Genesis 20:5 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abimelech defends himself, saying both Abraham and Sarah told him she was his sister.
The Context of Genesis 20:5
The king's defense and the collateral damage of Abraham's deception.
What Does Genesis 20:5 Mean?
Abimelech explains that he acted on information given to him—both Abraham's claim and Sarah's own confirmation that Abraham was her brother. He insists on his own integrity and lack of guilt in the matter, emphasizing that he was deceived, not morally culpable.
The verse shows how deception harms the innocent: Abimelech, who kept his hands pure, now faces death through no fault of his own. His appeal underscores that Abraham's lie endangered not just Sarah but an entire kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 20:5
What does Genesis 20:5 mean?
Abimelech defends himself, saying both Abraham and Sarah told him she was his sister.
What is the context of Genesis 20:5?
The king's defense and the collateral damage of Abraham's deception.