Genesis 20:6
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.
Genesis 20:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God is speaking to Abimelech in a dream, reassuring him that he knows Abimelech acted with integrity when he unknowingly took Abraham's wife Sarah into his household. God explains that he prevented Abimelech from committing a sin against Him by withholding him from touching Sarah. This shows God's protection over His people even when they are unaware of the potential harm they are causing. It serves as a reminder that God sees the intentions of our hearts and intervenes to prevent us from straying from His will. This narrative highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to guide and protect His children, even in situations where they may be vulnerable to sin. Abimelech's obedience to God's warning ultimately leads to his repentance and restoration, demonstrating the importance of faith and obedience in God's redemptive plan.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Genesis, God speaks to Abimelech in a dream, acknowledging Abimelech's innocence in taking Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his household. The phrase "in the integrity of thy heart" highlights the importance of sincerity and honesty in one's actions. God recognizes Abimelech's pure intentions and assures him that He prevented him from committing a grave sin by touching Sarah. This demonstrates God's intervention in human affairs and His protection of His people even when they are unaware of His presence. The verse underscores the concept of divine providence and how God's hand guides and safeguards His followers. It also serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His ability to see the intentions and purity of the heart. Through this theological interpretation, we see God's grace and protection extended to those who strive to live with integrity and righteousness.
Genesis 20:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And God said unto him in the dream, Yea, I know that in the integrity of thy heart thou has done this, and I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
World English Bible
God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn’t allow you to touch her.
Douay-Rheims
And God said to him: And I know that thou didst it with a sincere heart: and therefore I withheld thee from sinning against me, and I suffered thee not to touch her.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And God saide vnto him by a dreame, I knowe that thou diddest this euen with an vpright minde, and I kept thee also that thou shouldest not sinne against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touche her.