Genesis 20:18

For the Lord ¹  had caused infertility to strike every woman ²  in the household of Abimelech because he took ³  Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Ge 12:17; Ge 16:2; Ge 20:7; Ge 30:2; 1Sa 1:6; 1Sa 5:10

¹ tn In the Hebrew text the clause begins with “because.”

² tn Heb had completely closed up every womb.” In the Hebrew text infinitive absolute precedes the finite verb for emphasis.

sn The Lord had closed up every womb. This fact indicates that Sarah was in Abimelech’s household for weeks or months before the dream revelation was given (20:6-7). No one in his household could have children after Sarah arrived on the scene.

³ tn Heb “because of.” The words “he took” are supplied in the translation for clarity.