Gen 20:7 | NETfull | STEP | But now give back the man’s wife. Indeed he is a prophet and he will pray for you; thus you will live. But if you don’t give her back, know that you will surely die along with all who belong to you.”

Genesis 20:7

7 But now give back the man’s wife. Indeed ^{▼▼ Or “for,” if the particle is understood as causal (as many English translations do) rather than asseverative.} he is a prophet ^{▼▼ For a discussion of the term prophet see N. Walker, “What is a Nabhi?” ZAW 73 (1961): 99-100.} and he will pray for you; thus you will live. ^{▼▼ After the preceding jussive (or imperfect), the imperative with vav conjunctive here indicates result.} ^{▼▼ He will pray for you that you may live. Abraham was known as a man of God whose prayer would be effectual. Ironically and sadly, he was also known as a liar.} But if you don’t give her back, ^{▼▼ Heb “if there is not you returning.” The suffix on the particle becomes the subject of the negated clause.} know that you will surely die ^{▼▼ The imperfect is preceded by the infinitive absolute to make the warning emphatic.} along with all who belong to you.”