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Genesis 20:6 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.
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That is why I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />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 I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Indeed, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also held you back from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this in the integrity of your heart, for it was I who kept you back <i>and</i> spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you an opportunity to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore I have not let you touch her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou has done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then God continued: I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sleeping with Sarah and doing anything wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience," God said to him in the dream. "In fact, I kept you from sinning against me. That's why I didn't let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God replied in the dream, "Yes, I know that you did it with a clear conscience; so I kept you from sinning against me and did not let you touch her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then God replied to him in the dream, "I know that you did this with pure intentions, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore, I didn't allow you to touch her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then in the dream God replied to him, "Yes, I know that you have done this with a clear conscience. That is why I have kept you from sinning against me and why I did not allow you to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not allow you to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And God said to 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 I suffered thee not to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn’t allow you to touch her. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And God says to him in the dream, “Indeed, I have known that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I withhold you, even I, from sinning against Me, therefore I have not permitted you to come against her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And God saith unto him in the dream, 'Yea, I -- I have known that in the integrity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I withhold thee, even I, from sinning against Me, therefore I have not suffered thee to come against her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And God will say to him in a dream, I knew also that in the uprightness of thy heart thou didst this; and I also will restrain thee from sinning against me: for this I suffered thee not to touch her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And God said to him: And I know that thou didst it with a sincere heart: and therefore I withheld thee from sinning against me, and I suffered thee not to touch her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And God said to him: “And I know that you have acted with a sincere heart. And therefore I kept you from sinning against me, and I did not release you to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God answered him in the dream: Yes, I know you did it with a pure heart. In fact, it was I who kept you from sinning against me; that is why I did not let you touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; furthermore it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And God said to him in a dream, Yea, I know that you have done this in the innocence of your heart; for I also restrained you from sinning against me; therefore I did not permit you to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And God said to him in a dream “I know also that in perfection of your heart you have done this and I have restrained you also that you would not sin against me; because of this I did not let you touch her.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And God said unto him in the dream: 'Yea, I know that in the simplicity of thy heart thou hast done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against Me. Therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God said to him in sleep, Yea, I knew that thou didst this with a pure heart, and I spared thee, so that thou shouldest not sin against me, therefore I suffered thee not to touch her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/20-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4412" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>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.” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">Then God</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ba·ḥă·lōm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">in the dream,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">“Yes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you did</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: ḇə·ṯām- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- From tamam; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually innocence.">with a clear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">conscience,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">and so I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2820.htm" title="2820: wā·’eḥ·śōḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To withhold, refrain. A primitive root; to restrain or Refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; also to observe.">have kept</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·wṯ·ḵā (DirObjM:: 2ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: mê·ḥă·ṭōw- (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">from sinning</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">against Me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">That is why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">let</a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: lin·gō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">you touch</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- To, into, towards. ">her.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Now 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-24.htm">Exodus 34:24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">1 Samuel 25:34</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a></span><br />Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/33-15.htm">Job 33:15-18</a></span><br />In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings / to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-13.htm">Psalm 19:13</a></span><br />Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-14.htm">Psalm 105:14-15</a></span><br />He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Matthew 1:20</a></span><br />But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Matthew 27:19</a></span><br />While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a></span><br />The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Acts 5:3-4</a></span><br />Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? / Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">withheld.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a></b></br> For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a></b></br> And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Genesis 35:5</a></b></br> And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that <i>were</i> round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.</p><p class="hdg">sinning.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Genesis 39:9</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou <i>art</i> his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Leviticus 6:2</a></b></br> If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a></b></br> Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done <i>this</i> evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, <i>and</i> be clear when thou judgest.</p><p class="hdg">to touch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-3.htm">Genesis 3:3</a></b></br> But of the fruit of the tree which <i>is</i> in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-11.htm">Genesis 26:11</a></b></br> And Abimelech charged all <i>his</i> people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">1 Corinthians 7:1</a></b></br> Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: <i>It is</i> good for a man not to touch a woman.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/11-9.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/genesis/13-13.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/genesis/13-6.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/genesis/3-3.