Bible Strands
Genesis 20:10
Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What prompted you to do such a thing?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Abimelech speaks to Abraham immediately after listing his grievances in Genesis 20:9. The confrontation takes place in Gerar during Abraham’s temporary residence.
The words — The Hebrew מָה רָאִיתָ כִּי עָשִׂיתָ (mah ra’ita ki asita) literally translates “what did you see that you have done,” pairing רָאִיתָ (ra’ita) for “see/perceive” with עָשִׂיתָ (asita) for “do.”
The thread — The verse records Abimelech’s direct inquiry into the motive behind Abraham’s deception. This pattern of royal questioning regarding a patriarch’s wife continues in Genesis 26:9 when Abimelech confronts Isaac about Rebekah.
Why it lands — The text presents a blunt demand for accountability regarding a decision that endangered a household. The reader must weigh how perceived threats or assumptions drive actions that breach covenant boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?