Genesis 20:6

Genesis 20:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And God said to him in the dream, I see that you have done this with an upright heart, and I have kept you from sinning against me: for this reason I did not let you come near her.

Free Bible Version FBV

God told him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this in all innocence, so I prevented you from sinning against me. That's why I didn't let you touch her.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And God saide vnto him by a dreame, I knowe that thou diddest this euen with an vpright minde, and I kept thee also that thou shouldest not sinne against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touche her.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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;

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

God said to him in another dream, “Yes, I know that your motives were pure. That is why I truly prevented you from sinning against me. I did not allow you to have sex [EUP] with her.

Plain English Version PEV

God kept talking to him in that dream. He said, “Yes, I know that you didn’t want to do anything wrong. You didn’t know that Sarah was a married woman. That’s why I did not let you touch her. I stopped you from doing a bad thing.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 20:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 20:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ אֵלָ֨י/ו הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים בַּ/חֲלֹ֗ם גַּ֣ם אָנֹכִ֤י יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ כִּ֤י בְ/תָם לְבָבְ/ךָ֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ זֹּ֔את וָ/אֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ גַּם אָנֹכִ֛י אֽוֹתְ/ךָ֖ מֵ/חֲטוֹ לִ֑/י עַל כֵּ֥ן לֹא נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ אֵלֶֽי/הָ

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֨י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

בַּ/חֲלֹ֗ם chălôwm H2472 dream Prep | N-ms

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אָנֹכִ֤י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

בְ/תָם tôm H8537 integrity Prep | N-ms

לְבָבְ/ךָ֙ lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff

עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-2ms

זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

וָ/אֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ châsak H2820 to withhold Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

אָנֹכִ֛י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

אֽוֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מֵ/חֲטוֹ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לִ֑/י Prep | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֵלֶֽי/הָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 20:6

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלָ֨י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בַּ/חֲלֹ֗ם chălôwm H2472 "dream" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.

Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.

גַּ֣ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

אָנֹכִ֤י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בְ/תָם tôm H8537 "integrity" Prep | N-ms

This word means being complete or having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is innocent and morally pure. In the Bible, it describes people who are full of integrity and live with simplicity. It is often translated as 'integrity' or 'upright'.

Definition: 1) integrity, completeness 1a) completeness, fulness 1b) innocence, simplicity 1c) integrity

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550 (תֻּמִּים). See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 26:11; Psalms 7:9.

לְבָבְ/ךָ֙ lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

עָשִׂ֣יתָ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

וָ/אֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ châsak H2820 "to withhold" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.

Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

אָנֹכִ֛י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

אֽוֹתְ/ךָ֖ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֵ/חֲטוֹ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

לִ֑/י "" Prep | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לִ/נְגֹּ֥עַ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.

Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.

אֵלֶֽי/הָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Genesis 20:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 20:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:6
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:6
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:6
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:6
Sermons on Genesis 20:6

Context — Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech

4Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? 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.”

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.

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.” 8Early the next morning Abimelech got up and summoned all his servants; and when he described to them all that had happened, the men were terrified.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 25:34	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.”
2	Proverbs 21:1	The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
3	1 Samuel 25:26	Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, the LORD has held you back from coming to bloodshed and avenging yourself with your own hand. May your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal.
4	Genesis 31:7	And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.
5	Genesis 35:5	As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
6	2 Thessalonians 2:7	For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.
7	Psalms 84:11	For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
8	Exodus 34:24	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.
9	Psalms 81:12	So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
10	Genesis 20:18	for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household.

Genesis 20:6 Summary

This verse, Genesis 20:6, shows us that God is merciful and just, and He desires to protect and guide us, even when we don't know what we're doing. Abimelech acted with a clear conscience, not knowing that Sarah was Abraham's wife, and God intervened to prevent him from sinning against Him. This reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, as seen in Romans 8:28, and that we can trust His sovereignty and mercy in our lives, as described in Psalm 23:1-4. By seeking God's guidance and acting with a clear conscience, we can avoid sin and follow His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God intervene to prevent Abimelech from sinning against Him?

God intervened because He knew Abimelech acted with a clear conscience, as stated in Genesis 20:6, and He wanted to protect Abimelech from sinning against Him, demonstrating His sovereignty and mercy, as seen in Psalm 121:3-8.

What does it mean to act with a clear conscience?

Acting with a clear conscience means doing something without knowing it is wrong, as Abimelech did in Genesis 20:6, and it highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

How does God's intervention in this verse relate to His character?

God's intervention in Genesis 20:6 showcases His merciful and just nature, as described in Exodus 34:6-7, and demonstrates His desire to protect and guide those who act in good faith, even if they are not perfectly informed.

