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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 12:13 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/12-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_12_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 12:13 - Abram and Sarai in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/12-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/12-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/12-12.htm" title="Genesis 12:12">◄</a> Genesis 12:13 <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm" title="Genesis 12:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Say, I pray thee, thou <i>art</i> my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Please say you <i>are</i> my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well for me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Please tell them that you are my sister so that things will go well for me for your sake, and my life will be spared because of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please say you’re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please say you&#8217re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please save my life by saying you are my sister." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Please say that you're my sister. Then everything will be alright for me, and because of you I will live."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Tell them that you are my sister; then because of you they will let me live and treat me well." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Please say that you are my sister, so things will go well for me for your sake. That way, you'll be saving my life."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So tell them you are my sister so that it may go well for me because of you and my life will be spared on account of you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />please say you [are] my sister, so that it is well with me because of you, and my soul has lived for your sake.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> say, I pray thee, thou art my sister, so that it is well with me because of thee, and my soul hath lived for thy sake.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Say, now, thou my sister, that it shall be well to me because of thee, and my soul shall live by means of thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Say, therefore, I pray thee, that thou art my sister: that I may be well used for thee, and that my soul may live for thy sake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, I beg you to say that you are my sister, so that it may be well with me because of you, and so that my soul may live by your favor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Please say, therefore, that you are my sister, so that I may fare well on your account and my life may be spared for your sake.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Say, therefore, that you are my sister because I will be treated well for your sake; and my life shall be spared because of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Say, ‘I am his sister’, so that it will be good for me because of you and my soul will live because of you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Say, therefore, I am his sister, that it may be well with me on account of thee, and my soul shall live because of thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/12-13.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=2665" 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">12</span>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="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’im·rî- (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">say</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’āt (Pro-2fs) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you are</a> <a href="/hebrew/269.htm" title="269: ’ă·ḥō·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Sister. Irregular feminine of 'ach; a sister (like 'Ezrachiy), literally and figuratively).">my sister,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: yî·ṭaḇ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">I will be treated well</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ḇa·‘ă·ḇū·rêḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2fs) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">for your sake,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1558.htm" title="1558: biḡ·lā·lêḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2fs) -- An account. From galal; a circumstance; only used adverbially, on account of.">and on account of you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wə·ḥā·yə·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">will be spared.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.…<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/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2</a></span><br />Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.<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/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a></span><br />You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Exodus 23:1</a></span><br />“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a></span><br />Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-9.htm">Proverbs 19:9</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-54.htm">Luke 22:54-62</a></span><br />Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance. / When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. / A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a></span><br />Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-7.htm">Romans 3:7</a></span><br />However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a></span><br />Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25</a></span><br />Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Say, I pray you, you are my sister: that it may be well with me for your sake; and my soul shall live because of you.</p><p class="hdg">Say.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></b></br> Ye are of <i>your</i> father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-6.htm">Romans 3:6-8</a></b></br> God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></b></br> For the wages of sin <i>is</i> death; but the gift of God <i>is</i> eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.</p><p class="hdg">thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/11-29.htm">Genesis 11:29</a></b></br> And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife <i>was</i> Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2,5,12,13</a></b></br> And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She <i>is</i> my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah… </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="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">Psalm 146:3-5</a></b></br> Put not your trust in princes, <i>nor</i> in the son of man, in whom <i>there is</i> no help… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5-8</a></b></br> Thus saith the LORD; Cursed <i>be</i> the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Ezekiel 18:4</a></b></br> Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/11-27.htm">Account</a> <a href="/genesis/8-7.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/12-12.htm">Live</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/6-19.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/genesis/8-21.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/genesis/4-22.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/9-12.