Abimelech

Definition

Abimelech was a Philistine king over the region of Gerar during the time when Abraham and Isaac were living in the land of Canaan.

• Abraham deceived King Abimelech by telling him that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife.
• Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement regarding ownership of wells at Beersheba.
• Many years later, Isaac also deceived Abimelech and the other men of Gerar by saying that Rebekah was his sister, not his wife.
• King Abimelech rebuked Abraham, and later Isaac, for lying to him.
• Another man by the name of Abimelech was a son of Gideon and a brother of Jotham. While some translations use a slightly different spelling of his name to make it clear that he is a different person from King Abimelech, we recommend translating the same Hebrew name consistently for each person who had that name.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Beersheba, Gerar, Gideon, Jotham, Philistines)

Bible References

• 2 Samuel 11:21
• Genesis 20:3
• Genesis 20:5
• Genesis 21:22
• Genesis 26:11
• Judges 9:54

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0040