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That is why I did not let you touch her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/20-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_20_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 20:6 - Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/20-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/20-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/20-5.htm" title="Genesis 20:5">◄</a> Genesis 20:6 <a href="/genesis/20-7.htm" title="Genesis 20:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/20.htm">New International Version</a> Then God said to him in the dream, &#8220Yes, I know 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. <a href="/nlt/genesis/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/genesis/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/genesis/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/20.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then God said to him in the dream, &#8220Yes, 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. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/genesis/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/genesis/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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 and spared you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not give you an opportunity to touch her. <a href="/csb/genesis/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then God said to him in the dream, &#8220Yes, 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. <a href="/asv/genesis/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/genesis/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then God continued: I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sleeping with Sarah and doing anything wrong. <a href="/erv/genesis/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/genesis/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "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. <a href="/gnt/genesis/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/genesis/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/genesis/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/20.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/genesis/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/genesis/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/genesis/20.htm">World English Bible</a> 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">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/ylt/genesis/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/genesis/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/genesis/20.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> 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">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/genesis/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/genesis/20-6.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=4412" 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> …5Didn’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.” 6<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> 7Now 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> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/34-24.htm">Exodus 34:24</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">1 Samuel 25:34</a> 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.” <a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a> Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. <a href="/job/33-15.htm">Job 33:15-18</a> 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, ... <a href="/psalms/19-13.htm">Psalm 19:13</a> Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression. <a href="/psalms/105-14.htm">Psalm 105:14-15</a> He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!” <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a> I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps. <a href="/matthew/1-20.htm">Matthew 1:20</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Matthew 27:19</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a> 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. <a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a> 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.” <a href="/acts/5-3.htm">Acts 5:3-4</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.withheld.<a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a> For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.<a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Genesis 31:7</a> And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.<a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Genesis 35:5</a> And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.sinning.<a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Genesis 39:9</a> There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?<a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Leviticus 6:2</a> 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;<a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a> Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.to touch.<a href="/genesis/3-3.htm">Genesis 3:3</a> But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.<a href="/genesis/26-11.htm">Genesis 26:11</a> And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">1 Corinthians 7:1</a> Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.<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>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>Then God said to Abimelech in the dream In the ancient Near East, dreams were often considered a medium through which deities communicated with humans. 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>.Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience 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.and so I have kept you from sinning against Me 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.That is why I did not let you touch her 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. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> - A patriarch of the faith, Abraham is central to this account. He is traveling through the region and encounters Abimelech. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> - The king of Gerar, who unknowingly takes Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household, believing her to be Abraham's sister. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> - Abraham's wife, who is presented as his sister, leading to the events of this chapter. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a> - The region where Abimelech rules and where the events of this chapter take place. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> - The divine being who intervenes in the situation by speaking to Abimelech in a dream.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> 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. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_accountability.htm">Integrity and Accountability</a> 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truthfulness.htm">The Importance of Truthfulness</a> 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. <a href="/topical/g/god's_communication_with_humanity.htm">God's Communication with Humanity</a> 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> <a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_god_stop_evil_acts.htm">Why doesn’t God stop evil people from doing harm?</a> <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> <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>Verse 6. - And God said unto him in a dream, - "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) - Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart - i.e. 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). For I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her (vide on Ver. 4). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/20-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then God הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative said וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to [Abimelech] אֵלָ֨יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to in the dream, בַּחֲלֹ֗ם (ba·ḥă·lōm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> A dream “Yes, גַּ֣ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and I אָנֹכִ֤י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I know יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙ (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you did עָשִׂ֣יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this זֹּ֔את (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 בְתָם־ (ḇə·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, לְבָבְךָ֙ (lə·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart and so I אָנֹכִ֛י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I have also גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and kept וָאֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ (wā·’eḥ·śōḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2820.htm">Strong's 2820: </a> To restrain, refrain, to refuse, spare, preserve, to observe you אֽוֹתְךָ֖ (’ō·wṯ·ḵā) Direct object marker | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case from sinning against Me. מֵחֲטוֹ־ (mê·ḥă·ṭōw-) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn That is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against I did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no let נְתַתִּ֖יךָ (nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set you touch לִנְגֹּ֥עַ (lin·gō·a‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike her. אֵלֶֽיהָ׃ (’ê·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/20-6.htm">Genesis 20:6 Catholic Bible</a> <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>