Genesis 20:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Sarah {H8283} he said {H559}, Behold, I have given {H5414} thy brother {H251} a thousand {H505} pieces of silver {H3701}: behold, he is to thee a covering {H3682} of the eyes {H5869}, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved {H3198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To Sarah he said, "Here, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. That will allay the suspicions of everyone who is with you. Before everyone you are cleared."

Berean Standard Bible

And he said to Sarah, “See, I am giving your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is your vindication before all who are with you; you are completely cleared.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:16 records King Abimelech's final address to Sarah, following Abraham's deceptive claim that Sarah was his sister. Abimelech declares that he has given Abraham a thousand pieces of silver, which serves as a public vindication for Sarah, removing any potential shame or suspicion from her reputation in the eyes of all present. This statement effectively clarifies her status as a married woman and publicly affirms her honor, thereby reproving or clarifying the situation.

### CONTEXT
This verse concludes a pivotal episode in Gerar where Abraham, driven by fear, misrepresented Sarah as his sister ([Genesis 20:2](/genesis/20-2 "Abraham's deception in Gerar")). Unaware of her marital status, King Abimelech took Sarah into his household. However, God directly intervened, warning Abimelech in a dream not to touch her, as she was a married woman and touching her would result in death ([Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "God's warning to Abimelech")). After Abimelech confronted Abraham and understood the deception, he returned Sarah to Abraham, along with significant gifts of livestock, servants, and a thousand pieces of silver given to Abraham. Genesis 20:16 specifically details Abimelech's words to Sarah, solidifying her public restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
King Abimelech's words to Sarah in Genesis 20:16 serve as a public declaration of her innocence and the restoration of her honor. His statement is carefully crafted to address the potential for scandal and to ensure Sarah's reputation remains unsullied.

* **"Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver"**: This substantial gift, given to Abraham, functions as a public compensation and a clear indicator of Sarah's rightful status. It is not a payment for wrongdoing on Sarah's part, but rather a public acknowledgment of her purity and a means to clear her name. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a public transaction would serve as a formal declaration, witnessed by all, that Sarah was a woman of honor and not a concubine or a woman of ill repute.
* **"he [is] to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that [are] with thee, and with all [other]"**: This phrase, "covering of the eyes" (Hebrew: כְּסוּת עֵינַיִם, *kesut einayim*), is unique in the Old Testament. While some interpretations suggest a literal veil, the context strongly points to a metaphorical meaning of vindication or the removal of public shame. The silver, and the accompanying public declaration, served to "cover" or remove any suspicion or dishonor from Sarah regarding her brief stay in Abimelech's household. It publicly affirmed her purity and marital fidelity, ensuring that her reputation was unsullied "unto all that are with thee, and with all other," meaning in the eyes of her own household and all others who might have witnessed or heard of the events. It was a public statement of her honor and integrity.
* **"thus she was reproved"**: The Hebrew verb here is יָכַח (*yakach*), which can mean "to correct," "to rebuke," "to argue," or "to vindicate/prove right." In this specific context, given Abimelech's preceding actions and words, it is best understood as "she was vindicated" or "her situation was clarified/proved right." Abimelech's actions and words publicly established Sarah's innocence and confirmed her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception or accusation that might have arisen from the incident. It was not a personal rebuke of Sarah, but rather a public clarification of her honorable standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** Despite Abraham's deception and lack of faith, God supernaturally intervened to protect Sarah and the integrity of the covenant lineage through which the promised seed would come ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's covenant promise to Abraham")). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when His people falter.
* **God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure:** The narrative highlights God's faithfulness, which transcends human failings and shortcomings. Abraham's fear-driven deceit could have jeopardized the covenant, yet God's plan remained steadfast.
* **Importance of Reputation and Honor:** In ancient cultures, public honor and reputation were paramount. Abimelech's actions underscore the value placed on truth and integrity, and God's concern for the vindication of His people.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Rulers:** God's direct intervention with Abimelech demonstrates His sovereignty over earthly rulers and His ability to use even pagan kings to accomplish His divine purposes and protect His chosen ones.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our perfection; He remains true to His word even when we stumble or act out of fear. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He can bring about vindication and clarity even from confusing or compromising situations. While Abraham's actions were flawed, God's ultimate purpose for His covenant people was preserved. This should comfort us, knowing that even our mistakes cannot thwart God's ultimate plan, and He can restore our reputation and honor in His perfect timing.

### FAQ
**What does "a covering of the eyes" truly signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "a covering of the eyes" (Hebrew: *kesut einayim*) is best understood metaphorically as a public vindication or the removal of public shame. The thousand pieces of silver, along with Abimelech's declaration, served to publicly affirm Sarah's purity and marital fidelity, effectively "covering" or eliminating any suspicion or dishonor that might have attached to her reputation due to her brief stay in Abimelech's household. It was a public statement of her honor, ensuring that her name was cleared in the eyes of all witnesses.

**Was Sarah being "reproved" or "rebuked" by Abimelech?**

Answer: The Hebrew verb *yakach*, translated as "reproved," can carry various meanings including to correct, rebuke, or vindicate. In the context of Genesis 20:16, it is most accurately interpreted as Sarah being "vindicated" or "her situation being clarified." Abimelech's actions and words were designed to publicly establish Sarah's innocence and confirm her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception or accusation. It was not a personal rebuke directed at Sarah for any wrongdoing on her part, but rather a public declaration that her honor was intact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine protection of Sarah in Genesis 20:16, despite Abraham's deception, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, specifically the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Sarah was the mother of Isaac, the son of promise, and her purity and ability to bear children were essential for the continuation of the line leading to Christ. This event foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of vindication and restoration. Just as Sarah's honor was publicly restored by a king, Christ, the King of Kings, fully vindicates His people, covering their shame and sin through His atoning sacrifice. He is the ultimate "covering of the eyes," removing the reproach of sin and granting His followers a righteous standing before God, ensuring their place in His eternal covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.