Genesis 20:15
Genesis 20:15 in Multiple Translations
And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”
And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
And Abimelech said, See, all my land is before you; take whatever place seems good to you.
Abimelech told him, “Look over my land. You can choose to live anywhere you like.”
And Abimelech saide, Beholde, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
and Abimelech saith, 'Lo, my land [is] before thee, where it is good in thine eyes, dwell;'
Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you. Dwell where it pleases you.”
And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.
And said: The land is before you, dwell wheresoever it shall please thee.
And Abimelech said to him, “Look! All my land is here in front of you. Live in whatever place you like!”
And Abimelek said to Abraham, “Friend, look around at all my country. You can live anywhere you like in this country.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
הִנֵּ֥ה
אַרְצִ֖/י
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
בַּ/טּ֥וֹב
בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ
שֵֽׁב
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אַרְצִ֖/י
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
בַּ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
שֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:15
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אַרְצִ֖/י
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בַּ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 20:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 20:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:15
- Sermons on Genesis 20:15
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
13So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
14So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him.
15And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”
16And he said to Sarah, “See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you; you are completely cleared.” 17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 34:10 | You may settle among us, and the land will be open to you. Live here, move about freely, and acquire your own property.” |
| 2 | Genesis 13:9 | Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” |
| 3 | Genesis 47:6 | the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.” |
Genesis 20:15 Summary
In Genesis 20:15, Abimelech is trying to make things right with Abraham after taking his wife Sarah. He offers Abraham the freedom to live anywhere in his land, which shows that he is willing to give Abraham what he needs. This verse teaches us about the importance of kindness, generosity, and making amends when we have wronged someone (as seen in Matthew 5:23-24). It also reminds us that God can provide for us in unexpected ways, just like He provided for Abraham through Abimelech's generosity, and that we can trust Him to work out His plan in our lives (as seen in Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abimelech's offer to Abraham in Genesis 20:15?
Abimelech's offer to Abraham in Genesis 20:15 signifies his attempt to make amends for taking Sarah, and it shows that he is willing to give Abraham the freedom to live in his land without any restrictions, as seen in his words 'my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.'
Is Abimelech's action in Genesis 20:15 an example of true repentance?
While Abimelech's actions in Genesis 20:15 demonstrate a desire to make things right with Abraham, true repentance involves a turning away from sin and towards God, as seen in 1 John 1:9, and it is not explicitly stated that Abimelech has turned to God.
What can we learn from Abimelech's generosity to Abraham in Genesis 20:15?
Abimelech's generosity to Abraham in Genesis 20:15 teaches us the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to others, as seen in Hebrews 13:2, and it also highlights the value of making amends when we have wronged someone.
How does Genesis 20:15 relate to the broader story of Abraham's life?
Genesis 20:15 is part of the larger narrative of Abraham's journey with God, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, and it shows how God is working out His plan to bless Abraham and make him a blessing to others, despite the challenges and setbacks that Abraham faces.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show kindness and generosity to others, just like Abimelech showed to Abraham?
- How can I apply the principle of making amends when I have wronged someone, as seen in Genesis 20:15, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some times when God has provided for me in unexpected ways, just like He provided for Abraham through Abimelech's generosity?
- How can I trust God to work out His plan in my life, even when things seem uncertain or challenging, just like Abraham did in Genesis 20:15?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:15
And Abimelech said, behold, my whole land [is] before thee,.... Instead of bidding him be gone, and sending him away in haste out of his country, as the king of Egypt did in a like case, he solicits
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:15
And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:15
My land is before thee, i.e. free for thy view and choice, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:15
Genesis 20:15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.Ver. 15. Behold, my land.] This is the way to make a reproof work kindly, viz., to preserve still an opinion in the hearts of the reproved, that we love them nevertheless, and would do them any good.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:15
15. my land is before thee] Cf. Genesis 13:9, Genesis 34:10.
Sermons on Genesis 20:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
All This and Heaven Too by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of lost decisions in the Bible. He mentions Abraham and Moses as examples of individuals who made important decisions. The preach |
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Pursuing Your Treasure - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. O'Hannon emphasizes the importance of pursuing Christ above all else. He references Psalm 42:1, where the Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, h |
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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The Two Paths by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the choices made by Abraham and Lot, emphasizing the consequences of choosing worldly gain over spiritual integrity. Lot's decision to settle in the well-watere |
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Beware of the Pride of Reasoning; the True Guide to Knowledge Is Love. by Francois Fenelon | Francois Fenelon warns against the pride of reasoning, emphasizing that true knowledge is guided by love. He cautions against being overly occupied with external matters and engagi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 47:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his family's arrival in Egypt during a time of famine. Joseph strategically places his family in the land of Goshen, |