Genesis 20:6

Translations

Modern

Then 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.

Traditional

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Literal

And God said to him in the dream, “Indeed, I myself knew that you did this in the integrity of your heart, and I withheld you, indeed I, from sinning against Me; upon thus I did not let you touch her.

Latin

Dixitque ad eum Deus: Et ego scio quod simplici corde feceris: et ideo custodivi te ne peccares in me, et non dimisi ut tangeres eam.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then 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.

Notes

Genesis 20:6

Because Abimelech acted with a clear conscience, God kept him from sinning. God will graciously help those who try to do what is right. When people act with reverence toward God, God gives them more revelation and draws them into more specific faith (see Acts 10).

Genesis 20:3–7

God gave Abimelech a strong warning against committing adultery. This was a crime that could be punished by death (compare Exodus 20:14). The ancient Near East considered it "tremendous guilt" (Genesis 20:9).

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 God Protects His Servant Symbolic Numbers The Plagues

Related verses

1 Samuel 25:34
Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.”
1 Samuel 25:26
Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Genesis 31:7
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.
Genesis 35:5
As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.
Exodus 34:24
For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.
Psalm 81:12
So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
Psalm 51:4
Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.
Genesis 39:9
No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Glossary

Abimelech Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Dreams Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Sarah

Topics

Condescension of God: Warns Abimelech in a Dream Cowardice: Abraham, in Calling his Wife his Sister Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Abimelech God: Knowledge of God: Protecting Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Ignorance: Punishment of Sins of Abimelech Ignorance: Sins of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Abraham Represents Her As his Sister, and Abimelech, King of Gerar, Takes Her Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning

Genesis 20:6

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