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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 20:5 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/20-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_20_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 20:5 - Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Didn't Abraham tell me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' 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I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘Yes, he is my brother.’ I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean.” <a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Did he not say 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 I have done this.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Did he himself not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Did he not himself say to me, &#8216She is my sister &#8216? And she herself said, &#8216He is my brother.&#8217 In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself also said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” <a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Did Abraham not tell me, ‘She is my sister?’ And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” <a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Didn’t he himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Didn&#8217t he himself say to me, &#8216She is my sister? And she herself said, &#8216He is my brother.&#8217 I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Didn't he tell me himself, 'She's my sister,' and didn't she even say, 'He's my brother'? I did this in all innocence and with a clear conscience." <a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Abraham himself said that she was his sister, and she said the same thing. I did this with a clear conscience, and I have done no wrong." <a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Didn't he say to me, 'She's my sister'? And she also said, 'He's my brother.' I did this with pure intentions and clean hands." <a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Did Abraham not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' I have done this with a clear conscience and with innocent hands!" <a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Did not he tell me, 'She is my sister?' She, even she herself, said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands have I done this." <a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a> 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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Has he not 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 innocence of my hands, I have done this.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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.' <a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Did he not say to me, This my sister? and she also, she said he is my brother: in the uprightness of my heart, and in cleanness of my hands have I done this.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister,’ and did she not say, ‘He is my brother?’ In the sincerity of my heart and the purity of my hands, I have done this.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Was he not the one who told me, ‘She is my sister’? She herself also stated, ‘He is my brother.’ I acted with pure heart and with clean hands.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, he said, She is my sister; and she herself also said, He is my brother; in the innocence of my heart and purity of my hands have I done this. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Behold, he said, ‘She is my sister’, and also she said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the perfection of my heart and in the purity of my hands.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Said he not himself unto me: She is my sister? and she, even she herself said: He is my brother. In the simplicity of my heart and the innocency of my hands have I done this.' <a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Said he not to me, She is my sister, and said she not to me, He is my brother? with a pure heart and in the righteousness of my hands have I done this. <a href="/parallel/genesis/20-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4400" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech</a> …4Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? 5<a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Didn’t</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">‘She</a> <a href="/hebrew/269.htm" title="269: ’ă·ḥō·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Sister. Irregular feminine of 'ach; a sister (like 'Ezrachiy), literally and figuratively).">is my sister’?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hî- (Conj-w:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">And she</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">herself</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mə·rāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">‘He</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">is my brother.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/8537.htm" title="8537: bə·ṯām- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- From tamam; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually innocence.">in the integrity</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">of my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5356.htm" title="5356: ū·ḇə·niq·yōn (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Innocency. Or niqqayon; from naqah; clearness.">and the innocence</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kap·pay (N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">of my hands.”</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11-20</a> As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, / and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. / Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” ... <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7-11</a> But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” / When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. / Abimelech sent for Isaac and said, “So she is really your wife! How could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac replied, “Because I thought I might die on account of her.” ... <a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a> You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7</a> Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Deuteronomy 5:20</a> You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">1 Samuel 21:2</a> “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. <a href="/1_samuel/27-10.htm">1 Samuel 27:10</a> who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” <a href="/2_samuel/17-20.htm">2 Samuel 17:20</a> When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. <a href="/1_kings/22-22.htm">1 Kings 22:22-23</a> And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.” <a href="/psalms/15-2.htm">Psalm 15:2</a> He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a> Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Psalm 51:6</a> Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a> Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. <a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Proverbs 14:5</a> An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a> A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.in the integrity.<a href="/joshua/22-22.htm">Joshua 22:22</a> The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)<a href="/1_kings/9-4.htm">1 Kings 9:4</a> And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:<a href="/2_kings/20-3.htm">2 Kings 20:3</a> I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.and innocency.<a href="/job/33-9.htm">Job 33:9</a> I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.<a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a> He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.<a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Psalm 26:6</a> I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/8-20.