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.

[20:18]  ¹ tn In the Hebrew text the clause begins with “because.”

[20:18]  ² tn Heb had completely closed up every womb.” In the Hebrew text infinitive absolute precedes the finite verb for emphasis.

[20:18]  ³ tn Heb “because of.” The words “he took” are supplied in the translation for clarity.

[16:2]  ⁴ tn Heb “look.” The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh) introduces the foundational clause for the imperative to follow.

[16:2]  ⁵ tn Heb “enter to.” The expression is a euphemism for sexual relations (also in v. 4).

[16:2]  ⁶ tn Heb “perhaps I will be built from her.” Sarai hopes to have a family established through this surrogate mother.

[16:2]  ⁷ tn Heb “listened to the voice of,” which is an idiom meaning “obeyed.”