Genesis 20:14
And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
Genesis 20:14 · King James Version
Meaning
When Abimelech took sheep, oxen, menservants, and womenservants and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah, his wife, it symbolized a restoration of trust and reconciliation between Abimelech and Abraham. This gesture of generosity from Abimelech towards Abraham was to make amends for the misunderstanding that had occurred between them regarding Sarah. By giving Abraham livestock and servants, Abimelech not only acknowledged his mistake but also sought to repair the relationship with Abraham and Sarah. This act of restitution also demonstrates Abimelech's respect for Abraham as a respected leader and patriarch in the region. Moreover, the return of Sarah to Abraham signified the restoration of their marital bond and the preservation of their family unit. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution in maintaining peace and harmony among individuals and communities.
Theological Overview
Abraham's interaction with Abimelech in Genesis 20:14 provides a theological insight into the concept of divine restoration. In this verse, Abimelech gives various gifts to Abraham as a form of apology for taking Sarah, Abraham's wife. The act of giving back Sarah and offering livestock and servants signifies a restoration of not only the relationship between Abraham and Abimelech but also a recognition of God's protection over Abraham and Sarah. This act of restoration highlights the theme of divine providence and protection throughout the biblical narrative. It demonstrates how God can intervene in difficult situations and bring restoration and reconciliation, even in the midst of human error and misunderstanding. The word study of "restored" in this verse emphasizes the idea of returning or bringing back something that was taken away, reinforcing the concept of divine intervention and grace in restoring what was lost.
Genesis 20:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men-servants and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.
World English Bible
Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his wife, to him.
Douay-Rheims
And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and servants and handmaids, and gave to Abraham: and restored to him Sara his wife,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then tooke Abimelech sheepe and beeues, and men seruants, and women seruants, and gaue them vnto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.