New International VersionTo Sarah he said, “I am giving your brother a thousand shekels of silver. This is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.”
New Living TranslationAnd he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your ‘brother’ 1,000 pieces of silver in the presence of all these witnesses. This is to compensate you for any wrong I may have done to you. This will settle any claim against me, and your reputation is cleared.”
English Standard VersionTo Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd 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.”
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionThen to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked.
New American Standard BibleTo Sarah he said, “Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you, and before everyone you are cleared.”
NASB 1995To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.”
NASB 1977And to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.”
Legacy Standard BibleTo Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother one thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all you are cleared.”
Amplified BibleThen to Sarah he said, “Look, I have given this brother of yours a thousand pieces of silver; it is to compensate you [for all that has happened] and to vindicate your honor before all who are with you; before all men you are cleared and compensated.”
Christian Standard BibleAnd he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your brother one thousand pieces of silver. It is a verification of your honor to all who are with you. You are fully vindicated.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your brother 1,000 pieces of silver. It is a verification of your honor to all who are with you. You are fully vindicated.”
American Standard VersionAnd unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and in respect of all thou art righted.
Contemporary English VersionThen he said to Sarah, "I have given your brother 1,000 pieces of silver as proof to everyone that you have done nothing wrong."
English Revised VersionAnd unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and in respect of all thou art righted.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said to Sarah, "Don't forget, I've given your brother 25 pounds of silver. This is to silence any criticism against you from everyone with you. You're completely cleared."
Good News TranslationHe said to Sarah, "I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver as proof to all who are with you that you are innocent; everyone will know that you have done no wrong."
International Standard VersionAbimelech also told Sarah, "Look! I am giving your brother 1,000 pieces of silver to vindicate you in the eyes of all who are with you. As a result, you will be completely vindicated."
NET BibleTo Sarah he said, "Look, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your 'brother.' This is compensation for you so that you will stand vindicated before all who are with you."
New Heart English BibleTo Sarah he said, "Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Look, it is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you. In front of all you are vindicated."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd to Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, to all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.”
World English BibleTo Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes to all that are with you. In front of all you are vindicated.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand to Sarah he has said, “Behold, I have given one thousand pieces of silver to your brother; behold, it is to you a covering of eyes, to all who are with you”; and by all this she is reasoned with.
Young's Literal Translation and to Sarah he hath said, 'Lo, I have given a thousand silverlings to thy brother; lo, it is to thee a covering of eyes, to all who are with thee;' and by all this she is reasoned with.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd to Sarah he said, Behold, I gave a thousand of silver to thy brother; behold, he is to thee for a garment of the eyes to all who are with thee, and with all: and she was set right. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd to Sara he said: Behold I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: this shall serve thee for a covering of thy eyes to all that are with thee, and whithersoever thou shalt go: and remember thou wast taken.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen to Sarah he said: “Behold, I have given your brother one thousand silver coins. This will be for you as a veil for your eyes, to all who are with you and wherever you will travel. And so, remember that you were taken.”
New American BibleTo Sarah he said: “I hereby give your brother a thousand shekels of silver. This will preserve your honor before all who are with you and will exonerate you before everyone.”
New Revised Standard VersionTo Sarah he said, “Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; it is your exoneration before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd to Sarah he said, Behold, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your brother; behold, it is given for you, because you have been humbled in the eyes of my people, and because of the other things for which I have reproved you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to Sara he said, “Behold, I have given one thousand silver pieces to your brother, and behold, that also has been given to you because you were concealed from the eyes of everyone that is with me, and about everything you proved me wrong.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto Sarah he said: 'Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and before all men thou art righted.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd to Sarrha he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver, those shall be to thee for the price of thy countenance, and to all the women with thee, and speak the truth in all things.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech… 15And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.” 16And he saidto Sarah,“See,I am givingyour brothera thousand piecesof silver.It isyourvindicationbefore allwhoare with you;you are completelycleared.”17Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidservants, so that they could again bear children—…
Cross References Genesis 12:18-20So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? / Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” / Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions.
Genesis 26:10-11“What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” / So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”
Exodus 12:35-36Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
Numbers 22:32-33The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me. / The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.”
Deuteronomy 22:19They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name. And she shall remain his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
1 Samuel 25:35Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.”
2 Samuel 12:6Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”
2 Kings 12:16The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the house of the LORD; it belonged to the priests.
Job 42:9-10So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. / After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.
