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 concluding address to Sarah, following Abraham's deceptive claim that Sarah was his sister. In this statement, Abimelech publicly declares that he has given Abraham a thousand pieces of silver, which serves as a substantial and public vindication for Sarah, removing any potential shame or suspicion from her reputation. This act and declaration effectively clarify her true status as a married woman and publicly affirm her honor and integrity in the eyes of all present, thereby clarifying or "reproving" the situation in her favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the resolution to the dramatic encounter between Abraham, Sarah, and King Abimelech in Gerar, detailed in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech"). The narrative begins with Abraham's fear-driven deception, where he presents Sarah as his sister, mirroring a previous incident in Egypt ([Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's deception in Egypt")). Unaware of Sarah's marital status, Abimelech takes her into his household, an act that could have severely jeopardized God's covenant promises regarding Abraham's offspring. God's direct intervention in a dream ([Genesis 20:3-7](/genesis/20-3-7 "God warns Abimelech in a dream")) prevents Abimelech from touching Sarah, revealing her true identity as Abraham's wife. The subsequent confrontation between Abimelech and Abraham ([Genesis 20:9-10](/genesis/20-9-10 "Abimelech confronts Abraham")) exposes Abraham's lack of faith and fear. Abimelech then returns Sarah to Abraham, along with lavish gifts, culminating in this verse where he addresses Sarah directly, ensuring her public vindication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a woman's honor and a family's reputation were paramount, especially concerning marital fidelity and purity. Any suspicion of sexual impropriety or concubinage could bring immense shame upon the woman and her family. Abraham's deception placed Sarah in a precarious position, risking her honor and potentially her life, as well as the integrity of the covenant line. Abimelech's actions in [Genesis 20:14-16](/genesis/20-14-16 "Abimelech's restitution to Abraham and Sarah")—returning Sarah, offering gifts, and making a public declaration—were culturally significant. The "thousand pieces of silver" (likely shekels) was a substantial sum, signifying not merely compensation but a public declaration of Sarah's innocence and a formal act of clearing her name. This public transaction, witnessed by the court, served to formally restore Sarah's reputation and ensure no lingering suspicion or gossip could attach to her.

* **Key Themes:** The episode in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech"), culminating in [Genesis 20:16](/genesis/20-16 "Genesis 20:16 - Abimelech vindicates Sarah"), powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost is God's **divine providence and protection** of His covenant people and promises, even when they falter due to fear or lack of faith. Despite Abraham's repeated deception, God supernaturally intervenes to protect Sarah and the integrity of the promised lineage, demonstrating His **unwavering faithfulness** to His word ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's covenant with Abraham")). The narrative also highlights the **importance of reputation and honor** in ancient society, with Abimelech's actions serving to publicly vindicate Sarah. Furthermore, it underscores God's **sovereignty over earthly rulers**, as He uses a pagan king to achieve His divine purposes and safeguard His chosen ones.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
King Abimelech's words to Sarah in [Genesis 20:16](/genesis/20-16 "Genesis 20:16 - Abimelech vindicates Sarah") are a carefully constructed public declaration designed to restore her honor and clarify her status after the deceptive incident.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproved (Hebrew, _yâkach'_):** This word (H3198) is a primitive root meaning "to be right (i.e. correct)." Reciprocally, it can mean "to argue," and causatively, "to decide, justify or convict." While it can mean "rebuke" or "chasten," in this context, given Abimelech's actions to restore Sarah's honor, it is best understood as "vindicated," "clarified," or "proved right." Abimelech's declaration publicly established Sarah's innocence and confirmed her status as Abraham's wife, thereby correcting any potential misperception.
* **Covering (Hebrew, _kᵉçûwth'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to cover," this word (H3682) refers to a garment or, figuratively, a veiling. In the phrase "covering of the eyes," it signifies the removal of public shame or the restoration of honor. The silver and the public declaration served to "cover" or obscure any suspicion regarding Sarah's brief stay in Abimelech's household, ensuring her reputation remained unsullied.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):):** This term (H3701) refers to silver, often used as money. The "thousand pieces of silver" (H505, _ʼeleph_) was a substantial sum, serving as a public compensation and a clear, tangible indicator of Sarah's rightful status. It was not a payment for wrongdoing on Sarah's part, but a public acknowledgment of her purity and a means to clear her name, witnessed by all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Sarah he said":** This direct address to Sarah is significant. While the gifts were given to Abraham, Abimelech's words of vindication are spoken directly to Sarah, ensuring her personal and public restoration of honor. This highlights his concern for her reputation.
* **"Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand [pieces] of silver":** Abimelech publicly announces the substantial gift he has given to Abraham, whom Sarah had presented as her brother. This public act, involving a significant sum of money, served as a formal, tangible demonstration of Sarah's innocence and Abimelech's acknowledgment of her purity. It functions as a public compensation for the distress caused and a clear marker of her honorable status.
* **"behold, he [is] to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that [are] with thee, and with all [other]":** This is the core metaphorical statement. The "thousand pieces of silver" given to Abraham, and by extension, the public declaration accompanying it, served as a "covering of the eyes" for Sarah. This means it removed any potential shame, suspicion, or dishonor from her reputation. It publicly affirmed her purity and marital fidelity, ensuring that her name was cleared "unto all that are with thee" (her own household and servants) and "with all other" (the wider community and those who might have heard of the incident). It was a public statement of her honor and integrity.
* **"thus she was reproved":** The Hebrew verb *yakach* here 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 declaration of her honorable standing.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the "thousand pieces of silver" and the phrase "covering of the eyes." The silver symbolizes not just wealth, but a public declaration of Sarah's worth and innocence, a tangible sign of her vindication. The "covering of the eyes" is a powerful **metaphor** for the removal of shame or the restoration of honor, suggesting that any lingering suspicion is now veiled or obscured from public view. The narrative also features **irony**, as Abraham's deceit, intended to protect himself, inadvertently places Sarah in jeopardy, yet God sovereignly uses a pagan king to protect His covenant promises and publicly restore the very person Abraham endangered. The direct address to Sarah, following the gifts to Abraham, provides a sense of **closure and resolution** to the tense episode.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the face of human failure and fear. Despite Abraham's deceptive actions, which could have jeopardized the purity of the messianic lineage, God supernaturally intervened to protect Sarah and ensure the integrity of the covenant seed. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon human perfection, but rather His sovereign will and power to accomplish His purposes. The incident also underscores the divine concern for human reputation and honor, as God orchestrates Sarah's public vindication through Abimelech's actions.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's covenant promise to Abraham") - God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him is evident in Abimelech's protection and subsequent blessing.
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalms/105-14-15 "God protects His anointed") - This psalm speaks of God allowing no one to oppress His people, rebuking kings for their sake, echoing God's intervention with Abimelech.
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness") - Paul emphasizes that even if some are unfaithful, God remains faithful, a principle clearly demonstrated in God's preservation of Sarah despite Abraham's deceit.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [Genesis 20:16](/genesis/20-16 "Genesis 20:16 - Abimelech vindicates Sarah") offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our flawless performance or unwavering faith. Even when we act out of fear, make mistakes, or succumb to deception, God remains true to His promises and continues to work His sovereign plan. This should bring immense comfort, knowing that our shortcomings do not derail God's ultimate purposes for our lives or for His kingdom. Furthermore, the passage highlights God's concern for our reputation and honor, demonstrating His ability to bring about vindication and clarity even from confusing or compromising situations. We are called to trust in His sovereign hand, believing that He can restore, clarify, and protect us, even when we stumble. This encourages us to live with integrity, but also to rest in His grace when we fall short, knowing He is the ultimate vindicator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's protection of Sarah, despite Abraham's deception, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways might we, like Abraham, act out of fear or self-preservation, and how can we instead choose to trust God's sovereign protection?**
* **How does the concept of "a covering of the eyes" relate to God's work in restoring our reputation or clearing our name from past mistakes?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's ability to use unexpected means or even unbelievers to accomplish His divine will?**

