Genesis 20:16

French (BFC) 1997 (Bible en Français Courant)

Puis il dit à Sara: «Tu vois, je donne mille pièces d'argent à ton frère: c'est le signe qui doit prouver à tous tes proches que tu es innocente en cette affaire.»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Abraham is given a thousand pieces of silver by Abimelech to cover the situation involving Sarah. Abraham is considered Sarah's brother, and this gift serves as a public acknowledgment that any interaction with Sarah was innocent. This verse emphasizes the resolution of a misunderstanding.

Explained for Children

Imagine Sarah had a pretty necklace that everyone wanted to borrow, but her brother Abraham thought it was a good idea to say it was his to avoid trouble. When someone tried to borrow it, they gave Abraham a lot of money to show they understood it wasn't Sarah’s. This verse is about making things right when there's a misunderstanding.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was written for the Israelites as part of their history and law. The cultural setting involves polygamous relationships and the practice of disguising a wife as a sister to avoid unwanted advances.

Living It Out Today

This verse can be applied to situations where misunderstandings or rumors about a relationship need to be resolved. Just as Abimelech provided a monetary gift to resolve a situation, sometimes a public apology or acknowledgment can help clear up misunderstandings in modern relationships.

Topics

• resolution
• forgiveness
• trust
• marriage
• reputation
• conflict resolution

Related Verses

• Genesis 12:11-20
• Genesis 26:7-11
• Exodus 21:32
• Matthew 18:15-17
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the covering of the eyes in Genesis 20:16?

The covering of the eyes symbolizes a public acknowledgment that clears any suspicion or misunderstanding, similar to how a gift or apology can clear the air in a relationship.

Why did Abimelech give Abraham a thousand pieces of silver?

Abimelech gave Abraham a thousand pieces of silver to publicly acknowledge that any interaction with Sarah was innocent, thereby covering the situation and resolving any misunderstandings.

How does this verse relate to the concept of trust?

This verse shows how trust can be restored through public acknowledgment and compensation, illustrating the importance of transparency and resolution in maintaining trust.

What can we learn about conflict resolution from this verse?

We can learn that misunderstandings can be resolved through open communication and public acknowledgment, as demonstrated by Abimelech’s actions in resolving the situation involving Sarah.