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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 12:12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/12-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/01_Gen_12_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 12:12 - Abram and Sarai in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' 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Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This <i>is</i> his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This <i>is</i> his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, &#8216This is his wife’ and they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and it will come about when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and it will be when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />so when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me [to acquire you], but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will say, &#8216This is his wife.&#8217 They will kill me but let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will murder me because I am your husband. But they won't kill you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they'll say, 'This is his wife!' Then they'll kill me but let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will assume that you are my wife, and so they will kill me and let you live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'She is his wife.' Then they'll kill me, but allow you to live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ?This is his wife.? Then they will kill me but will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will keep you alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It will happen, when the Egyptians will see you, that they will say, 'This is his wife.' And they will kill me, but they will let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It will happen that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me, but they will save you alive. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it has come to pass that the Egyptians see you, and they have said, This [is] his wife; and they have slain me, and you they keep alive:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it hath come to pass that the Egyptians see thee, and they have said, 'This is his wife,' and they have slain me, and thee they keep alive:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be when the Egyptians shall see thee, they shall say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, and thee they will permit to live.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And that when the Egyptians shall see thee, they will say: She is his wife: and they will kill me, and keep thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘She is his wife.’ And they will put me to death, and retain you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘She is his wife’; then they will kill me, but let you live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; then they will kill me, but they will let you live.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will spare you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when the Egyptians will see you they will say, ‘This is his wife’; they will murder me and save you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say: This is his wife; and they will kill me, but thee they will keep alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />It shall come to pass then that when the Egyptians shall see thee, they shall say, This is his wife, and they shall slay me, but they shall save thee alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/12-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=2658" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Abram and Sarai in Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/4713.htm" title="4713: ham·miṣ·rîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Eg. From Mitsrayim; a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim.">the Egyptians</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yir·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāḵ (DirObjM:: 2fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they will say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">‘This</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">is his wife.’</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: wə·hā·rə·ḡū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">Then they will kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’ō·ṯāḵ (Conj-w:: DirObjM:: 2fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yə·ḥay·yū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">will let you live.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></span><br />Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a></span><br />But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16-17</a></span><br />“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.” / The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Exodus 2:14</a></span><br />But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a></span><br />David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3</a></span><br />And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-11.htm">Nehemiah 6:11</a></span><br />But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a></span><br />The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a></span><br />The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12-13</a></span><br />“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? / But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/38-19.htm">Jeremiah 38:19</a></span><br />But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-69.htm">Matthew 26:69-75</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said. / But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.” / When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-66.htm">Mark 14:66-72</a></span><br />While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down / and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” / But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see you, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save you alive.</p><p class="hdg">will kill.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></b></br> And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God <i>is</i> not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a></b></br> And the men of the place asked <i>him</i> of his wife; and he said, She <i>is</i> my sister: for he feared to say, <i>She is</i> my wife; lest, <i>said he</i>, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she <i>was</i> fair to look upon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">1 Samuel 27:1</a></b></br> And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: <i>there is</i> nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-29.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/genesis/4-15.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">Live</a> <a href="/revelation/13-17.htm">Save</a> <a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/genesis/4-15.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/16-13.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Egyptians</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/14-24.htm">Save</a> <a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">God calls Abram, and blesses him with a promise of Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-4.htm">He departs with Lot from Haran, and comes to Canaan.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">He journeys through Canaan,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">which is promised to him in a vision.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">He is driven by famine into Egypt.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Fear makes him feign his wife to be his sister.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Pharaoh, having taken her from him, is compelled to restore her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Pharaoh reproves Abram, whom he dismisses.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and when the Egyptians see you</b><br>In the context of <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12</a>, Abram and Sarai are journeying to Egypt due to a severe famine in Canaan. Egypt, known for its fertile Nile Delta, was a common refuge during famines. The Egyptians, as a powerful and advanced civilization, were known for their distinct social and cultural practices. Abram anticipates the reaction of the Egyptians upon seeing Sarai, who is described as beautiful. This reflects the historical context where beauty could lead to political and social complications.<p><b>they will say, ‘This is his wife.’</b><br>Abram predicts that the Egyptians will recognize Sarai as his wife. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marriage was a significant social institution, and a wife was often seen as a valuable asset. The recognition of Sarai as Abram's wife implies a potential threat to Abram, as her beauty could attract the attention of powerful men, possibly leading to conflict or harm.<p><b>Then they will kill me</b><br>Abram fears for his life, believing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai. This reflects the harsh realities of ancient societies where power struggles and the desire for beautiful women could lead to violence. Abram's fear also highlights his lack of trust in God's protection at this moment, despite God's earlier promises to bless him and make him a great nation.<p><b>but will let you live.</b><br>Abram assumes that Sarai will be spared because of her beauty and potential value to the Egyptians. This assumption underscores the vulnerability of women in ancient times, who could be seen as commodities in political and social transactions. It also sets the stage for God's intervention, as seen later in the narrative, where God protects Sarai and Abram despite their deception. This situation foreshadows the recurring biblical theme of God's faithfulness and protection over His chosen people, even when they falter.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram (Abraham)</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Abram is later renamed Abraham by God. He is a man of faith, called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. In this verse, Abram is expressing fear for his life as he anticipates entering Egypt.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai (Sarah)</a></b><br>Abram's wife, who is noted for her beauty. Abram fears that because of her beauty, the Egyptians will kill him to take her.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A significant location in the Bible, often representing a place of refuge but also of potential danger and temptation. In this context, Egypt is where Abram and Sarai go due to a famine in Canaan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_egyptians.htm">The Egyptians</a></b><br>The people of Egypt, who Abram fears will kill him to take Sarai.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a></b><br>The event that drives Abram and Sarai to Egypt, setting the stage for the unfolding of Abram's fear and subsequent actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>Abram's fear leads him to act deceptively, highlighting the struggle between fear and faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection rather than resorting to deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_deception.htm">Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>Abram's actions have consequences, both immediate and long-term. This serves as a reminder that deceit can lead to complications and challenges in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Abram's fear and deception, God's plan continues to unfold. This reassures believers that God's purposes prevail even when human actions fall short.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_patterns.htm">Family Patterns</a></b><br>The repetition of similar actions by Abram's descendants suggests the importance of breaking negative family patterns through faith and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_20_a_repeated_deception_pattern.htm">Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10–20 and Genesis 26:1–11, implying a repeated pattern of deception? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_deceive_pharaoh.htm">Genesis 12:11-13: Why would a supposedly divinely guided Abram deceive Pharaoh about his wife, risking moral inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_large_silver_returns_go_unnoticed.htm">(Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/12-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Egyptians</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּצְרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miṣ·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4713.htm">Strong's 4713: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">see you,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְא֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will say,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמְר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘This</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹ֑את</span> <span class="translit">(zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is his wife.’</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then they will kill</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָרְג֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·rə·ḡū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֹתָ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ō·ṯāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will allow you to live.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחַיּֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥay·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/12-12.htm">Genesis 12:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/12-12.htm">OT Law: Genesis 12:12 It will happen when the Egyptians will (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 12:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/12-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 12:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>