Definition: And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she [is] thy wife: and how saidst thou, She [is] my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 26:9. It’s a really fascinating story about God’s plan and a bit of a tricky situation! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is creating Adam, and he wants to give him a companion – a wife. He asks his father, Abimelech, to create a surety for Isaac (who was still young). He asks him, “How did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac replies that he said it because he wanted to be sure she wasn't going to leave him. Breaking it Down: “And Abimelech called Isaac…” : This sets the scene – we’re talking about a man named Abimelech who was trying to build a home for his family. “…and said, Behold, of a surety she [is] thy wife: and how saidst thou, She [is] my sister?” : This is the core of the story. Abimelech is asking for a way to describe her in a way that would make it clear she's his wife. He asks, “How did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” This is where it gets a little strange. “And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.” : This is the crucial part. Isaac repeated the phrase "Lest I die for her" – he said it over and over again. He was essentially saying, “I’m willing to die if this woman loves me.” What does it mean? This passage is a key moment in understanding why God created Adam and placed him in a position of vulnerability. Here's the significance: God's Protection: It shows that God doesn't just want to create a relationship; he wants to protect his creation from harm. A Test of Faith: Isaac's response – repeating the phrase "Lest I die for her" – demonstrates a deep faith and willingness to sacrifice himself for love. It’s a powerful expression of devotion. Overall Significance: This story is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It suggests that God's love isn’t just about providing a home, but also about offering his own son (Jesus) to save humanity from sin and death. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this story to other Bible stories? Explore the theological meaning of this passage further?