Genesis 20:12
Genesis 20:12 in Multiple Translations
Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife.
And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
And moreover she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:
And, in fact, she is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:
“Anyway, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father but not my mother, and I married her.
Yet in very deede she is my sister: for she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she is my wife.
and also, truly she is my sister, daughter of my father, only not daughter of my mother, and she becometh my wife;
Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
And yet indeed she is my sister: she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
Howbeit, otherwise also she is truly my sister, the daughter of my father, and not the daughter of my mother, and I took her to wife.
Besides, she really can be considered my sister, because she is the daughter of my father, although she is not the daughter of my mother. She is the daughter of another woman, and I married her.
But anyway, Sarah really is my sister. We have the same father, but different mothers.” You see, in Abraham’s culture, men could marry their half-sisters.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַם
אָמְנָ֗ה
אֲחֹתִ֤/י
בַת
אָבִ/י֙
הִ֔וא
אַ֖ךְ
לֹ֣א
בַת
אִמִּ֑/י
וַ/תְּהִי
לִ֖/י
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אָמְנָ֗ה
ʼomnâh
H546
truly
Adv
אֲחֹתִ֤/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
בַת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הִ֔וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אַ֖ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בַת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אִמִּ֑/י
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:12
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אָמְנָ֗ה
ʼomnâh
H546
"truly"
Adv
This word is an adverb that means 'truly' or 'indeed'. It's used in the Bible to emphasize the truth of something, like when God makes a promise or a prophet speaks on God's behalf. It's often translated as 'verily' or 'surely' in older versions of the Bible.
Definition: verily, truly, indeed
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: indeed. See also: Genesis 20:12; Joshua 7:20.
אֲחֹתִ֤/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
בַת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הִ֔וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אַ֖ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בַת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אִמִּ֑/י
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וַ/תְּהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
- Sermons on Genesis 20:12
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
10Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?”
11Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account 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 journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” 14So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 11:29 | And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah. |
| 2 | Genesis 12:13 | Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
Genesis 20:12 Summary
In Genesis 20:12, Abraham says that his wife Sarah is really his sister because they have the same father, and he's trying to explain why he told people she was his sister. This verse shows that Abraham and Sarah were married, even though they were also half-siblings, and it teaches us about the importance of honesty and integrity. Just like Abraham, we might be tempted to deceive or mislead others to protect ourselves, but instead we should trust in God's protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By being truthful and trustworthy, we can build strong relationships with others and honor God, as taught in Ephesians 4:25 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham claim his wife was his sister in Genesis 20:12?
Abraham claimed his wife Sarah was his sister because she was indeed his half-sister, as they shared the same father but not the same mother, and he was trying to protect himself from potential harm, as seen in Genesis 20:11 where he says they will kill him on account of his wife.
Is it okay to lie or deceive others if it means protecting ourselves, like Abraham did in Genesis 20:12?
No, it's not okay to lie or deceive others, even if it's to protect ourselves, as the Bible teaches in Exodus 20:16 to not bear false witness and in Colossians 3:9-10 to put off falsehood and speak truthfully, and instead we should trust in God's protection and provision like in Psalm 23:4.
How does Genesis 20:12 relate to the concept of marriage and family in the Bible?
Genesis 20:12 shows that Abraham and Sarah were married, and even though they were also half-siblings, their marriage was still valid in God's eyes, as seen in Genesis 2:24 where a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and in Ephesians 5:31 where marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in Genesis 20:12 about honesty and integrity?
Abraham's actions in Genesis 20:12 teach us that honesty and integrity are essential, and even though he was trying to protect himself, his deception still had consequences, and we should strive to be truthful and trustworthy in all our interactions, like in Proverbs 10:9 where the man of integrity walks securely.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be tempted to deceive or mislead others to protect myself, and how can I trust in God's protection instead?
- How does my understanding of marriage and family impact my relationships with my spouse, children, and extended family members?
