Genesis 26:9

9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said to him, Is she then thy wife? why hast thou said, She is my sister? And Isaac said to him, , for I said, Lest at any time I die on her account.

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 And the men of the place questioned him concerning Rebecca his wife, and he said, She is my sister, for he feared to say, She is my wife, lest at any time the men of the place should slay him because of Rebecca, because she was fair.

8 And he remained there a long time, and Abimelech the king of Gerara leaned to look through the window, and saw Isaac sporting with Rebecca his wife.

9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said to him, Is she then thy wife? why hast thou said, She is my sister? And Isaac said to him, , for I said, Lest at any time I die on her account.

10 And Abimelech said to him, Why hast thou done this to us? one of my kindred within a little had lain with thy wife, and thou wouldest have brought ignorance upon us.

11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying Every man that touches this man and his wife shall be liable to death.