Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Genesis - Chapter 20 - Verse 10

20:10
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?

Meaning

In Genesis 20:10, Abimelech questions Abraham about the actions he took that led to a potentially harmful situation. The king is inquiring as to why Abraham deceived him by claiming that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife. This questioning reflects Abimelech's confusion and concern over Abraham's behavior and the consequences it may have caused. By asking Abraham "What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?", Abimelech is seeking to understand the reasoning behind Abraham's actions and the motivations that led him to put both himself and Sarah in a compromising position. This question serves to highlight the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships, as well as the potential consequences of deceit and deception. It also emphasizes the need for clear communication and transparency in order to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Theological Overview

When Abimelech inquired of Abraham, "What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?" in Genesis 20:10, he was questioning Abraham's actions in deceiving him about Sarah being his sister rather than his wife. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of deception and the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships. It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can lead to unintended consequences if not rooted in truth. The word "sawest" in this verse can be understood as pertaining to Abraham's perception or insight into the situation, suggesting that Abimelech was probing Abraham's motives behind his deceit. This exchange between Abimelech and Abraham emphasizes the need for transparency and trust in all dealings, reflecting the biblical values of honesty and righteousness.

Previous VerseNext Verse