- In what ways can I demonstrate honesty and integrity in my daily interactions with others, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- What are some areas where I struggle with fear, like Abraham did in Genesis 20:11, and how can I trust in God's presence and protection in those situations?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:12
And yet indeed [she is] my sister,.... In the same sense as Lot was his brother; for she was sister to Lot, and both were the children of Haran, the brother of Abraham: she [is] the daughter of my
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:12
And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
She is my sister, my near kinswoman; even as Lot upon the same account is called Abraham’ s brother, . She is the daughter of my father, i.e. the granddaughter; for grandchildren are commonly called the sons and daughters of their grandparents, as . And besides, her father Haran dying before her grandfather, she was left more immediately under his care and education, and therefore was more peculiarly reputed Terah’ s daughter, and Abraham’ s sister. See . But not the daughter of my mother, because Haran was Abraham’ s brother only by the father’ s side; for Terah had Haran by another wife. How could Abraham marry one so near of kin to him? Answ. There were larger allowances for marriages in those times, as it was convenient there should be; neither had God as yet given those prohibitions, . Besides, among all nations, the mother’ s side was more regarded than the father’ s in all prohibitions of marriage.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
Genesis 20:12 And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.Ver. 12. And yet indeed.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
(12) Not the daughter of my mother.—This disproves the notion that Sarah was the same as Iscah (Genesis 11:29); for as Iscah was Terah’s granddaughter, the distinction between the identity of the father and the diversity of the mother would in her case be unmeaning. Sarah was apparently Abraham’s half-sister, being Terah’s daughter by another wife; and we gather from her calling her child Sarai—that is, princely (see Genesis 17:15)—that she was not a concubine, but belonged to some noble race.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
Verse 12. She is my sister] I have not told a lie; I have suppressed only a part of the truth. In this place it may be proper to ask, What is a lie? It is any action done or word spoken, whether true or false in itself, which the doer or speaker wishes the observer or hearer to take in a contrary sense to that which he knows to be true. It is, in a word, any action done or speech delivered with the intention to deceive, though both may be absolutely true and right in themselves. See Clarke on Genesis 12:13. The daughter of my father, but not - of my mother] Ebn Batrick, in his annals, among other ancient traditions has preserved the following: "Terah first married Yona, by whom he had Abraham; afterwards he married Tehevita, by whom he had Sarah." Thus she was the sister of Abraham, being the daughter of the same father by a different mother.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:12
12. she is indeed my sister] See Genesis 11:29, Genesis 12:19. The marriage with a half-sister was evidently permitted in David’s time (cf. 2 Samuel 13:13); and it was practised in the days of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:11), though forbidden by the laws of Lev 18:9; Leviticus 18:9; Leviticus 18:11; Leviticus 20:17; Deuteronomy 27:22. It is said to have been permitted in Phoenicia and Egypt. Abraham’s excuse is based upon a half truth. Sarah may have been truly his sister; but this statement was no moral justification for his suppression of the fact that she was his wife. The further excuse in Genesis 20:13, that as he travelled about he always practised this mental reservation concerning Sarah, scarcely adds dignity to his line of defence.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:12
12. Daughter of my father — “Sarah’s name does not occur in the genealogies, and we do not know anything of her birth but that which is here stated.
Sermons on Genesis 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 12:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Abraham and his journey to Egypt during a famine. The speaker highlights the beauty of Abraham's wife, Sarah, and how it caused t |
|
Benediction for the Zion of God by John Alexander Dowie | John Alexander Dowie emphasizes the importance of abstaining from all appearances of evil and calls for complete sanctification by God. He prays for the preservation of the whole s |
|
Biblical Seperation by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a powerful experience of being moved by the presence of God during a community service. They express their deep emotions and desire to live |
|
Freed From Wordly Attitudes by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking upright in a crooked world, focusing on avoiding greed, being cautious about unnecessary curiosity, and filling the mind with usefu |
|
Godly Sorrow-the Way to Revival by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being on the starting line in our spiritual journey. He encourages the congregation to be alert and ready to run the race s |
|
The Desperate Need for Holiness by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the critical need for holiness in our lives, highlighting the prevalence of sin in our culture and the importance of separating ourselves from worldly influe |
|
Leadership in Acts by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting the miraculous book of God and pressing on from there. The leader is highlighted as someone who is bold and fille |