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.

GENESIS 20:16KJV
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Genesis 20:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 20:16 mean?

Genesis 20:16 describes Abimelech telling Sarah that he has given Abraham, whom he calls her brother, a thousand pieces of silver as a public sign to clear her reputation and show that she has done nothing wrong. Abimelech says this is like a "covering of the eyes" for Sarah and everyone else, meaning it serves as protection for her honor and a way to resolve any suspicion.

In this verse, Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is speaking directly to Sarah after learning that she is actually Abraham’s wife, not just his sister. The situation arose because Abraham had told people Sarah was his sister, leading Abimelech to take her into his household. Once the truth was revealed, Abimelech wanted to make things right publicly, so he gave Abraham a large sum of silver and declared Sarah’s innocence before everyone, restoring her reputation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 20:16

  • "Covering" (כְּסוּת, kəsut): This word means something that covers or conceals. Here, it is used figuratively to describe the gift as something that covers Sarah’s eyes, shielding her from shame or blame.
  • "Eyes" (עֵינַיִם, ʿenayim): The mention of eyes often symbolizes perception or reputation. By saying the silver is a covering for Sarah’s eyes, Abimelech is saying it protects how she is seen by others.
  • "Reproved" (יוֹכָח, yokhach): This word can mean to be vindicated, corrected, or shown to be in the right. In this context, it means Sarah is publicly cleared of wrongdoing.

Why Genesis 20:16 matters

  • Genesis 20:16 clears up any suspicion about Sarah’s character by showing that Abimelech took public steps to restore her honor after the misunderstanding.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of public reputation and the need for restitution when someone’s good name has been threatened, especially in ancient societies.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by highlighting the consequences of Abraham’s earlier decision to call Sarah his sister, and how God’s protection and Abimelech’s actions worked together to resolve the situation.

Where else these words appear

“covering” Hebrew H3682 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 21:10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
  • Deuteronomy 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
  • Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.

“Sarah” Hebrew H8283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Genesis 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

“reproved” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
  • Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.