Proverbs 6:31Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
Isaiah 53:12Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew 5:23-24So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 18:15If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
Luke 19:8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
John 8:11“No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
Treasury of Scripture And to Sarah he said, Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to you a covering of the eyes, to all that are with you, and with all other: thus she was reproved. thy. Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, Sheis my sister? and she, even she herself said, Heis my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. Proverbs 27:5 Open rebukeis better than secret love. thousand. Genesis 23:15 My lord, hearken unto me: the landis worth four hundred shekels of silver; whatis that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead. Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, currentmoney with the merchant. behold. Genesis 26:11 And Abimelech charged allhis people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death. a covering. Genesis 24:65 For shehad said unto the servant, What manis this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servanthad said, Itis my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. thus. 1 Chronicles 21:3-6 And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as theybe: but, my lord the king,are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? … Proverbs 9:8,9 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee… Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproofis brutish. Jump to Previous BitsClearClearedCoverCoveringEyesFrontHonourOffensePiecesReasonedReprovedRespectRightSarahShekelsSilverSilverlingsThousandVindicatedVindicationWrongJump to Next BitsClearClearedCoverCoveringEyesFrontHonourOffensePiecesReasonedReprovedRespectRightSarahShekelsSilverSilverlingsThousandVindicatedVindicationWrongGenesis 20 1.Abraham sojourns at Gerar.2.Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech.3.Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream.9.He rebukes Abraham.14.Restores Sarah;16.and reproves her.17.Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer.And he said to Sarah,This phrase highlights Abimelech, the king of Gerar, addressing Sarah directly. It underscores the importance of Sarah in the narrative and the respect given to her by a foreign king. This interaction follows a divine warning to Abimelech in a dream, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for restitution. “See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver.
Abimelech refers to Abraham as Sarah's "brother," reflecting the earlier deception where Abraham and Sarah claimed to be siblings. The "thousand pieces of silver" is a significant sum, indicating the king's desire to make amends and restore honor. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a gift would serve as a public declaration of innocence and a means to restore social standing. It is your vindication before all who are with you;
The term "vindication" suggests a legal or formal clearing of any wrongdoing. This public act serves to protect Sarah's reputation among her household and the wider community. It also reflects the biblical principle of restitution and the importance of maintaining one's honor and integrity. you are completely cleared.”
This final assurance from Abimelech confirms that Sarah is exonerated from any suspicion of wrongdoing. It highlights the theme of divine protection and intervention, as God had previously warned Abimelech in a dream. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate vindication and redemption found in Christ, who clears believers of guilt and restores them to righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abraham- The patriarch who, out of fear, misrepresented Sarah as his sister rather than his wife. 2. Sarah- Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech due to Abraham's deception. 3. Abimelech- The king of Gerar who took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister. 4. Gerar- The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of this chapter took place. 5. A Thousand Pieces of Silver- The compensation given by Abimelech to Sarah as a sign of her vindication and purity. Teaching Points The Importance of TruthfulnessAbraham's deception led to unnecessary complications. As believers, we are called to live truthfully, trusting God to protect and provide for us. God's Sovereign ProtectionDespite Abraham's failure, God intervened to protect Sarah. This demonstrates God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when we falter. Restoration and VindicationAbimelech's gift to Sarah served as a public vindication. God can restore and vindicate us, even when we face unjust situations. The Consequences of FearAbraham's actions were driven by fear. We must learn to trust God rather than succumb to fear, which can lead us away from His will. The Role of Repentance and RestitutionAbimelech's actions show the importance of making amends when wrongs have been committed, a principle that applies to our relationships today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 20:16?
2.How does Genesis 20:16 demonstrate God's protection over Sarah's integrity and honor?
3.What lessons on repentance and restitution can we learn from Abimelech's actions?
4.How does Genesis 20:16 connect with God's covenant promises to Abraham and Sarah?
5.In what ways can we apply Abimelech's example of making amends in our lives?
6.How does this verse illustrate God's sovereignty in protecting His chosen people?
7.Why did Abimelech give Sarah's brother a thousand shekels of silver in Genesis 20:16?
8.How does Genesis 20:16 reflect the cultural norms of ancient societies regarding women?
9.What does Genesis 20:16 reveal about the value of women in biblical times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20?
11.What became of Ishmael?
12.Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham's transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23?
13.Why would an omniscient God penalize Abimelech and his household in Genesis 20:18 when Abraham was the one who deceived him?
14.What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah?What Does Genesis 20:16 Mean And he said to Sarah• Abimelech, the Philistine king, addresses Sarah directly—an act that publicly acknowledges her importance and dignity (Genesis 20:9–10). • By speaking to Sarah, he reverses the earlier secrecy and fear that surrounded her stay in Gerar (Genesis 20:2). • God’s covenant protection over Abraham’s household is on display, just as it was when Pharaoh confronted Abram in Egypt (Genesis 12:18–19). • The episode underscores the Lord’s promise: “I will bless those who bless you… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver• “Your brother” recalls Abraham and Sarah’s half-truth (“She is my sister,”Genesis 20:12); Abimelech uses the term, yet his lavish gift exposes the deception and restores honor. • One thousand pieces of silver—an enormous sum—serves as both restitution and a public sign of Sarah’s worth. Compare other restitution passages such asExodus 22:1 and2 Samuel 24:24, where costly payments underscore sincerity. • The gift highlights God’s promise to enrich Abraham (Genesis 13:2) and anticipates later blessings to the patriarchs (Genesis 26:12,Genesis 30:43). • Tangible compensation prevents future dispute, much like the detailed agreements between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:44–53).
