Genesis 20:17–18 – Meaning, Explanation, and Related Bible Verses

Verses: Genesis 20:17–18
Theme: The Power of Intercessory Prayer and God’s Authority Over the Womb

So Abraham prayed unto God and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants and they bare children For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah Abraham’s wife
— Genesis 20:17–18, King James Version (KJV)

Then Abraham prayed to God and God healed Abimelek his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again for the Lord had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah
— Genesis 20:17–18, New International Version (NIV)

Then Abraham prayed to God and God healed Abimelek his wife and his female servants so they could have children for the Lord had caused all the women to be infertile because of what happened with Abraham’s wife Sarah
— Genesis 20:17–18, New Living Translation (NLT)

Meaning of Genesis 20:17–18

These two verses bring closure to a chapter filled with miscommunication, divine intervention, and moral correction. After Abimelech took Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham’s sister, God responded by closing the wombs of all the women in his household. This act of divine judgment was not public but deeply personal—an invisible consequence that revealed God’s sovereignty.

Genesis 20:17–18 shows how healing came only after repentance and prayer. Abraham, though he was the one who had acted deceitfully, was still a prophet and was called to pray for the very man he had endangered. His prayer led to healing and restoration. God answered not because Abraham was blameless, but because He honors intercession and responds to heartfelt obedience.

These verses also declare that God is Lord over the womb. No conception happens outside His permission. Fertility and infertility are not random but under divine oversight. What He shuts, no man can open; and what He opens, no one can shut.

Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 20:17–18

God can use the very person who failed to become the vessel of healing. That is the strange and beautiful logic of grace
— Beth Moore, Bible Teacher and Author

Your healing might be waiting on the humility of someone else’s prayer. Intercession isn’t just an act of kindness but a key to restoration
— Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

God closed the wombs to protect the promise. Sometimes what we call delay is actually divine safeguarding
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Actress

It was not Abimelech’s righteousness that opened the wombs. It was Abraham’s intercession. Grace flows when humility leads
— Tim Keller, Theologian and Author

Healing began when the one who caused the pain stepped in to pray. Forgiveness is not just about feelings but about obedience to God
— Joyce Meyer, Christian Speaker and Author

God responds to prayer not because we are perfect but because He is merciful. Abimelech’s restoration is a testimony of God’s justice wrapped in grace
— Jackie Hill Perry, Writer and Spoken Word Poet

The wombs were closed not by biology but by divinity. God still opens what man says is permanently shut
— Lisa Bevere, Christian Author and Co-founder of Messenger International

Intercessory prayer is God’s way of involving us in His redemptive plan. Abraham’s prayer wasn’t a ritual. It was a turning point
— Billy Graham, Evangelist and Founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Explaining the Context of Genesis 20:17–18

Genesis 20 is a unique chapter in the life of Abraham. It is the second time Abraham claimed Sarah was his sister, this time to Abimelech, king of Gerar. Fearing for his life, Abraham concealed the truth that Sarah was his wife. Abimelech, believing Sarah to be single, took her into his household. But before he could sin against her, God intervened in a dream and warned him.

God’s warning led Abimelech to quickly return Sarah, accompanied by gifts and public vindication. But behind the scenes, something devastating had already occurred. God had closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household. This punishment was not obvious to the eye, but it affected every woman in his court. The curse stayed until Abraham interceded in prayer.

This context teaches that even unintentional sin has consequences. Abimelech had not yet touched Sarah, but the integrity of God’s covenant with Abraham was being protected. God took this interference so seriously that He rendered the entire household infertile until the situation was corrected.

The prayer of Abraham marks a pivotal moment. Despite being the one whose deception started the problem, he still carried spiritual authority. God required him to pray in order to lift the curse. This illustrates the redemptive nature of God’s dealings. He restores by involving us in the process of healing.

Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 20:17–18

So Abraham Prayed Unto God

This is the moment of obedience. God had instructed Abimelech earlier in the chapter that Abraham was a prophet and must pray for him. Abraham’s prayer was not a casual utterance but an act of spiritual restoration. His prayer unlocked healing.

And God Healed Abimelech and His Wife and His Maidservants

God responded immediately. The healing was not selective. It extended from the king to his wife and even to his female servants. This reveals that divine punishment affected all levels of the household and that God’s healing is holistic.

