Genesis 20:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמֶר֩

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֨יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּֽחֲלֹ֗ם

H2472

unto him in a dream

a dream

גַּם

H1571

Yea

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָֽנֹכִ֤י

H595

יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙

H3045

I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְתָם

H8537

this in the integrity

completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence

#10

לְבָֽבְךָ֙

H3824

of thy heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#11

עָשִׂ֣יתָ

H6213

that thou didst

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

זֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#13

וָֽאֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ

H2820

for I also withheld

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

#14

גַּם

H1571

Yea

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

אָֽנֹכִ֛י

H595

#16

אֽוֹתְךָ֖

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

מֵֽחֲטוֹ

H2398

thee from sinning

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#18

לִ֑י

#19

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#21

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

נְתַתִּ֖יךָ

H5414

against me therefore suffered

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

#23

לִנְגֹּ֥עַ

H5060

I thee not to touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#24

אֵלֶֽיהָ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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?
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?

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