Who was Abimelech in the Bible?
Judge, before Israel had a king
Abimelech was a son of Gideon, the judge of Israel, by his Shechemite concubine (Jdg.8.31). Abimelech appears in 60 verses across 3 books of the Bible.
The Bible uses the name Abimelech for 2 different people. All 2 are below, each with its own passages.
Abimelech, son of Gideon
Abimelech was a son of Gideon, the judge of Israel, by his Shechemite concubine (Jdg.8.31). After Gideon's death, Abimelech conspired with his mother's family in Shechem to make himself king. He killed his seventy brothers, with only the youngest, Jotham, escaping (Jdg.9.1-6). Jotham confronted the people of Shechem with a parable, warning them of the consequences of their actions in supporting Abimelech (Jdg.9.7-21). After three years, tensions arose between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, who eventually rebelled against him. Abimelech defeated the Shechemites and destroyed their city, sowing it with salt (Jdg.9.22-49). Abimelech then attacked the city of Thebez. During the siege, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, severely wounding him. To avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman, Abimelech ordered his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword (Jdg.9.50-54). His death was seen as God's judgment for his wickedness in killing his brothers (Jdg.9.56-57). Abimelech's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition, treachery, and the abuse of power. It also demonstrates the consequences of failing to follow God's leadership and the importance of loyalty and integrity in relationships. The death of Abimelech by a millstone is later referenced by David when he learns of the death of Uriah the Hittite in battle (2Sa.11.21), highlighting the ignominy associated with Abimelech's demise.
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Compiled by Protos: the verse list on this page. Where one name belongs to more than one person or place, each of them gets a separate entry.
Abimelech in Genesis
Abimelech was a Philistine king who ruled in the region of Gerar. He is mentioned in several incidents involving the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 20, Abraham moved to Gerar and, out of fear, claimed that his wife Sarah was his sister. Abimelech took Sarah into his household, but God warned him in a dream that she was Abraham's wife. Abimelech, who had not touched Sarah, pleaded his innocence, and God acknowledged that he had acted in integrity. Abimelech then restored Sarah to Abraham, along with gifts of livestock and servants, and allowed Abraham to settle in his land (Gen.20.1-18). Later, in Genesis 21, Abimelech and his commander Phicol made a treaty with Abraham at Beersheba, recognizing Abraham's right to a well he had dug (Gen.21.22-34). In Genesis 26, Isaac, like his father, claimed that his wife Rebekah was his sister while living in Gerar. Abimelech discovered the truth when he saw Isaac caressing Rebekah. He rebuked Isaac for the deception, fearing that one of his people might have slept with Rebekah and brought guilt upon them. Abimelech warned his people not to touch Isaac or Rebekah under penalty of death (Gen.26.1-11). Despite these incidents, Abimelech recognized the blessing of God upon Abraham and Isaac. He sought peace with them, and they made treaties together (Gen.21.22-34; 26.26-33). The interactions between Abimelech and the patriarchs highlight the challenges and tensions that existed between the people of God and the surrounding nations, as well as God's faithfulness in protecting and blessing His chosen people.
23 verses: Genesis 20:2, Genesis 20:3, Genesis 20:4, Genesis 20:8, Genesis 20:9, Genesis 20:10, Genesis 20:14, Genesis 20:15, Genesis 20:17, Genesis 20:18, Genesis 21:22, Genesis 21:25, and more
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Where does Abimelech appear in the Bible?
Abimelech is referenced in 60 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.
- 2 Samuel 11:21
- Judges 8:31
- Judges 9:1
- Judges 9:3
- Judges 9:4
- Judges 9:6
- Judges 9:16
- Judges 9:18
- Judges 9:19
- Judges 9:20
- Judges 9:21
- Judges 9:22
- Judges 9:23
- Judges 9:24
- Judges 9:25
- Judges 9:27
- Judges 9:28
- Judges 9:29
- Judges 9:31
- Judges 9:34
- Judges 9:35
- Judges 9:38
- Judges 9:39
- Judges 9:40
Showing the first 24 of 60.
Open all 60 references in ProtosWhat else appears in these passages?
These turn up in the same passages as Abimelech.
Common questions
How many people in the Bible are called Abimelech?
Abimelech refers to 2 different people in the Bible: Abimelech, son of Gideon; Abimelech in Genesis.
How many times does the Bible mention Abimelech?
Abimelech appears in 60 verses across 3 books, most often in Judges, which accounts for 36 of them.
Which books of the Bible mention Abimelech?
Judges, Genesis, 2 Samuel.
Where can I read every verse about Abimelech?
This page lists 24 of them. Protos carries all 60, and opens this entry on the verse you are reading rather than in a separate tab.
