Genesis 20:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 20:14 mean?

Genesis 20:14 describes how Abimelech gave Abraham sheep, oxen, male and female servants, and returned Sarah, Abraham’s wife, to him. This act was a gesture of restitution and goodwill after Abimelech had unknowingly taken Sarah into his household.

In this scene, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is responding to a situation where he had taken Sarah, not knowing she was Abraham’s wife. After learning the truth, Abimelech seeks to make amends by giving valuable gifts and restoring Sarah to Abraham. The verse highlights Abimelech’s desire to clear himself of wrongdoing and to show respect to Abraham.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 20:14

• וַיִּתֵּן (vayyiten, “gave”): This word emphasizes a deliberate act of giving, not just returning what was taken but adding gifts as a sign of goodwill and compensation.
• הֵשִׁיב (heshiv, “restored”): This word carries the sense of returning something to its rightful place or owner, underlining that Sarah was returned to Abraham as his wife, correcting the earlier mistake.
• אִשָּׁה (ishah, “wife”): The use of this word clarifies Sarah’s relationship to Abraham, making it clear that her status as Abraham’s wife is central to the story’s tension and resolution.

Why Genesis 20:14 matters

• Genesis 20:14 clears up any doubt about Abimelech’s intentions by showing he not only returned Sarah but also gave additional gifts, signaling respect and a desire to make things right.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of restitution and public acknowledgment in resolving misunderstandings, especially in matters involving honor and relationships.
• This action sets the stage for the restoration of trust between Abraham and Abimelech and connects to the broader theme of God’s protection over Abraham and Sarah throughout their journey.