KJV ORIGINAL
And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
And Abimelech gave orders to all his people, saying, 'Anyone who harms this man or his wife will certainly be put to death.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
King Abimelech is protecting Isaac and Rebekah by threatening severe punishment against anyone who would harm them.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs when Isaac was living among the Philistines during a famine, and like his father Abraham before him, he had told people that his wife Rebekah was his sister out of fear. When King Abimelech discovered Isaac's deception, instead of being angry, he chose to protect them. In ancient times, royal protection like this was a serious matter that carried the full weight of the king's authority.
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