
Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in Gerar.
And Abraham journeyed from thence towards the south country, and dwelt between Kadash and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
Abraham removed from thence to the south country, and dwelt between Cades and Sur, and sojourned in Gerara.
Abraham left Mamre and moved southwest to the Negev desert and lived in a place named Gerar, between Kadesh and Shur.
At one time, Abraham moved his camp south to the Negev desert, and he lived between the 2 towns called Kadesh and Shur. Then later, he moved his camp to a town called Gerar.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:1
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Genesis 20:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:1
Study Notes — Genesis 20:1
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 20:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 20:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
- Sermons on Genesis 20:1
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
1Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar,
2Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. 3One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 26:1 | Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar. |
| 2 | Genesis 26:6 | So Isaac settled in Gerar. |
| 3 | Genesis 18:1 | Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. |
| 4 | Psalms 29:8 | The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 14:13–14 | Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. |
| 6 | Genesis 10:19 | and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. |
| 7 | Numbers 20:16 | and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. |
| 8 | Genesis 26:20 | But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. |
| 9 | Numbers 13:26 | and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 1:19 | And just as the LORD our God had commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites, through all the vast and terrifying wilderness you have seen. When we reached Kadesh-barnea, |
Genesis 20:1 Summary
[Abraham traveled to a new place called the Negev region, where he settled between two cities called Kadesh and Shur. He stayed in a place called Gerar, which was ruled by a king named Abimelech. This was a new and unfamiliar place for Abraham, but he trusted God to take care of him, just as God had promised to be with him and bless him (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 28:15). As we read about Abraham's journey, we can remember that God is always with us, even in new or uncertain circumstances, and we can trust Him to guide and provide for us (Psalm 32:8, Jeremiah 29:11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham leave the previous location and travel to the Negev region?
Abraham's journey to the Negev region in Genesis 20:1 may have been due to a search for food or water for his livestock, as seen in his previous travels (Genesis 12:10).
What is the significance of Abraham settling between Kadesh and Shur?
The location between Kadesh and Shur in Genesis 20:1 is notable because it is in the southern region of Israel, and Kadesh is also mentioned in Numbers 13:26 as a stopping point for the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
Why did Abraham stay in Gerar, and what can we learn from this?
Abraham's decision to stay in Gerar, as mentioned in Genesis 20:1, may have been a test of his faith, as Gerar was a foreign land with its own king, Abimelech, and Abraham would need to trust God for protection (Genesis 20:2-3, Psalm 91:1-2).
How does Abraham's journey relate to the broader biblical narrative?
Abraham's journey to the Negev region in Genesis 20:1 is part of the larger story of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and reaffirmed throughout the book of Genesis.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to trust God in unfamiliar or uncertain circumstances, and how did He provide for me?
- How can I apply the lesson of Abraham's journey to my own life, trusting God to guide me and provide for my needs?
- What are some ways I can be a blessing to those around me, as Abraham was to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:2-3)?
- In what ways can I trust God to be my rock and refuge, as David did in Psalm 91:1-2, and how can I apply this to my life today?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:1
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 20:1
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:1
Sermons on Genesis 20:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on chapter 20 of the book of Genesis. Abraham and Sarah are on a journey and they end up in a place called Gira. Abraham, out of fear, lies to |
|
(Genesis) 35 - the Patriarch Practicing Deceit by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, Mr. Newell focuses on the importance of faith and belief in God's justification of the ungodly. He refers to Romans chapter 4, verse 5, which states that salvation |
|
The Life of Abraham - Part 8 by W.F. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of unfairness and suffering in the world. They highlight the examples of the children killed in Bethlehem and the martyrdom of James |
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Genesis 20:1-18 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the journey of Abraham and his encounter with Abimelech, highlighting Abraham's faith and struggles, as well as the grace and protection of God amidst hu |
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(Genesis) Genesis 26:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of Abraham. Despite not being under the Mosaic system, Abraham believed God and acted upon |
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(Genesis) 42 - Isaac - the Passive and Patient Patriarch by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Isaac and how believers face difficulties in their daily lives. Despite Isaac's lies about his wife, God blesses him abundantly |
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Genesis 26:1-35 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the trials and blessings experienced by Isaac, highlighting how God's faithfulness sustains His servants through famine, divine guidance, and conflicts w |




