Genesis 20:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Said {H559} he not unto me, She {H1931} is my sister {H269}? and she {H1931}, even {H1571} she {H1931} herself said {H559}, He is my brother {H251}: in the integrity {H8537} of my heart {H3824} and innocency {H5356} of my hands {H3709} have I done {H6213} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Didn't he himself say to me, 'She is my sister'? And even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In doing this, my heart has been pure and my hands innocent."

Berean Standard Bible

Didn’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.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 20:5 captures King Abimelech's earnest defense before God, where he asserts his blamelessness in taking Sarah into his household. He clarifies that his actions were predicated on the explicit declarations of both Abraham and Sarah, who presented themselves as siblings, thereby leading him to believe he was acting with "integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands." This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing Abimelech's perspective and setting the stage for God's divine validation of his sincerity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech"). It immediately follows God's dramatic appearance to Abimelech in a dream, warning him against touching Sarah, whom Abimelech had taken into his palace. Abimelech's plea in [Genesis 20:4-5](/genesis/20-4-5 "Abimelech's Plea to God") is a direct response to God's revelation, serving as his defense against the implied charge of adultery. The subsequent verse, [Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "God's Affirmation of Abimelech's Integrity"), provides God's explicit validation of Abimelech's claim, confirming his blameless intent and explaining why God intervened to prevent him from sinning. This sequence highlights the stark contrast between Abraham's deceptive actions and Abimelech's unwitting righteousness, all under the sovereign hand of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Gerar, a Philistine city, during the patriarchal period. In this era, tribal leaders like Abimelech held significant authority, and taking women into one's household, especially for marriage, was a common practice, often involving negotiations or gifts. However, the sanctity of marriage was generally recognized. Abraham's fear, though misguided, stemmed from the cultural reality that a powerful ruler might kill a husband to take his wife if she was exceptionally beautiful. The concept of "sister-wife" was a deceptive half-truth, as Sarah was indeed Abraham's half-sister ([Genesis 20:12](/genesis/20-12 "Abraham Explains His Deception")), but primarily his wife. Abimelech's concern for "integrity of heart" and "innocency of hands" reflects a moral code that valued truthfulness and righteous conduct, even among non-Israelites, suggesting a universal understanding of certain moral principles.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech") is rich with theological themes. **Divine Sovereignty and Protection** is paramount, as God actively intervenes to protect Sarah and the covenant line, despite Abraham's repeated faithlessness (compare with [Genesis 12:10-20](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's Deception in Egypt")). The theme of **Human Deception and its Consequences** is evident in Abraham's lie, which places Sarah and Abimelech in peril. Conversely, **God's Consideration of Intent** is highlighted by Abimelech's defense and God's subsequent validation, demonstrating that God judges not only actions but also the heart's disposition. This narrative also underscores **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as He protects His promises to Abraham even when Abraham himself falters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gam (Hebrew, _gam'_):** This word, translated as "even" or "also," serves to intensify the preceding statement. In Abimelech's defense, "and she, **even** she herself said," it underscores the dual and explicit nature of the deception. It emphasizes that both Abraham and Sarah actively participated in the lie, thereby strengthening Abimelech's claim that he was misled by both parties, not just one. This small word highlights the weight of Sarah's corroboration in Abimelech's perception of the situation.
* **tôm (Hebrew, _tôm'_):** Translated as "integrity," this term denotes completeness, soundness, or blamelessness, often in a moral sense. When Abimelech speaks of "the integrity of my heart," he is asserting the purity and uprightness of his inner intentions. His motive was not to commit a wrong, but to act honorably based on the information provided. This word points to a state of moral wholeness, indicating that his conscience was clear regarding his underlying disposition.
* **niqqâyôwn (Hebrew, _niqqâyôwn'_):** This word, rendered "innocency," signifies cleanness or purity, particularly in relation to actions or guilt. "Innocency of my hands" refers to the blamelessness of his external deeds. His physical act of taking Sarah was, in his view, free from malicious intent or knowing transgression. Together with "integrity of my heart," it forms a comprehensive defense, appealing to both his internal disposition and his outward conduct as being free from culpability in this specific instance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister?":** Abimelech begins his defense with a rhetorical question, immediately placing the onus of the deception on Abraham. He recounts Abraham's explicit declaration, which served as the initial basis for his actions. This highlights Abimelech's reliance on Abraham's word and establishes the premise for his claim of unwitting involvement.
* **"and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother:":** This clause further strengthens Abimelech's defense by adding Sarah's corroboration. The emphatic "even she herself" (using the Hebrew `gam` and `hûwʼ`) underscores that Sarah, too, explicitly confirmed the false relationship. This dual testimony made the deception appear entirely credible to Abimelech, reinforcing his conviction that he was acting on accurate information.
* **"in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.":** This is the core of Abimelech's plea. He asserts that his actions were not driven by malice, lust, or a desire to violate another man's marriage, but by a pure conscience and blameless conduct, given his understanding of the situation. This statement reveals his moral compass and his belief that his intentions and actions, within the bounds of his knowledge, were honorable.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The opening "Said he not unto me...?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking an answer from God but emphatically asserting a fact and shifting responsibility. This device immediately draws the listener (God) into Abimelech's perspective. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the phrases "integrity of my heart" and "innocency of my hands." This is a classic Hebrew literary structure that emphasizes a complete thought by presenting two complementary aspects: the inner motive and the outer action. This parallelism powerfully conveys Abimelech's claim of comprehensive blamelessness. Furthermore, the entire scene is steeped in **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows the full truth of Abraham and Sarah's marital status, while Abimelech remains tragically unaware, highlighting the tension between human perception and divine knowledge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 20:5 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to the intentions of the human heart, a theological principle reiterated throughout Scripture. Abimelech's plea, validated by God in the subsequent verse, reveals that while actions have consequences, God discerns between sin committed in knowing rebellion and that committed in genuine ignorance or misunderstanding. This narrative underscores God's justice, which is not merely punitive but also discerning, acknowledging human limitations and the impact of others' deception. It also highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, as He sovereignly intervenes to protect Sarah and the lineage, even when His chosen patriarch, Abraham, acts in fear and deception.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks on the Heart") - "For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3-4 "Purity of Hands and Heart") - "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..."
* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "All Ways are Clean in One's Own Eyes") - "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abimelech's defense in Genesis 20:5 serves as a powerful reminder that God sees beyond our outward actions into the very intentions of our hearts. While we are accountable for our deeds, this narrative offers a profound comfort: God understands when we act in ignorance or are misled by others, distinguishing such instances from deliberate sin. This should inspire us to cultivate a genuine "integrity of heart" and "innocency of hands" in all our dealings, striving for purity of motive as much as purity of action. It also underscores the immense responsibility we bear to be truthful, as Abraham's deception caused significant distress and nearly led to grave sin for an innocent party. For believers, this passage calls for a deep introspection: Do we prioritize truthfulness, even when it feels inconvenient or dangerous? And do we trust God's protection, rather than resorting to self-serving deceptions? Ultimately, it encourages us to live with a clear conscience before God and others, knowing that He is the ultimate judge of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abimelech's plea challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, like Abimelech, act with "innocency of hands" but still be caught in the consequences of others' deception or our own misunderstandings?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater "integrity of heart" in your daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ

