Genesis 20:5
Genesis 20:5 in Multiple Translations
Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
Said he not himself unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and the innocency of my hands have I done this.
Did he not say to me himself, She is my sister? and she herself said, He is my brother: with an upright heart and clean hands have I done this.
Didn't Abraham tell me himself, ‘She's my sister,’ and didn't Sarah also say, ‘He's my brother’? I did this in all innocence—my conscience is clear!”
Said not he vnto me, She is my sister? yea, and she her selfe said, He is my brother: with an vpright minde, and innocent handes haue I done this.
hath not he himself said to me, She [is] my sister! and she, even she herself, said, He [is] my brother; in the integrity of my heart, and in the innocency of my hands, I have done this.'
Didn’t he tell me, ‘She is my sister’? She, even she herself, said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
Said he not to me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart, and innocence of my hands have I done this.
Did not he say to me: She is my sister: and she say, He is my brother? in the simplicity of my heart, and cleanness of my hands have I done this.
He told me, ‘She is my sister,’ and she also said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with pure motives and I [SYN] have not done anything wrong yet.”
Abraham told me himself that Sarah was his sister. And she said that Abraham was her brother. I didn’t know that she was already married to him. I didn’t want to do anything wrong.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:5
BAB
Word Study
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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 20:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לֹ֨א
ה֤וּא
אָֽמַר
לִ/י֙
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
הִ֔וא
וְ/הִֽיא
גַם
הִ֥וא
אָֽמְרָ֖ה
אָחִ֣/י
ה֑וּא
בְּ/תָם
לְבָבִ֛/י
וּ/בְ/נִקְיֹ֥ן
כַּפַּ֖/י
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
זֹֽאת
הֲ/לֹ֨א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אָֽמַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
הִ֔וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
גַם
gam
H1571
also
Adv
הִ֥וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אָֽמְרָ֖ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אָחִ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בְּ/תָם
tôm
H8537
integrity
Prep | N-ms
לְבָבִ֛/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/נִקְיֹ֥ן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
innocence
Conj | Prep | N-ms
כַּפַּ֖/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
זֹֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:5
הֲ/לֹ֨א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אָֽמַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
הִ֔וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הִ֥וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אָֽמְרָ֖ה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
אָחִ֣/י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/תָם
tôm
H8537
"integrity"
Prep | N-ms
This word means being complete or having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is innocent and morally pure. In the Bible, it describes people who are full of integrity and live with simplicity. It is often translated as 'integrity' or 'upright'.
Definition: 1) integrity, completeness 1a) completeness, fulness 1b) innocence, simplicity 1c) integrity
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550 (תֻּמִּים). See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 26:11; Psalms 7:9.
לְבָבִ֛/י
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וּ/בְ/נִקְיֹ֥ן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
"innocence"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the state of being clear or innocent, either physically or morally. It is used in the Old Testament to describe a person's cleanness or innocence, such as in the book of Psalms where David asks God to create a clean heart within him.
Definition: 1) innocency 1a) freedom from guilt, innocency 1b) freedom from punishment 1c) cleanness of teeth (physical sense)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cleanness, innocency. See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 73:13; Psalms 26:6.
כַּפַּ֖/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
עָשִׂ֥יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
זֹֽאת
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
Study Notes — Genesis 20:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 20:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:5
- Sermons on Genesis 20:5
Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech
3One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”
4Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent?
5Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
6Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. 7Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 7:8 | The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:4 | And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, |
| 3 | Daniel 6:22 | My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” |
| 4 | Joshua 22:22 | “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 1:13 | I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. |
| 6 | Psalms 78:72 | So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. |
| 8 | Psalms 25:21 | May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You. |
| 9 | Proverbs 11:3 | The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them. |
| 10 | Psalms 24:4 | He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. |
Genesis 20:5 Summary
[Abimelech is explaining to God why he took Abraham's wife, Sarah, saying he thought she was Abraham's sister, just like they had told him (Genesis 20:5). Abimelech is trying to show that he didn't mean to do anything wrong, and he's asking God to consider his good intentions (Genesis 20:5), much like we are called to trust in God's goodness and mercy, as seen in Psalm 23:4. This verse shows us that God knows our hearts and our intentions, and He wants us to act with integrity and honesty, just like He wants us to trust in Him and follow His commands (Proverbs 10:9). We can learn from Abimelech's example that it's not just our actions that matter, but also our motivations and intentions, and we should strive to have a clear conscience before God, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Abimelech's defense for taking Abraham's wife?
Abimelech claims he took Sarah in the integrity of his heart and the innocence of his hands, believing she was Abraham's sister, as they had both told him (Genesis 20:5).
Is Abimelech truly innocent in this situation?
While Abimelech acted in ignorance, God still holds him accountable for his actions, warning him that he would have sinned against God if he had touched Sarah (Genesis 20:6).
How does God view Abimelech's intentions?