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm">Spared</a> <a href="/revelation/18-20.htm">Treated</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Account</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/13-6.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/genesis/12-19.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/genesis/17-14.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/genesis/19-20.htm">Spared</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Treated</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>Please say you are my sister</b><br>In this phrase, Abram instructs Sarai to claim she is his sister. This reflects the cultural practices of the time, where familial relationships could be used strategically for protection. Abram's request is rooted in fear for his life due to Sarai's beauty, as he anticipates the Egyptians might kill him to take her as a wife. This incident foreshadows a similar event in <a href="/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a> with Abimelech and highlights the recurring theme of human frailty and reliance on self-preservation rather than faith in God's promises. The claim is partially true, as Sarai is Abram's half-sister (<a href="/genesis/20-12.htm">Genesis 20:12</a>), which complicates the ethical implications of his request.<p><b>so that I will be treated well for your sake</b><br>Abram's concern for his own welfare leads him to prioritize his safety over honesty. This phrase indicates a reliance on human schemes rather than divine protection. The expectation of being "treated well" suggests a transactional view of relationships, where Sarai's perceived status as Abram's sister would afford him favor and possibly material benefits. This reflects the patriarchal society where women's roles were often defined by their relationships to men. The narrative contrasts with God's covenantal promise to bless Abram, highlighting a tension between divine assurance and human action.<p><b>and on account of you my life will be spared.</b><br>Abram's fear for his life underscores the perceived threat posed by the Egyptians. This reflects the historical context of ancient Near Eastern societies, where powerful rulers could act with impunity. The phrase reveals Abram's vulnerability and the precariousness of his situation as a foreigner in Egypt. It also illustrates a lack of trust in God's protection, despite the promise of blessing and nationhood given in <a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3</a>. This incident serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, as Abram's life is indeed spared, and it foreshadows the future deliverance of Abram's descendants from Egypt. The theme of life preservation resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life.<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 known as Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. At this point in Genesis, he is journeying through Egypt due to a famine in Canaan.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai (Sarah)</a></b><br>Abram's wife, who is described as beautiful. Abram asks her to say she is his sister to protect himself from potential harm in Egypt.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Abram and Sarai travel during a famine. Egypt represents a place of refuge but also a place of moral testing for Abram.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, who later takes Sarai into his palace, believing her to be Abram's sister.<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 moral and ethical dilemma Abram faces.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_vs._fear.htm">Faith vs. Fear</a></b><br>Abram's decision to deceive reflects a moment of fear rather than faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection rather than resorting to deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>The importance of honesty and integrity in relationships is highlighted. Abram's deception puts Sarai in a vulnerable position, reminding us to protect and honor our loved ones.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_deception.htm">Consequences of Deception</a></b><br>This passage illustrates that deceit can lead to unintended consequences, affecting not only the deceiver but also others involved.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Abram's actions, God's plan continues. This reassures believers that God's purposes prevail even when we falter.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_patterns.htm">Generational Patterns</a></b><br>The repetition of similar actions by Abram's descendants suggests the importance of breaking negative patterns and setting a godly example for future generations.<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/what_does_the_4b_movement_represent.htm">What distinguishes chastity from celibacy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/explain_lot's_daughters'_actions_morally.htm">How do we explain the moral implications and consistency with the rest of Scripture regarding Lot’s daughters’ actions in Genesis 19:30–38? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">My sister.</span>--True literally, as Sarai was Terah's daughter (<a href="/genesis/20-12.htm" title="And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.">Genesis 20:12</a>), but absolutely false, as it implied that she was wholly his sister, and therefore not his wife.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/12-13.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">Please</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">say that</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמְרִי־</span> <span class="translit">(’im·rî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<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">you are</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑תְּ</span> <span class="translit">(’āt)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my sister,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחֹ֣תִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_269.htm">Strong's 269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sister -- a sister</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֙עַן֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will be treated well</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽיטַב־</span> <span class="translit">(yî·ṭaḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for your sake,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַעֲבוּרֵ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇa·‘ă·ḇū·rêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and on account of you</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּגְלָלֵֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(biḡ·lā·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1558.htm">Strong's 1558: </a> </span><span class="str2">A circumstance, on account of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my life</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be spared.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָיְתָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<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/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/12-13.htm">Genesis 12:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">OT Law: Genesis 12:13 Please say that you are my sister (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/12-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 12:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/12-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 12:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:14" /></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>