**How could Abimelech claim innocence when he took another man's wife?**

Answer: Abimelech's claim of innocence, which God explicitly validated in [Genesis 20:6](/genesis/20-6 "God's Affirmation of Abimelech's Integrity"), rested entirely on his genuine ignorance of Sarah's true marital status. Both Abraham and Sarah had explicitly stated that they were siblings, a deception employed by Abraham to protect himself. Abimelech genuinely believed their false claim and acted with "integrity of heart and innocency of hands," meaning his intentions were honorable and his actions, though objectively problematic, were based on a complete misunderstanding rather than malicious intent or a deliberate desire to commit adultery. God acknowledged his blamelessness in this specific regard and therefore supernaturally prevented him from fully committing the sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Genesis 20 - Abraham and Abimelech") to protect Sarah and the integrity of Abraham's lineage is a profound foreshadowing of God's ultimate faithfulness in sending the Messiah. Despite human weakness, deception, and moral failings—exemplified by Abraham's repeated lack of faith—God sovereignly preserves His covenant line, ensuring the eventual birth of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of perfect "integrity of heart and innocency of hands," as He was "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")) and "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "Christ's Sinless Example")). He perfectly fulfills the Law's demands and offers a righteousness that humanity, even at its best, could never achieve ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness Through Faith")). Jesus is the ultimate promise of God, the one through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "The Gospel Preached to Abraham")), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan despite the imperfections of His people. His sinless life and sacrificial death provide the true and lasting "innocency" and "integrity" that Abimelech could only claim in a limited sense.

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

Psalms 7:8

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

1 Kings 9:4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, [and] wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

Joshua 22:22

The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

Psalms 25:21

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

1 Thessalonians 2:10

Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

1 Chronicles 29:17

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.