Genesis 20:16

Authorized King James Version

And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְשָׂרָ֣ה

H8283

And unto Sarah

sarah, abraham's wife

אָמַ֗ר

H559

he said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

נָתַ֜תִּי

H5414

Behold I have given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶ֤לֶף

H505

a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כֶּ֙סֶף֙

H3701

pieces of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לְאָחִ֔יךְ

H251

thy brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הִנֵּ֤ה

H2009

lo!

הוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

לָךְ֙

#11

כְּס֣וּת

H3682

behold he is to thee a covering

a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling

#12

עֵינַ֔יִם

H5869

of the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#13

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

אִתָּ֑ךְ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#16

וְאֵ֥ת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#17

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

וְנֹכָֽחַת׃

H3198

unto all that are with thee and with all other thus she was reproved

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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