Genesis 20:14-18 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.” Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

Compare Verse Translations

In this verse God made all the women, including the slaves, barren as punishment for Abimelech's crimes. This seems unfair to the women, considering that they did not choose for Abimelech to kidnap Sarah. Why is it just for God to punish one group of people for the actions of someone else? Why wouldn't God punish Abimelech alone?

Christian Answers:

• Bible Commentaries: Genesis 20:17
• Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: Do the sons bear the sins of the fathers or not?

Secular Answers:

• Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Genesis 20:14
• Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Contradictions: Are we punished for the sins of others?

Referenced Verses:
Genesis 20:14, Genesis 20:15, Genesis 20:16, Genesis 20:17, Genesis 20:18