Genesis 26:9

9 Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, "So she is your wife! Why did you say she was your sister?" He answered, "I thought I would be killed if I said she was my wife."

Genesis 26:9 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 26:9

And Abimelech called Isaac
Sent a messenger to desire him to come to him: and said, behold, of a surety she [is] thy wife:
and then perhaps told him of what he had observed that passed between them; which was a clear proof that they must be man and wife, or he would never have took such liberties with her: and how saidst thou, she [is] my sister?
what reason hadst thou for it? what could induce thee to say so? and Isaac said unto him;
not alleging, as Abraham did, any relation that was between them before marriage: because I said;
that is, within himself, for, he did not speak it out to others: lest I die for her;
for her sake, that another might have and enjoy her; it was fear of losing his life that led him to take such a step, and give out that she was his sister.

Genesis 26:9 In-Context

7 When the men there asked about his wife, he said that she was his sister. He would not admit that she was his wife, because he was afraid that the men there would kill him to get Rebecca, who was very beautiful.

8 When Isaac had been there for some time, King Abimelech looked down from his window and saw Isaac and Rebecca making love.

9 Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, "So she is your wife! Why did you say she was your sister?" He answered, "I thought I would be killed if I said she was my wife."

10 "What have you done to us?" Abimelech said. "One of my men might easily have slept with your wife, and you would have been responsible for our guilt."

11 Abimelech warned all the people: "Anyone who mistreats this man or his wife will be put to death."