Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:16

What does Genesis 20:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:16 means

Abimelech speaks to Sarah, explaining that the thousand pieces of silver he has given to Abraham are for her, serving as a 'covering of the eyes.' This phrase implies that the money is an honorarium, a public vindication of her reputation and marital status, ensuring that all who are with her (her household or those who witnessed the event) recognize her as a married woman whose honor has been restored. In doing so, Abimelech publicly declares her integrity and rights her, despite Abraham's actions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and in respect of all thou art righted.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee; and in respect of all thou art righted.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to Sarah, See, I have given to your brother a thousand bits of silver so that your wrong may be put right; now your honour is clear in the eyes of all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to Sarah he hath said, `Lo, I have given a thousand silverlings to thy brother; lo, it is to thee a covering of eyes, to all who are with thee;' and by all this she is reasoned with.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to Sara he said: Behold I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver, this shall serve thee for a covering of thy eyes to all that are with thee, and whithersoever thou shalt go: and remember thou wast taken.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And to Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver; behold, let that be to thee a covering of the eyes, in respect of all that are with thee, and with all; and she was reproved.

Context

Following his generous provisions and open invitation to Abraham in verses 14 and 15, Abimelech now specifically addresses Sarah. This verse explains the purpose of a portion of the payment, emphasizing the restoration of her honor and integrity. This act of public vindication against the backdrop of Abraham's deceit directly precedes Abraham's intercession for Abimelech's household.

v.15And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

v.16This passage

v.17And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bare children.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 20:5

    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.

  • Proverbs 27:5

    Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:3

    And Joab said, Jehovah make his people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? why doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of guilt unto Israel?

  • Proverbs 9:8

    Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

  • Genesis 24:65

    And she said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant said, It is my master: and she took her veil, and covered herself.

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