Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Abimelek brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. New Living Translation Then Abimelech took some of his sheep and goats, cattle, and male and female servants, and he presented them to Abraham. He also returned his wife, Sarah, to him. English Standard Version Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. Berean Standard Bible So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him. Berean Literal Bible And Abimelech took flock, and cattle, and menservants, and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham, and he returned to him Sarah his wife. King James Bible And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. New King James Version Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. New American Standard Bible Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. NASB 1995 Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him. NASB 1977 Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him. Legacy Standard Bible Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham and returned his wife Sarah to him. Amplified Bible Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen and male and female slaves, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him [as God commanded]. Berean Annotated Bible So Abimelech (my father is king) brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham (father of many) and restored his wife Sarah (princess) to him. Christian Standard Bible Then Abimelech took flocks and herds and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Abimelech took sheep and cattle and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. 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. Contemporary English Version After Abimelech had given Abraham some sheep, cattle, and slaves, he sent Sarah back English Revised Version And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and menservants and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Abimelech took sheep, cattle, and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham. He also gave his wife Sarah back to him. Good News Translation Then Abimelech gave Sarah back to Abraham, and at the same time he gave him sheep, cattle, and slaves. International Standard Version So Abimelech took some sheep and oxen, and some male and female servants, gave them to Abraham, returned his wife Sarah to him, NET Bible So Abimelech gave sheep, cattle, and male and female servants to Abraham. He also gave his wife Sarah back to him. New Heart English Bible Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his wife, to him. Webster's Bible Translation And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and women-servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored to him Sarah his wife. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him. 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Abimelech takes sheep and oxen, and servants and handmaids, and gives to Abraham, and sends back his wife Sarah to him; Berean Literal Bible And Abimelech took flock, and cattle, and menservants, and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham, and he returned to him Sarah his wife. Young's Literal Translation And Abimelech taketh sheep and oxen, and servants and handmaids, and giveth to Abraham, and sendeth back to him Sarah his wife; Smith's Literal Translation And Abimelech will take sheep and oxen and servants, and maid-servants, and will give to Abraham, and will return to him Sarah his wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and servants and handmaids, and gave to Abraham: and restored to him Sara, his wife. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men servants and women servants, and he gave them to Abraham. And he returned his wife Sarah to him. New American Bible Then Abimelech took flocks and herds and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham; and he restored his wife Sarah to him. New Revised Standard Version Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abimeleck took sheep and oxen and male and female servants and gave them to Abraham and restored to him Sarah his wife. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abimelek took sheep and bulls and Servants and Maids and he gave them to Abraham and returned Sara his wife to him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men-servants and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abimelech took a thousand pieces of silver, and sheep, and calves, and servants, and maid-servants, and gave them to Abraam, and he returned him Sarrha his wife. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech…13So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ” 14So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, menservants and maidservants, and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him. 15And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”… Cross References So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle, Genesis 13:2 And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold. Genesis 26:14 He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. Job 1:3 and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. menservants and maidservants, Genesis 30:43 Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys. Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. Exodus 23:12 For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the son of your maidservant may be refreshed, as well as the foreign resident. and he gave them to Abraham Genesis 12:16 He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels. Genesis 24:35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys. Genesis 15:2 But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” and restored his wife Sarah to him. Genesis 12:19-20 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” / Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions. Psalm 105:14-15 He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!” 1 Peter 3:6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” Exodus 12:35-36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions. 1 Samuel 25:18-19 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. Treasury of Scripture And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. took. Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake. Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. restored. Genesis 20:2,7 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah… Genesis 12:19,20 Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way… Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Abraham Bondmen Cattle Female Handmaids Male Menservants Men-Servants Oxen Restored Sarah Servants Sheep Slaves Wife Womenservants Women-ServantsJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Abraham Bondmen Cattle Female Handmaids Male Menservants Men-Servants Oxen Restored Sarah Servants Sheep Slaves Wife Womenservants Women-ServantsGenesis 20 1. Abraham sojourns at Gerar.2. Denies his wife, who is taken by Abimelech. 3. Abimelech is reproved for her in a dream. 9. He rebukes Abraham. 14. Restores Sarah; 16. and reproves her. 17. Abimelech and his family are healed at Abraham's prayer. So Abimelech brought sheep and cattle In the ancient Near East, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and a common form of currency. Abimelech's gift of sheep and cattle to Abraham signifies a gesture of reconciliation and respect. This act reflects the cultural practice of making amends through substantial gifts, which is seen in other biblical narratives, such as Jacob's gifts to Esau in Genesis 32:13-15. menservants and maidservants and he gave them to Abraham and restored his wife Sarah to him Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe king of Gerar who took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister. After God warned him in a dream, he returned Sarah to Abraham. 2. Abraham The patriarch who, out of fear, misled Abimelech by saying Sarah was his sister. Despite his deception, God protected him and his wife. 3. Sarah Abraham's wife, who was taken by Abimelech but later returned to her husband after divine intervention. 4. Gerar The region where Abimelech ruled and where the events of this chapter took place. 5. God's Intervention God appeared to Abimelech in a dream, warning him of the consequences of keeping Sarah, thus protecting the covenant promise to Abraham. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness Despite Human FailureEven when Abraham acted out of fear and deception, God remained faithful to His promises. This teaches us that God's plans are not thwarted by human shortcomings. The Importance of Integrity Abraham's lack of honesty led to unnecessary complications. As believers, we are called to live with integrity, trusting God to protect and provide. Divine Protection and Provision God's intervention in Abimelech's dream demonstrates His active role in protecting His people and fulfilling His promises. We can trust in God's sovereignty over our lives. Restoration and Reconciliation Abimelech's restitution to Abraham, including gifts, highlights the importance of making amends and restoring relationships when wrongs have occurred. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 20:14?2. How does Genesis 20:14 demonstrate God's provision through Abimelech's actions? 3. What lessons on restitution can we learn from Genesis 20:14? 4. How does Genesis 20:14 connect to God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12? 5. In what ways can we practice generosity like Abimelech in our lives? 6. How does Genesis 20:14 illustrate God's protection over His chosen people? 7. Why did Abimelech give Abraham sheep, cattle, and servants in Genesis 20:14? 8. How does Genesis 20:14 reflect God's protection over Abraham despite his deception? 9. What does Genesis 20:14 reveal about the cultural practices of restitution in ancient times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 20? 11. How does Genesis 20 reconcile Abraham's repeated deception about Sarah being his sister without clear rebuke or consequence to Abraham? 12. How can Abraham’s actions in Genesis 20 be reconciled with later biblical claims that he was a model of faith and righteousness? 13. Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10–20 and Genesis 26:1–11, implying a repeated pattern of deception? 