What can we learn from Abimelech's experience about God's interaction with non-believers?

Abimelech's experience in Genesis 20:6 teaches us that God can interact with and guide non-believers, as seen in other examples like Pharaoh in Exodus 7-12, and that He desires all people to come to know Him, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when God intervenes in my life, and what can I learn from Abimelech's example in Genesis 20:6?
In what ways can I act with a clear conscience, like Abimelech, and seek God's guidance in my decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply that understanding to my relationship with Him, as described in Psalm 103:8-14?
How can I trust God's sovereignty and mercy in my life, even when I don't fully understand His ways, as seen in Romans 11:33-36?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream,.... The same dream continued: yea, or "also" I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; not only thou knowest, but I, who know all things, know and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 20:6

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. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 20:6

I know that thou didst not this knowingly and maliciously, but imprudently and inconsiderately, which is indeed an extenuation of thy sin, though not a total excuse. Compare . I also withheld thee, partly by my restraining grace, and partly by my powerful providence, and the plague mentioned . Which plainly shows that ignorance is not always an excuse for sin. See . This sin, though directly committed against Abraham and Sarah only, is said to be against God, as other such sins are, , because it was against God’ s command written in men’ s minds, though not yet published by express word or writing; and against God’ s honour; and that here in a particular manner, because it would have rendered Isaac’ s original, and thereby God’ s promise, doubtful.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 20:6

Genesis 20:6 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.Ver. 6. Yea, I know that thou didst this, &c.] God takes his excuse, and yet chastiseth him; to teach us, saith Calvin (in loco), Non prorsus vacare culpa qui humano modo puri sunt . He can find flaws in that for which we may look for thanks. This makes Nehemiah crave pardon of his zealous reformations; and David cries out, "Enter not into judgment," &c. Sordet in conspectu iudicis, quod fulget in conspectu operantis , saith Gregory. "Ye are they that justify yourselves before men," saith Christ to the Pharisees; "but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God". A thing which I see in the night may shine, and that shining proceed from nothing but rottenness. "But be not deceived," or if ye be, yet "God is not mocked". When he comes to turn the bottom of the bag upwards - as the steward did Benjamin’ s - all our secret thefts will out, all our collusions come to light His law is a law of fire; His tribunal, of fire; His pleading with sinners, in flames of fire. The trial of our work shall be by fire; and before God, who is a consuming fire. Happy are they that are here purged by that spirit of judgment, and burning. These shall stand in judgment, yea, dwell with everlasting burnings. For I also withheld thee.] Either by sickness, as aforesaid, or by a spirit of restraint, "a gift" that God gives "to men, yea, to the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them" in his religion and worshippers; which else the wicked would never suffer. Thus God chained up Laban, and made Saul to melt over David, &c. Now many take this poor counter (that is, I am not as some others are, so bad as the worst) and set it down for a thousand pounds. Our Saviour indeed is said to have "looked upon" the young Pharisee, and to have "loved him," because he saw him to be a tame man, free from foul crimes, and fit to live in a commonwealth: but no otherwise than as we love pictures, which are pretty things to look on, and that is all they are good for. A better nature, if rested in, is but a beautiful abomination, a smooth way to hell. And yet, say what we can, this kind of men grow crooked and aged with good opinions of themselves, and can seldom or never be set straight again. They will trust in Moses; and when they have sick fits, and qualms of conscience, lick themselves whole by their repentance, and so rest in it: which made Austin say, that repentance damneth more than sin.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 20:6

6. from sinning against me] The violation of moral law is sin against God. suffered I thee not] The explanation of this sentence is supplied in Genesis 20:17.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 20:6

6. In a dream — Repeated again from Genesis 20:3. It would seem as if the dream had been broken by the emotion of Abimelech, and after a period of wakefulness he dreamed again, and God again revealed himself.

Sermons on Genesis 20:6

	Sermon	Description
	The God of the Bible vs. the God of Today 2 of 2 by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's mercy and the need to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. He highlights that God holds the power over lif
	Genesis 20:1-18 by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches about the journey of Abraham and his encounter with Abimelech, highlighting Abraham's faith and struggles, as well as the grace and protection of God amidst hu
	2 Corinthians 13:10 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, reconciliation, and unity among believers, urging them to rejoice, be perfected, comforted, be of the same mind, and live in peac
	Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na
	Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch
	(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn
	The Rich and the Poor Part 1 by Chuck Smith	The video is a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith on the book of Proverbs, specifically focusing on Proverbs 21:1. Pastor Chuck explains that the purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom