Gen 20:18 | NET2full | STEP | For the Lord had caused infertility to strike every woman in the household of Abimelech because he took Sarah , Abraham’s wife .

‏ Genesis 20:18

18 For the Lord ^{▼▼tn In the Hebrew text the clause begins with “because.”} had caused infertility to strike every woman ^{▼▼tn Heb had completely closed up every womb.” In the Hebrew text infinitive absolute precedes the finite verb for emphasis.} ^{▼▼sn The Lord had closed up every womb. This fact indicates that Sarah was in Abimelech’s household for weeks or months before the dream revelation was given (20:6-7). No one in his household could have children after Sarah arrived on the scene.} in the household of Abimelech because he took ^{▼▼tn Heb “because of the matter of.” The words “he took” are used in the translation for clarity.} Sarah, Abraham’s wife.