Genesis 20:13

Key Reflection

In Genesis 20:13, Abraham explains to Abimelech that Sarah, whom he has just admitted is his sister, is indeed his half-sister through their common father but not his full sister from the same mother. This clarification is crucial because it prevents any accusation of adultery and aligns with the social norms of the time, where a man might be expected to marry within his own lineage or tribe. Abraham's wife had previously passed as his sister to protect him from potential harm, a common practice in that culture to avoid conflicts over possessions or power.