Genesis 26:9

9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, surely she [is] thy wife: and how saidst thou, She [is] my sister? and Isaac said to him, Because I said, Lest I should 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 asked [him] of his wife; and he said, She [is] my sister: for he feared to say, [She is] my wife; lest, [said he], the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she [was] fair to look upon.

8 And it came to pass when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac [was] sporting with Rebekah his wife.

9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, surely she [is] thy wife: and how saidst thou, She [is] my sister? and Isaac said to him, Because I said, Lest I should die on her account.

10 And Abimelech said, What [is] this thou hast done to us? one of the people might lightly have lain with thy wife, and thou wouldst have brought guiltiness upon us.

11 And Abimelech charged all [his] people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.