It is your vindication before all who are with you• The silver acts as evidence that Sarah was taken innocently and returned untouched. Vindication is public, safeguarding her reputation within Abimelech’s court and Abraham’s camp. •Psalm 135:14 affirms, “For the LORD will vindicate His people,” a principle lived out here. •Isaiah 54:17 promises, “This is the heritage of the LORD’s servants, and their vindication is from Me,” echoed in the way God orchestrates circumstances to defend Sarah. • The scene foreshadows later public vindications—Joseph exalted in Egypt (Genesis 41:39-40) and Daniel honored in Babylon (Daniel 6:26-28).
You are completely cleared• Abimelech’s declaration leaves no lingering suspicion; Sarah’s purity and honor stand intact. •Romans 8:33 asks, “Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?”—a timeless reassurance reflected here. •Psalm 37:6 promises God will “bring forth your righteousness like the dawn,” demonstrated as Sarah departs Gerar blameless. • God not only protects His covenant people from harm but also wipes away reproach, just as He later removes Israel’s disgrace inJoshua 5:9 and lifts the widow’s shame inRuth 4:14–15.
summaryGenesis 20:16 records a decisive moment of public restitution and honor. Abimelech’s generous payment and clear proclamation restore Sarah’s reputation, compensate for wrong, and testify that God faithfully safeguards His people. The episode reinforces divine promises of blessing, protection, and vindication, reminding every believer that the Lord not only delivers from danger but also fully clears and honors those who trust Him. (16) A thousand pieces of silver.--Heb., a thousand of silver.This was the total value of Abimelech's present, and not an additional gift. A thousand shekels would be about 125, a large sum at a time when silver was scarce and dear. He is to thee a covering of the eyes.--This speech of Abimelech is full of difficulty. It begins with a touch of irony in calling Abraham "thy brother." Next, if the pronoun is translated in the masculine,he,the meaning would be that Abraham ought to have been Sarah's protector, but had failed in this duty; but, more probably, it is neuter, and refers to the gift. The "covering of the eyes" may mean a veil to protect her from the wanton desires of others, or to conceal her shame at the wrong done to her. Finally, the verb rendered "reproved" is equivocal, and should rather be translatedrighted.It may also be the third person singular feminine, as in our version, or the second person, in which case it is part of Abimelech's speech. The clause "and with all" must then be taken with this verb, and the whole be rendered,and in everything thou art even righted.The correct rendering probably is, "And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother (a gift worth) a thousand (pieces) of silver: behold, it shall be to thee for a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee (that is,--so large a compensation for the wrong done thee in taking thee from thy husband, will be a proof to all thy friends and attendants that thou hast not been disgraced, but treated with honour); and in respect of all that has happened thou art thus righted." Verse 16. - And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy Brother a thousand pieces of silver. Literally, a thousand of silver, the exact weight of each piece being uncertain. If sacred shekels (Gesenius, Keil, Kalisch) their value would be over £130, if shekels ordinary somewhat less. Behold, he - i.e. thy brother; or it, i.e. the present (LXX., Vulgate, Targums, Syriac) - is to thee a covering of the eyes.כְּסוּת עֵינַיִם (from a root signifying to cover over) has been understood as (1) a propitiatory gift -τιμὴ (LXX.), or (2) a veil for the protection of the face; and, according as the subject of the sentence has been regarded as Abraham or the sum of money, the sense of the clause has been given as either . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And he saidאָמַ֗ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto Sarah,וּלְשָׂרָ֣ה(ū·lə·śā·rāh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8283:Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham“See,הִנֵּ֨ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!I am givingנָתַ֜תִּי(nā·ṯat·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setyour brotherלְאָחִ֔יךְ(lə·’ā·ḥîḵ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )a thousand [pieces]אֶ֤לֶף(’e·lep̄)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505:A thousandof silver.כֶּ֙סֶף֙(ke·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyIt [is]הוּא־(hū-)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areyourלָךְ֙(lāḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrewvindicationכְּס֣וּת(kə·sūṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3682:A cover, a veilingbefore allלְכֹ֖ל(lə·ḵōl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywhoאֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatare with you;אִתָּ֑ךְ(’it·tāḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongyou are completelyכֹּ֖ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everycleared.”וְנֹכָֽחַת׃(wə·nō·ḵā·ḥaṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 3198:To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict
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OT Law: Genesis 20:16 To Sarah he said Behold I have (Gen. Ge Gn) |
