What is the meaning of Genesis 20:7?

Now return the man’s wife

• God’s command to Abimelech is immediate and non-negotiable. Restoration must precede anything else (Genesis 20:14).

• Similar moments appear when Pharaoh is told to release Abram’s wife earlier (Genesis 12:19). In each case, God defends the sanctity of marriage.

• The instruction underscores that sin is not fully addressed by apology alone; concrete restitution is required (Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8).

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for he is a prophet

• This is the Bible’s first explicit use of the title “prophet,” applied to Abraham. God publicly affirms Abraham’s role as His spokesman and intercessor (Genesis 18:17–19; Amos 3:7).

• God protects those He calls. Psalm 105:14-15 records, “He allowed no one to oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: ‘Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm.’”

• By naming Abraham a prophet, the Lord reminds Abimelech that he is dealing with more than an ordinary man.

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he will pray for you and you will live

• God personally ties Abimelech’s welfare to Abraham’s intercessory prayer, echoing Abraham’s earlier plea for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33).

• The pattern appears again in Job 42:8 where God tells Eliphaz, “My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer.”

• James 5:16 affirms the principle: “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.”

• Life and healing flow through God-ordained mediation; Abimelech’s household infertility (Genesis 20:17-18) will be lifted only when Abraham prays.

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But if you do not restore her

• Divine mercy is paired with clear warning. Opportunity for obedience stands open, yet refusal carries consequences (Deuteronomy 30:15-18).

• God’s justice never ignores wrongdoing. Saul learned this when partial obedience cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

• Abimelech cannot plead ignorance; revelation has clarified his responsibility (Luke 12:47-48).

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be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you

• “Surely die” recalls Eden’s warning (Genesis 2:17) and signals certain judgment.

• Sin’s fallout extends beyond the individual. Like Achan’s household (Joshua 7:24-25) and David’s child (2 Samuel 12:14), Abimelech’s entire sphere would suffer.

• God’s holiness demands decisive action; He will not allow His covenant line—through Sarah—to be compromised (Genesis 17:19-21).

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summary

Genesis 20:7 reveals God defending marriage, honoring His prophet, and offering mercy through intercessory prayer while warning of definite judgment for disobedience. Abimelech’s life hinges on swift restitution, Abraham’s God-ordained mediation, and wholehearted submission to the Lord’s clear command.