God acknowledges that Abimelech's intentions were pure, and He had kept him from sinning against Him (Genesis 20:6), demonstrating God's awareness of the intentions of the heart, as seen in Psalm 7:9.
What is the significance of Abimelech's statement about his heart and hands?
Abimelech's statement highlights the importance of integrity and innocence, echoing the teachings of Psalm 24:4, which describes the one who shall ascend the hill of the Lord as having clean hands and a pure heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting in ignorance, and how can I seek God's guidance to avoid sin?
- How can I, like Abimelech, demonstrate integrity and innocence in my actions and decisions, even when faced with uncertain circumstances?
- In what ways can I trust God to keep me from sinning against Him, as He did with Abimelech, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply this understanding to my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:5
Said he not unto me, she [is] my sister?.... By this it appears, that Abimelech had a personal conversation with Abraham, and inquired of him about Sarah, who she was, and what relation she was to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:5
Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. Said he not unto me She is my sister?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
Without any adulterous design in my heart, or outward actions tending to it, being wholly ignorant of what thou now informest me.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.Ver. 5. Said he not unto me, She is my sister? &c.] Here Abraham and Sarah, though both famous, he for his faith, and she for not being afraid with any amazement, yet here they show some trepidation. Sense, saith one, fights sore against faith, when it is upon its own dunghill, I mean in a sensible danger. Nature’ s retraction of itself from a visible fear, may cause the pulse of a Christian that beats truly and strongly in the main point (the state of the soul) to intermit and falter at such a time. In the integrity of my heart.] Great is the boldness of a clear conscience, be it but in some one particular, as here in Abimelech; a man that was magis extra vitia quam cum virtutibus (as Tacitus saith of Galba) rather not evil than good; one whose nature was not changed, but chained up only. Civil men are but wolves chained up, tame devils, swine in a fair meadow; and yet these are the world’ s honest men, and as high a price set upon them, as was once upon a cab of dove’ s dung in the famine of Samaria. But these Abimelechs, these Catos, these civil judges, they want sincerity in the first table, and integrity in the second; for they stand not upon the inward corruptions, nor lesser breaches of the law. Abimelech, for all his confidence here, was to blame for his wandering, rash lust. And Cato, that mirror of morality, was a griping usurer, prostituted his wife, and slew himself. And yet Paterculus will tell you, that he was, Homo virtuti simillimus, et per omnia virtute Diis quam hominibus propior ,& c.
Mr Vines’ s Fast Sermon: Elias fulminator ad Iezabalis minas trepidat . Tac., lib. i. cap. 12. Hist., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
(5) In the integrity of my heart . . . —Not only does Abimelech assert this, but Elohim (see Genesis 20:6) admits the plea. And yet this Philistine king indulges in polygamy, and claims the right of taking the female relatives of any one passing through his territory to add them to his harem. But the words mean no more than that he was not consciously violating any of his own rules of morality, and thus illustrate the Gospel principle that men will be punished not by an absolute decree, but equitably, according to their knowledge (Luke 12:47-48). Abimelech was doing wrong, and was suffering punishment, but the punishment was remedial, and for his advancement in right-knowing and right-doing. It is thus by means of revelation that men have attained to a proper understanding of the moral law. Though often called “the law of Nature,” yet Nature does not give it, but only acknowledges it when given. The inner light is but a faint and inconstant glimmering, but Christ is the true light; for only by Him does the law of Nature become a clear-rule for human guidance (John 1:9; Romans 2:14-15; Matthew 6:23).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 20:5
Verse 5. In the integrity of my heart, c.] Had Abimelech any other than honourable views in taking Sarah, he could not have justified himself thus to his Maker and that these views were of the most honourable kind, God himself, to whom the appeal was made, asserts in the most direct manner, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:5
5. integrity] Heb. “perfectness.” Cf. Genesis 6:9. innocency of my hands] Cf. Psalms 26:6.
Sermons on Genesis 20:5
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Love Not the World by Walter Chantry | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of riches and deceit. He emphasizes that while it is not evil to have wealth, it becomes deceitful when it becomes the focus of o |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of rooting ourselves in God's Word to maintain spiritual vitality and resilience against life's challenges. He draws parallels between the flou |
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Psalm 7 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on David's plea to God amidst unjust reproach, showcasing his trust in God's deliverance, innocence in the face of persecution, and appeal for divine judgment ag |
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Learning to Be a Minister by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about John Wesley and his commitment to spending time with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dedic |
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(John - Part 49): He That Believeth on me... Greater Works Than These Shall He Do by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for the deliverance from sin, lies, and addiction. He urges the congregation to recognize the miracu |
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More Than Conquerors - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 8, specifically verse 37, which states that believers are more than conquerors through Christ's love. The preacher explains t |
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The Living Christ by W.A. Criswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. He references biblical stories such as the three Hebrew children in the fiery |