Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Genesis - Chapter 20 - Verse 5

20:5
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.

Meaning

This verse highlights a moment in the life of Abraham and Sarah, where they found themselves in a difficult situation. Fearing for their lives, they resorted to deception by claiming to be siblings rather than husband and wife. This decision stemmed from a lack of trust in God's protection and provision. Despite their actions, both Abraham and Sarah believed they were acting out of innocence and integrity, as indicated in the verse. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of not fully trusting in God and the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions. It also showcases the human tendency to falter in faith when faced with challenges, but ultimately, it teaches us the importance of relying on God's promises and remaining steadfast in our belief in Him.

Theological Overview

One possible interpretation of this verse from Genesis 20:5 is that it highlights the concept of deception. In this passage, Abraham and Sarah are in a foreign land, and out of fear, they both deceive Abimelech by claiming that they are siblings rather than husband and wife. This deception ultimately puts both Sarah and Abimelech in a compromising situation. The word "integrity" speaks to the moral character of the heart, suggesting that Abraham believed he was acting with good intentions despite the deception. The term "innocency" speaks to the purity of his actions, suggesting that he did not have any malicious intent. However, the consequences of this lie reveal the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships, as well as the repercussions of deceit. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of compromising integrity for personal gain.

Previous VerseNext Verse