Keraia
Genesis 20

Genesis 20:16

Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech · Genesis 20:1–18
Read Genesis 20

Translations

Modern
And 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.”
Traditional
And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
Literal
And to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your brother; behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes, to all who are with you, and before all you are vindicated.”
Latin
Saræ autem dixit: Ecce mille argenteos dedi fratri tuo, hoc erit tibi in velamen oculorum ad omnes qui tecum sunt, et quocumque perrexeris: mementoque te deprehensam.

Original

Hebrew
English
And 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.”

Notes

Genesis 20:14–16

Abimelech showed he was an honorable person by making things right (see study note on 20:4–5). He made things right by letting Abraham live in the area. He also gave him slaves, livestock (compare 21:27), and 1,000 pieces of silver to make up for any wrong done to Sarah.

Genesis 20:1–18

  • This second "sister story" in Genesis (compare 12:10–20) happened just before Sarah became pregnant with Isaac (chapter 21). In both instances, God protected Abraham and Sarah's marriage to keep it pure for the covenant promises. To be part of God's plan, his people must separate from worldly corruption.

  • This story happened in the promised land. It showed Israel how God intervened in people's lives to fulfill his plan. He protected them from threats from other tribes. He used his chosen people to mediate his relationship with other nations.

  • By preventing adultery from destroying Abraham's marriage, God reminded the Israelites not to marry those who would lead them away from the Lord (Ezra 9:1–4; Nehemiah 13:23–27; Malachi 2:10–17). They should not allow any chance for temptation. Adultery would eventually destroy the covenant and the people.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Sarah Symbolic Numbers The Plagues

Measurements

  • a thousand pieces of silver: About 25.1 lb (11.4 kg)

People

Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac

Glossary

Abimelech Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Dreams Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Minerals and Metals Money Money Changer Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Sarah

Topics

Falsehood in Denying to the King of Gerar, That She Was Abraham's Wife Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Ignorance: Punishment of Sins of Abimelech Money: Silver Used As Silver used for Money