Genesis 26:9

ESV So Abimelech called Isaac and said, "Behold, she is your wife. How then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?" Isaac said to him, "Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’"

NIV So Abimelek summoned Isaac and said, "She is really your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?" Isaac answered him, "Because I thought I might lose my life on account of her."

NASB Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, 'Behold, she certainly is your wife! So how is it that you said, ‘She is my sister’?' And Isaac said to him, 'Because I thought, ‘otherwise I might be killed on account of her.’?'

CSB Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, "So she is really your wife! How could you say, ‘She is my sister’?" Isaac answered him, "Because I thought I might die on account of her."

NLT Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, 'She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?' 'Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,' Isaac replied.

KJV And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.

NKJV Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

What does Genesis 26:9 mean?

When confronted by Abimelech about his lie that Rebekah was his sister, Isaac tells the truth about his fear: he didn't want to die because of his wife. As was the case when Abraham did the same thing (Genesis 12:11–13), it's hard to feel respect for a man who would do such a thing to his spouse. Even the pagan king is angered at this deception, even though nobody has suffered for it, yet. This might be a lingering lesson from the earlier incident with Abraham, where a prior king, also called Abimelech (Genesis 20:2), was faced with consequences when he nearly violated Sarah's marriage to Abraham (Genesis 20:3–6). Despite his fear and faithlessness, God will provide protection for Isaac, no matter how untrusting he appears to be.

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Context Summary
Genesis 26:6–35 describes Isaac's interactions with the Philistines while living in and around the land of Gerar. After Isaac is caught in a lie about Rebekah being his sister, king Abimelech is angry. However, he protects Isaac and Rebekah. God blesses Isaac abundantly, and his wealth grows to the point where his power provokes the king to send him away. Following a series of disputes over water rights, the king and Isaac eventually make a treaty of peace. God appears to Isaac for a second time, telling him not to fear, and renewing His promises.

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Chapter Context
Genesis 26 focuses on God's assurances to Isaac to be with him and to bless him, mostly while Isaac and his household are settled in the land of the Philistines. Just as Abraham did, Isaac fearfully lies about his wife being his sister, nearly bringing disaster on Abimelech and his kingdom. Still, God blesses Isaac with greater and greater abundance to the point that Abimelech sends Isaac away because he has become too powerful. After continued disputes over water rights, Abimelech and Isaac eventually make a covenant of peace.

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