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/genesis/11-6.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/romans/8-32.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/30-27.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-5.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Dream</a> <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/judges/9-16.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/20-10.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-11.htm">Simplicity</a> <a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/genesis/27-21.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-1.htm">Abraham sojourns at Gerar.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">He rebukes Abraham.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-14.htm">Restores Sarah;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">and reproves her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer.</a></span><br></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'; 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This divine intervention highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate His will directly. Abimelech, the king of Gerar, receives this message, indicating God's concern for moral integrity even among those outside the covenant community. This event parallels other biblical instances where God uses dreams to guide or warn individuals, such as Joseph's dreams in <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Genesis 37</a> and Pharaoh's dreams in <a href="/genesis/41.htm">Genesis 41</a>.<p><b>Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience</b><br>God acknowledges Abimelech's innocence in taking Sarah, believing her to be Abraham's sister. This phrase underscores the importance of intention and moral integrity in God's judgment. It reflects the biblical principle that God examines the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>) and values a clear conscience (<a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a>). Abimelech's clear conscience is crucial in understanding why God intervenes to prevent sin.<p><b>and so I have kept you from sinning against Me</b><br>God's intervention to prevent Abimelech from sinning demonstrates His protective nature over His covenant promises and His people. The phrase "sinning against Me" indicates that any wrongdoing against Sarah would ultimately be an offense against God Himself. This reflects the biblical theme that sin is primarily against God, as seen in David's confession in <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a>. God's active role in preventing sin highlights His grace and the seriousness with which He guards His covenant.<p><b>That is why I did not let you touch her</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's providential care and protection over Sarah, ensuring the purity of the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come. The protection of Sarah is crucial for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3</a>). This act of divine intervention prefigures the protection and preservation of the messianic line, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It also underscores the sanctity of marriage and God's involvement in upholding its integrity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>- A patriarch of the faith, Abraham is central to this account. He is traveling through the region and encounters Abimelech.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>- The king of Gerar, who unknowingly takes Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a></b><br>- Abraham's wife, who is presented as his sister, leading to the events of this chapter.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>- The region where Abimelech rules and where the events of this chapter take place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>- The divine being who intervenes in the situation by speaking to Abimelech in a dream.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>God intervenes to protect His covenant and His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs. This reassures believers of God's active role in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_accountability.htm">Integrity and Accountability</a></b><br>Abimelech's response to God's warning shows the importance of integrity and accountability. Even when unaware, he seeks to rectify the situation, teaching us to be responsive to God's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truthfulness.htm">The Importance of Truthfulness</a></b><br>Abraham's deception, though intended for protection, leads to complications. This highlights the importance of truthfulness and trust in God's protection rather than relying on deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_communication_with_humanity.htm">God's Communication with Humanity</a></b><br>God's communication with Abimelech through a dream illustrates that God can reach out to anyone, regardless of their relationship with Him, to fulfill His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_god_stop_evil_acts.htm">Why doesn’t God stop evil people from doing harm?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abraham's_faith_shown_in_genesis_20.htm">How can Abraham's actions in Genesis 20 be reconciled with later biblical claims that he was a model of faith and righteousness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_means_god_upholding_all_things.htm">What does God upholding all things mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And God said unto him in a dream</span>, - "It is in full agreement with the nature of dreams that the communication should be made in several, and not in one single act; cf. <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Genesis 37</a>, and 41; <a href="/matthew/2.htm">Matthew 2</a>." (Lange) - <span class="cmt_word">Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> judged from thy moral standpoint. The words do not imply a Divine acquittal as to the essential guiltiness of the act, which is clearly involved in the instruction to seek the mediation of God's prophet (Ver. 7). <span class="cmt_word">For I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> on Ver. 4). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמֶר֩</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [Abimelech]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֨יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the dream,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֲלֹ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥă·lōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dream</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Yes,</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you did</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֣יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹּ֔את</span> <span class="translit">(zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with a clear</span><br /><span class="heb">בְתָם־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ṯām-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8537.htm">Strong's 8537: </a> </span><span class="str2">Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">conscience,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָבְךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and so I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have also</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kept</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eḥ·śōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2820.htm">Strong's 2820: </a> </span><span class="str2">To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אֽוֹתְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wṯ·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from sinning against Me.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחֲטוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥă·ṭōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">That is why</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתַתִּ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you touch</span><br /><span class="heb">לִנְגֹּ֥עַ</span> <span class="translit">(lin·gō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> </span><span class="str2">To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶֽיהָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/20-6.htm">OT Law: Genesis 20:6 God said to him in the dream (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/20-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 20:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/20-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 20:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 20:7" /></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>