14. Why would an omniscient God penalize Abimelech and his household in Genesis 20:18 when Abraham was the one who deceived him? What Does Genesis 20:14 Mean So Abimelech brought sheep and cattleThe narrative shows immediate, tangible action. Abimelech does not merely apologize; he backs his words with costly livestock. • In Genesis 12:16 Pharaoh also “treated Abram well for her sake,” underscoring that powerful rulers recognize Abraham’s God-given favor. • Job 42:12 records God doubling Job’s livestock, reminding us that prosperity can mark divine vindication. • 1 Samuel 12:3 lists Samuel’s integrity in never taking “an ox or donkey,” highlighting that livestock were real, valuable assets. Abimelech’s gift signals restitution, confession of wrong, and respect for Abraham’s covenant relationship with God. menservants and maidservants Adding servants elevates the compensation from wealth to ongoing benefit—people who will labor and increase Abraham’s household. • Genesis 24:35 notes that “the LORD has blessed my master greatly… he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants,” confirming that servants were a recognized marker of God’s blessing. • Deuteronomy 15:12-14 commands provision for released servants, reflecting God’s concern for fair treatment. Abimelech’s action aligns with that principle of generous restitution. • Job 1:3 lists “many servants,” linking a large retinue to recognized greatness. Abimelech is acknowledging Abraham’s stature before God. and he gave them to Abraham The transfer is personal and unconditional. • Proverbs 18:16 observes, “A man’s gift clears his way,” and Abimelech’s offering opens a path to restored fellowship. • Genesis 25:5 later states, “Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac,” showing that what Abimelech gives now will ultimately shape Israel’s future inheritance. • Genesis 14:22-23 records Abraham refusing spoil from Sodom’s king; here he accepts Abimelech’s gifts, illustrating discernment—he recognizes these are God-ordained reparations, not worldly bribes. and restored his wife Sarah to him This clause is the heart of the verse: the marital bond is publicly re-established. • Genesis 20:7 carries God’s command, “Now return the man’s wife,” revealing divine priority on marital fidelity. • Genesis 12:19 parallels Pharaoh’s return of Sarah, a reminder that God repeatedly safeguards His covenant lineage. • Matthew 19:6, “What God has joined together, let no man separate,” echoes the timeless principle that marriage is sacred and inviolable. • Hebrews 13:4 affirms that “marriage should be honored by all,” and Abimelech’s act models that honor by restoring Sarah untouched. summary Genesis 20:14 pictures real, historical restitution. Abimelech’s livestock and servants attest to genuine repentance; his personal gift to Abraham honors God’s covenant choice; and the restoration of Sarah safeguards the promised seed. The verse showcases God’s protective hand over marriage and His faithfulness in turning even human error into occasions for blessing Abraham, reinforcing that obedience to God’s revealed commands brings restoration and multiplied grace. (14) Abimelech. . . . gave them unto Abraham.--Pharaoh's presents were given when he took Sarah, and though he did not exact them back, yet he bade Abraham "go his way" in displeasure. More generously, the Philistine gives presents on restoring Sarah, and grants her husband permission to dwell in his land wherever it pleased him. He also acknowledges thereby that he had done Abraham a wrong.Verse 14. - And Abimelech - as Pharaoh did (Genesis 12:18), but with a different motive - took sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and women-servants. The LXX. and Samaritan insert "a thousand didrachmas" after "took," in order to include Sarah's present, mentioned in Ver. 16; but the two donations are separated in order to distinguish them as Abraham's gift and Sarah's respectively (Rosenmüller, Delitzsch), or the sum of money may indicate the value of the sheep and oxen, etc. which Abraham received (Keil, Knobel, Lange, 'Speaker's Commentary'). And gave them unto Abraham. To propitiate his favor for the wrong he had suffered. Pharaoh's gifts were "for the sake of Sarah" (Genesis 12:16). And restored him Sarah his wife.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Abimelechאֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name brought וַיִּקַּ֨ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take sheep צֹ֣אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock and cattle, וּבָקָ֗ר (ū·ḇā·qār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd menservants וַעֲבָדִים֙ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and maidservants, וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת (ū·šə·p̄ā·ḥōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant and he gave וַיִּתֵּ֖ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them to Abraham לְאַבְרָהָ֑ם (lə·’aḇ·rā·hām) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation and restored וַיָּ֣שֶׁב (way·yā·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again his wife אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Sarah to him. שָׂרָ֥ה (śā·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8283: Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham Links Genesis 20:14 NIVGenesis 20:14 NLT Genesis 20:14 ESV Genesis 20:14 NASB Genesis 20:14 KJV Genesis 20:14 BibleApps.com Genesis 20:14 Biblia Paralela Genesis 20:14 Chinese Bible Genesis 20:14 French Bible Genesis 20:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 20:14 Abimelech took sheep and cattle male servants (Gen. 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