Genesis 20:9

Authorized King James Version

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֨א

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ

H40

Then Abimelech

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

לְאַבְרָהָ֗ם

H85

Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֜וֹ

מֶֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשִׂ֖יתָ

H6213

thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֙נוּ֙

וּמֶֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#10

חָטָ֣אתִי

H2398

unto us and what have I offended

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#11

לָ֔ךְ

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

הֵבֵ֧אתָ

H935

thee that thou hast brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

עָלַ֛י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

וְעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

מַמְלַכְתִּ֖י

H4467

on me and on my kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#17

חֲטָאָ֣ה

H2401

sin

an offence, or a sacrifice for it

#18

גְדֹלָ֑ה

H1419

a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#19

מַֽעֲשִׂים֙

H4639

deeds

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#20

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

עָשִׂ֖יתָ

H6213

thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

עָשִׂ֖יתָ

H6213

thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#24

עִמָּדִֽי׃

H5978

along with

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of kingdom reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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