### 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 given to Abraham, along with Abimelech's accompanying declaration, served to publicly affirm Sarah's purity and marital fidelity. This act effectively "covered" or eliminated any suspicion or dishonor that might have attached to her reputation due to her brief stay in Abimelech's household. It was a clear and public statement of her honor, ensuring that her name was cleared in the eyes of all witnesses, both within her own household and among the wider community, as indicated by the phrase "unto all that are with thee, and with all other."

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

Answer: The Hebrew verb *yakach* (H3198), translated as "reproved" in the KJV, can indeed carry various meanings, including to correct, rebuke, or even to argue. However, in the specific context of [Genesis 20:16](/genesis/20-16 "Genesis 20:16 - Abimelech vindicates Sarah"), given Abimelech's preceding actions of returning Sarah and offering lavish gifts, it is most accurately interpreted as Sarah being "vindicated" or "her situation being clarified and proved right." Abimelech's words and actions were designed to publicly establish Sarah's innocence and confirm 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 directed at Sarah for any wrongdoing on her part, but rather a public declaration that her honor was intact and her status as a married woman was affirmed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine protection of Sarah in [Genesis 20:16](/genesis/20-16 "Genesis 20:16 - Abimelech vindicates Sarah"), despite Abraham's deceptive actions, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, specifically the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately 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 directly to Christ. This event foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of vindication and restoration for His people. Just as Sarah's honor was publicly restored and her shame "covered" by a king's declaration and generous gift, Christ, the King of Kings, fully vindicates His people. He is the ultimate "covering of the eyes," removing the reproach of sin and shame through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ became sin for us")). Through faith in Him, believers receive a righteous standing before God, having their sins forgiven and their spiritual honor restored ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness through faith in Christ")). He ensures their place in His eternal covenant, providing a perfect and lasting covering that far surpasses any earthly silver or human declaration, granting them access to the Father and an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "An inheritance kept in heaven")).

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 20:5

Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.

Proverbs 27:5

¶ Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.

Genesis 24:65

For she [had] said unto the servant, What man [is] this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant [had] said, It [is] my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

Jonah 1:6

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

1 Chronicles 21:3

And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they [be]: but, my lord the king, [are] they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?

1 Chronicles 21:6

But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.

Proverbs 12:1

¶ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.