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/genesis/11-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/18-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/18-12.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/hosea/8-5.htm">Innocency</a> <a href="/titus/2-7.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/20-4.htm">Upright</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/24-65.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Innocency</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/genesis/20-12.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">Upright</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 20</div>1. <a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Abraham sojourns at Gerar.</a> 2. <a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech.</a> 3. <a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">He rebukes Abraham.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Restores Sarah;</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">and reproves her.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? This phrase highlights a recurring theme in Abraham's life, where he presents Sarah as his sister to protect himself (see also <a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13</a>). This action reflects the cultural practices of the time, where familial relationships could be used strategically for protection. It also underscores the human tendency to rely on self-preservation rather than fully trusting in God's promises. The repetition of this scenario in Abraham's life serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between faith and fear.And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ Sarah's participation in the deception indicates the complexity of their situation and the societal norms that might have influenced their decision. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, women often had limited agency, and Sarah's compliance could reflect her role within the patriarchal structure. This phrase also emphasizes the unity between Abraham and Sarah in their actions, despite the moral ambiguity. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by God's people in maintaining integrity amidst difficult circumstances.I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” Abimelech's defense highlights the importance of intention and moral integrity. In the ancient world, the heart was seen as the center of thought and intention, while the hands symbolized actions. Abimelech's claim of innocence is significant, as it reflects a universal understanding of justice and righteousness that transcends cultural boundaries. This appeal to integrity and innocence is echoed in other biblical passages, such as <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a>, which speaks of having clean hands and a pure heart. It underscores the biblical principle that God judges not only actions but also the intentions behind them.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> - A patriarch in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this chapter, he misleads Abimelech by saying Sarah is his sister. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> - Abraham's wife, who is involved in the deception by also claiming Abraham is her brother. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> - The king of Gerar, who unknowingly takes Sarah into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> - A Philistine city where this event takes place, highlighting the interactions between Abraham and the surrounding nations. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> - Intervenes in a dream to Abimelech, warning him of the truth about Sarah and preventing him from sinning.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a> Abimelech's claim of innocence reminds us of the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships. We should strive to act with a clear conscience and clean hands in all our dealings. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> God's intervention in Abimelech's dream demonstrates His sovereignty and protective nature over His people. We can trust that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and protecting us even when we are unaware. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deception.htm">The Consequences of Deception</a> Abraham's deception, though intended to protect, led to potential harm and misunderstanding. This teaches us that deceit can have unintended consequences and that truthfulness is always the best path. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Abimelech's response to God's warning shows the importance of repentance and making things right. When we realize our mistakes, we should seek to correct them promptly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20</a> <a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_david_claim_full_integrity.htm">(Psalm 26:1) How can David claim complete integrity when other scriptures say no one is without sin? </a> <a href="/q/does_isaac's_lie_in_gen_26_7_mirror_abraham's.htm">In Genesis 26:7, does Isaac's deception about Rebekah mirror Abraham's story too closely, suggesting the same incident was repeated or borrowed?</a> <a href="/q/why_penalize_abimelech,_not_deceiver.htm">Why would an omniscient God penalize Abimelech and his household in Genesis 20:18 when Abraham was the one who deceived him?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) In the integrity of my heart . . . --Not only does Abimelech assert this, but Elohim (see <a href="/genesis/20-6.htm" title="And God said to him in a dream, Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; for I also withheld you from sinning against me: therefore suffered I you not to touch her.">Genesis 20:6</a>) 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 (<a href="/context/luke/12-47.htm" title="And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.">Luke 12:47-48</a>). 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 (<a href="/john/1-9.htm" title="That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.">John 1:9</a>; <a href="/context/romans/2-14.htm" title="For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law to themselves:">Romans 2:14-15</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm" title="But if your eye be evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!">Matthew 6:23</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother. From which it is clear that the Philistine monarch, equally with the Egyptian Pharaoh, shrank from the sin of adultery. In the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. I.e. he assumes the right of kings to take unmarried persons into their harems, <a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Didn’t הֲלֹ֨א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no [Abraham] ה֤וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are tell me, אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘She הִ֔וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is my sister’? אֲחֹ֣תִי (’ă·ḥō·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_269.htm">Strong's 269: </a> Sister -- a sister And she וְהִֽיא־ (wə·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are herself הִ֥וא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are said, אָֽמְרָ֖ה (’ā·mə·rāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘He ה֑וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is my brother.’ אָחִ֣י (’ā·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) I have done עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this זֹֽאת׃ (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, with a clear בְּתָם־ (bə·ṯām-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8537.htm">Strong's 8537: </a> Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate conscience לְבָבִ֛י (lə·ḇā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart and clean וּבְנִקְיֹ֥ן (ū·ḇə·niq·yōn) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5356.htm">Strong's 5356: </a> Clearness hands.” כַּפַּ֖י (kap·pay) Noun - fdc | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:5 Didn't he tell me 'She is my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/20-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 20:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>