Genesis 20:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In further clarifying his statements, he reiterates, “Did he not proclaim to me, ‘She is my sister’?” Furthermore, she also affirmed, “He is my brother.” Observe the harmony and consensus they shared: he himself, as Abimelech declares, communicated this, and she corroborated his declaration. “With the innocence of my heart and the integrity of my hands,” he states, “having no intention of committing any wrongdoing, but rather acted in a manner that was allowable, feasible, and without any fault.”

When Abimelech rationalized that he was unaware Sarah was married (as her husband referred to her as his sister), God responded, “And I know that with a pure heart you have done this, and I have spared you, so that you will not sin against me. Wherefore I have not permitted thee to touch her” (Gen. 20:6). We understand that the Lord is the protector and defender of marriage and does not allow the violation of another's union. To engage in such actions is to sin against God, break His law, and turn away from grace; in doing so, one forfeits access to the heavenly Sacrament.