Definition: And yet indeed [she is] my sister; she [is] the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 20:12. It’s a really significant and layered passage about God’s relationship with Abraham and his son Ishmael. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very close and intimate connection between Abraham and his son Ishmael. It says they are siblings, but not by blood – they were born from the same womb (or, more accurately, the same mother). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And yet indeed [she] is my sister…” - This phrase emphasizes the strong bond between them. “Yet indeed” means "yes, really" or "certainly." It highlights a deep and lasting connection. “…she [is] the daughter of my father…” – This part establishes that they share a common ancestor, Abraham’s father. "...but not the daughter of my mother…” - This is the crucial part. They were born from a different woman. It means they were born through a brief, unplanned pregnancy. “And she became my wife.” – This is the key statement. They entered into a marriage – a union between Abraham and his son. What it’s saying: The verse speaks to God's plan for establishing a family and blessing Abraham. It shows that God wasn't just creating a couple; He was deliberately arranging events to bring about a lasting relationship between him, Abraham, and Ishmael. It’s a beautiful illustration of God’s sovereignty and the way He works in our lives. Important Context (a bit deeper): This story is found in Genesis 20, which describes a significant event: God commands Abraham to sacrifice a lamb as a sign of his covenant with him. The verse essentially explains that this “sister” – Ishmael – was born from a moment of divine intervention and a brief encounter between Abraham and another woman. In essence, it’s a story about: Divine Providence: God's plan is working out in surprising ways. Relationship: A strong, lasting bond between two individuals. Blessing: God is providing a blessing for Abraham through this relationship. Do you want me to explain any of these points further or perhaps delve into the symbolism behind this story?