And They Bare Children

This confirms that the wombs were not permanently closed. When God heals, He does so completely. Not only were the women healed, but they were also able to conceive and bear children, showing full restoration of reproductive ability.

For the Lord Had Fast Closed Up All the Wombs

This was no natural infertility. God had intentionally intervened. It shows that reproductive health is in His control. The closing of the wombs was divine judgment, not biological dysfunction.

Because of Sarah Abraham’s Wife

This statement clarifies the cause. It was not random. It was directly tied to Abimelech taking Sarah into his household. God had to safeguard the promise He had made to Abraham and Sarah about bearing a son.

Lessons to Learn from Genesis 20:17–18

1. God Uses Imperfect People to Bring Healing

Abraham lied, yet he was the one chosen to pray. This reveals that God’s purposes are not hindered by our flaws. He redeems our failures and still calls us to serve.

2. Prayer Unlocks Restoration

The healing did not come through restitution or apologies alone. It came through prayer. God uses intercession as a vehicle for breakthrough.

3. Divine Consequences Can Be Unseen

The wombs were closed before anyone noticed. Often, the consequences of sin are invisible at first. This passage reminds us that God acts even when we cannot see.

4. Obedience in Prayer Can Reverse Divine Judgments

God’s mercy is often extended through obedience. When Abraham prayed, healing came. Intercession is not only powerful, it is necessary.

5. God Is Protective Over His Promises

Sarah was the chosen vessel for the covenant child. God protected her and her womb from any contamination. What God has ordained, He will fiercely guard.

6. Restoration Requires Participation

God didn’t simply heal Abimelech on His own. He involved Abraham in the process. Likewise, we must be willing to participate in the healing of others, even when we are part of the cause.

7. Fertility and Life Are in God’s Hands

The wombs were opened only when God allowed it. This teaches us that all life is governed by Him. No effort or science can override His authority over birth and conception.

Related Bible Verses

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
— James 5:16, King James Version (KJV)

Before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear
— Isaiah 65:24, New International Version (NIV)

Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not
— Jeremiah 33:3, King James Version (KJV)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds
— Psalm 147:3, New Living Translation (NLT)

Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you at this time next year and Sarah will have a son
— Genesis 18:14, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well the Lord will raise them up If they have sinned they will be forgiven
— James 5:15, Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

How This Verse Points to Christ

Genesis 20:17–18 quietly foreshadows the ministry of Christ. Just as Abraham’s prayer brought healing and restoration, Jesus Christ is the ultimate intercessor who brings healing to our souls. The judgment placed on Abimelech’s household because of Sarah was lifted through the prayer of a prophet. In the same way, the judgment of sin upon humanity is lifted through the intercession of our High Priest—Jesus.

Jesus did not just pray for healing; He became the healing. He did not just intercede once, but continues to intercede for us at the right hand of the Father. The restoration we see in Abimelech’s household mirrors the complete restoration Jesus offers to anyone who calls upon His name.

Where Abraham’s prayer opened wombs, Jesus’s death and resurrection opened the door to eternal life. The healing of the body in Genesis becomes the healing of the soul in the Gospel.

Closing Reflection

Genesis 20:17–18 is a profound reminder that no situation is beyond God’s reach. He sees the invisible consequences, He responds to prayer, and He uses even flawed people to bring about restoration. The story of Abimelech and Abraham teaches us the importance of truth, obedience, and intercession.

Maybe you find yourself in a situation that requires healing. Maybe your household has suffered because of missteps or deception. Let this passage encourage you. Healing is possible. Restoration is available. And prayer still moves the hand of God.

God still opens wombs. He still corrects what was closed. And He still listens when His people pray. Whether your need is physical, emotional, or spiritual, remember this: God heals in response to prayer. So do not delay. Speak up. Kneel down. And watch what He will do.

Say This Prayer

Gracious Father

Thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Thank You for hearing the prayers of the humble. I come to You today believing that You are the same God who healed Abimelech’s house. You see every area of brokenness in my life and my family.

I ask You to heal what is closed and open what You have ordained. Where there has been judgment, I ask for mercy. Where there has been a delay, I ask for Your perfect timing.

Like Abraham, teach me to intercede. Like Abimelech, teach me to respond with repentance and obedience.

I trust You to bring healing and restoration in every area of my life.

In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.