Genesis 20:18

20:18 For the Lord ¹  had caused infertility to strike every woman ²  in the household of Abimelech because he took ³  Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Genesis 16:2

16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Since ⁴  the Lord has prevented me from having children, have sexual relations with ⁵  my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her.” ⁶  Abram did what ⁷  Sarai told him.

¹ tn In the Hebrew text the clause begins with “because.”

² tn Heb had completely closed up every womb.” In the Hebrew text infinitive absolute precedes the finite verb for emphasis.

³ tn Heb “because of.” The words “he took” are supplied in the translation for clarity.

⁴ tn Heb “look.” The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh) introduces the foundational clause for the imperative to follow.

⁵ tn Heb “enter to.” The expression is a euphemism for sexual relations (also in v. 4).

⁶ tn Heb “perhaps I will be built from her.” Sarai hopes to have a family established through this surrogate mother.

⁷ tn Heb “listened to the voice of,” which is an idiom meaning “obeyed.”