Genesis 20:15 kjv

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

Genesis 20:15 nkjv

And Abimelech said, "See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you."

Genesis 20:15 niv

And Abimelek said, "My land is before you; live wherever you like."

Genesis 20:15 esv

And Abimelech said, "Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you."

Genesis 20:15 nlt

Then Abimelech said, "Look over my land and choose any place where you would like to live."

Genesis 20 verses

Genesis 20 15 Meaning

Genesis 20:15 signifies King Abimelech's full restitution and remarkable generosity towards Abraham after realizing Abraham's deceptive act and God's intervention. Despite Abraham's lie that endangered his family, Abimelech offers Abraham complete freedom to settle anywhere in his kingdom, demonstrating an astonishing act of hospitality and peace, guided by God's earlier revelation and warning.

Genesis 20 15 Context

Genesis 20 recounts Abraham's journey southward to Gerar and his repeat of a past deception: claiming Sarah, his wife, was his sister out of fear for his life (paralleling Gen 12). King Abimelech, king of Gerar, takes Sarah, intending to marry her, but before he can touch her, God intervenes in a dream, warning Abimelech and confirming Sarah's true marital status. Abimelech, a righteous king, had acted in the integrity of his heart. God tells him to return Sarah to Abraham, the prophet, so Abraham may pray for him and his household, who have been struck with barrenness. After returning Sarah, along with lavish gifts, slaves, and livestock as compensation, Abimelech questions Abraham's deceit. Abraham explains his fear and the partial truth that Sarah is his half-sister. Following this resolution, verse 15, "Abimelech said, 'Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you,'” illustrates Abimelech's benevolent and comprehensive offer, ensuring Abraham's peace and safety within his kingdom, reflecting his commitment to righting the wrong and honoring God's chosen.

Genesis 20 15 Word Analysis

• Abimelech (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ, ʼAvîmeleḵ): Means "My Father is King." This name might be a proper noun, but more likely a dynastic title, similar to "Pharaoh." It denotes his royal authority and perhaps indicates a righteous or at least divinely responsive king, as opposed to the purely self-interested Pharaoh in Gen 12. His name hints at a sense of order or justice derived from his kingship.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר, wayyōʼmer): Standard verb for speaking, but here it conveys authority and declaration. It's a royal decree or solemn utterance.
• Behold (הִנֵּה, hinnêh): An interjection used to draw attention, "look," "see." It highlights the immediacy and open-ended nature of the offer, presenting it as an obvious, available truth.
• my land (אַרְצִי, ʼart͡sî): Possessive. It underscores Abimelech's dominion and the extent of his authority. The land is his to offer. This contrasts with Abraham's landless status and future inheritance by divine promise.
• is before you (לְפָנֶיךָ, ləp̄āneḵā): Literally "to your face" or "in your presence." This idiom means "at your disposal," or "you have full access to it." It signifies unrestricted access and complete freedom of choice. The breadth of this offer is remarkable, showing a profound level of favor.
• dwell (שֵׁב, šêḇ): Imperative verb, "sit," "inhabit," "settle." It implies permanent residence and peace, not just a temporary visit. It is an invitation for full integration and establishment.
• where it pleases you (בְּעֵינֶיךָ הַטּוֹב, bəʿêneyḵā haṭṭōḇ): Literally "in your good eyes," an idiomatic expression meaning "as it seems good to you," "where you prefer," or "where you deem fit." It emphasizes Abraham's complete autonomy and discretion in choosing his place of dwelling. This grants Abraham a favored, privileged position.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Behold, my land is before you": This phrase functions as a generous open invitation. It removes any territorial boundaries or restrictions on Abraham, making the entirety of Abimelech's kingdom available. It represents a vast, unmerited act of grace from Abimelech, who despite Abraham's deception, is committed to peace and compensation.
  • "dwell where it pleases you": This phrase grants ultimate agency to Abraham. It's not just an allowance to stay, but an empowering offer to choose the most desirable location for his extensive household and flocks. It underscores Abimelech's benevolent spirit and his trust in Abraham's good judgment, an ironic gesture given Abraham's earlier lack of trust.

Genesis 20 15 Bonus Section

• Divine Paradox: The irony is palpable: Abraham, the heir of a divine promise for his own land, is offered land by a gentile king due to an incident precipitated by his lack of faith regarding that very promise. This emphasizes God's faithfulness despite Abraham's wavering.
• Abimelech's Righteousness: This specific Abimelech is consistently portrayed as more righteous than the Pharaoh of Genesis 12. He listens to God, seeks to do what is right, and repents. His generosity goes beyond mere compensation; it is a full, trusting invitation. This foreshadows a later Philistine king in Genesis 26 who will also recognize God's favor on Isaac.
• The Power of Prayer and Intercession: Abimelech's offer follows God's command for Abraham to pray for Abimelech (Gen 20:7). This reinforces Abraham's status as a "prophet" and emphasizes the intercessory role God grants to His chosen, even for those outside the immediate covenant. The offering of the land might be seen as a direct fruit of that relationship.

Genesis 20 15 Commentary

Genesis 20:15 highlights the remarkable grace shown to Abraham, not primarily because of his actions, but due to God's sovereign protection and Abimelech's righteous response. This verse serves as the climax of the narrative's resolution, where Abraham, a foreign sojourner who erred significantly, is not only pardoned but greatly honored. The offering of an unrestricted dwelling place by a pagan king is highly significant. It showcases God's ability to orchestrate circumstances and move the hearts of even unbelieving rulers to fulfill His covenant promises and protect His chosen, despite their human failings. Abimelech's gesture, prompted by divine intervention, demonstrates his humility and integrity, contrasting with Abraham's deceit. The phrase "my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you" reflects an almost unprecedented level of hospitality and trust granted to an alien, underscoring the deep impact of God's presence and power, which even kings acknowledge. This act of grace prefigures God's consistent care for His people throughout their journeys and shortcomings. It reminds us that divine favor can open doors previously closed and turn negative situations into opportunities for unexpected blessing.