King James Version

What Does Genesis 20:5 Mean?

Genesis 20:5 in the King James Version says “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 an...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. integrity: or, simplicity, or, sincerity”

Genesis 20:5 · KJV

Context

3

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. a man's: Heb. married to an husband

4

But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

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. integrity: or, simplicity, or, sincerity

6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

7

Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.

Read Genesis 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the inte... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Divine Protection shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הֲלֹ֨א1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ה֑וּא2 of 18

“and she”

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָֽמְרָ֖ה3 of 18

“Said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִי֙4 of 18
H0
אֲחֹ֣תִי5 of 18

“is my sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

ה֑וּא6 of 18

“and she”

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

ה֑וּא7 of 18

“and she”

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

גַם8 of 18

“even”

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֑וּא9 of 18

“and she”

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָֽמְרָ֖ה10 of 18

“Said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָחִ֣י11 of 18

“He is my brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

ה֑וּא12 of 18

“and she”

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּתָם13 of 18

“in the integrity”

H8537

completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence

לְבָבִ֛י14 of 18

“of my heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּבְנִקְיֹ֥ן15 of 18

“and innocency”

H5356

clearness (literally or figuratively)

כַּפַּ֖י16 of 18

“of my hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

עָשִׂ֥יתִי17 of 18

“have I done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹֽאת׃18 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 20:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:81 Kings 9:4Psalms 24:4Psalms 25:21Psalms 78:721 Chronicles 29:17

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