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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 12:15 When Pharaoh's officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/12-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_12_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 12:15 - Abram and Sarai in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Pharaoh's officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh." /><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/12-15.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/12-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/12-14.htm" title="Genesis 12:14">◄</a> Genesis 12:15 <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm" title="Genesis 12:16">►</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 />And when Pharaoh&#8217s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Pharaoh&#8217s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh&#8217s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh’s princes (officials) also saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken [for the purpose of marriage] into Pharaoh’s house (harem).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pharaoh&#8217s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh&#8217s household. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The king's officials told him about her, and she was taken to his house. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they raved about her to Pharaoh, so Sarai was taken to Pharaoh's palace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Some of the court officials saw her and told the king how beautiful she was; so she was taken to his palace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they brought her to the attention of Pharaoh and took the woman to Pharaoh's palace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Pharaoh?s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. So Abram's wife was taken into the household of Pharaoh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into the household of Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and princes of Pharaoh see her, and praise her to Pharaoh, and the woman is taken [to] Pharaoh’s house;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and princes of Pharaoh see her, and praise her unto Pharaoh, and the woman is taken to Pharaoh's house;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Pharaoh's rulers will see her, and will praise her to Pharaoh, and the woman shall be taken into Pharaoh's house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the princes told Pharao, and praised her before him: and the woman was taken into the house of Pharao. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the princes reported it to Pharaoh, and they praised her to him. And the woman was inducted into the house of Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Pharaoh’s officials saw her they praised her to Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the officials of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and praised her before Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Princes of Pharaoh saw her and praised her before Pharaoh, and the woman was led to the house of Pharaoh.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that the princes of Pharao saw her, and praised her to Pharao and brought her into the house of Pharao.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/12-15.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=2680" 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">14</span>So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: p̄ar·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">When Pharaoh’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">Sarai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: way·hal·lū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To shine.">they commended</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">and she</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wat·tuq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-QalPass-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">was taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">into the palace</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">of Pharaoh.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.…<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/1-8.htm">Exodus 1:8-10</a></span><br />Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-1.htm">1 Kings 3:1</a></span><br />Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-16.htm">1 Kings 9:16</a></span><br />Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-11.htm">2 Chronicles 8:11</a></span><br />Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her. For he said, “My wife must not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the LORD has entered are holy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">Nehemiah 13:23-27</a></span><br />In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. / Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. / I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-13.htm">Psalm 105:13-15</a></span><br />they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. / He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: / “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-2.htm">Isaiah 30:2-3</a></span><br />They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-5.htm">Ezekiel 23:5-8</a></span><br />Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors / clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. / She offered sexual favors to all the elite of Assyria. She defiled herself with all the idols of those for whom she lusted. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Acts 7:10</a></span><br />and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-21.htm">Acts 7:21-22</a></span><br />When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. / So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-13.htm">Romans 4:13</a></span><br />For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.</p><p class="hdg">princes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Esther 2:2-16</a></b></br> Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a></b></br> If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants <i>are</i> wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/7-4.htm">Hosea 7:4,5</a></b></br> They <i>are</i> all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, <i>who</i> ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">Exodus 2:5,15</a></b></br> And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash <i>herself</i> at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-1.htm">1 Kings 3:1</a></b></br> And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21</a></b></br> Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, <i>even</i> upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so <i>is</i> Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.</p><p class="hdg">taken.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2</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="/esther/2-9.htm">Esther 2:9</a></b></br> And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, <i>which were</i> meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best <i>place</i> of the house of the women.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/105-4.htm">Psalm 105:4</a></b></br> Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/acts/19-31.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/genesis/9-26.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/galatians/1-24.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/revelation/18-23.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/genesis/11-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/11-2.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/genesis/24-27.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/genesis/14-20.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/genesis/17-22.htm">Words</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>When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai</b><br>Pharaoh's officials were likely high-ranking members of the Egyptian court, tasked with identifying potential additions to the royal harem. Sarai's beauty was notable even in a foreign land, indicating her exceptional appearance. This event occurs during Abram's sojourn in Egypt due to famine in Canaan, highlighting the vulnerability of the patriarchal family in foreign territories. The officials' actions reflect the customs of ancient Near Eastern courts, where women of beauty could be taken into royal households.<p><b>they commended her to him</b><br>The officials' commendation of Sarai to Pharaoh suggests a formal recognition of her beauty and suitability for the royal harem. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient societies, where the king's desires were paramount. The commendation also indicates the influence and power of Pharaoh's court, as they could bring individuals to the king's attention. This act sets the stage for divine intervention, as God had promised Abram that he would be the father of a great nation, a promise that required Sarai's protection.<p><b>and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh</b><br>Sarai's entry into Pharaoh's palace signifies a significant turning point, as she becomes part of the royal household. This action places her in a precarious position, potentially threatening the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abram. The palace, a symbol of Egyptian power and wealth, contrasts with Abram's nomadic lifestyle. This event foreshadows future instances where God's people are placed in foreign courts, such as Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, and highlights God's sovereignty in protecting His covenant people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, representing the power and authority of the Egyptian kingdom. In this context, he is a key figure who interacts with Abram and Sarai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai</a></b><br>Abram's wife, known for her beauty, which leads to her being taken into Pharaoh's palace. Her experience in Egypt is pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for Abram's family.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram</a></b><br>Later known as Abraham, he is the patriarch called by God to leave his homeland. His journey to Egypt and the subsequent events reveal his faith and human frailty.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A significant location in the Bible, often representing a place of refuge and testing for God's people. Abram's journey to Egypt during a famine sets the stage for future events in biblical history.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh's_officials.htm">Pharaoh’s Officials</a></b><br>They play a role in bringing Sarai to Pharaoh's attention, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics of the time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>Abram's journey to Egypt during a famine shows a lapse in trust. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's promises even in difficult circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a></b><br>Abram's fear for his life leads to deception. This teaches the importance of faith over fear and the potential consequences of not trusting God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite Abram's actions, God protects Sarai and ensures His covenant promises are fulfilled. This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_moral_challenges.htm">Cultural and Moral Challenges</a></b><br>The account reflects the cultural norms of the time and challenges believers to uphold God's standards in a world with different values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Sarai's experience in Egypt is part of God's larger plan, emphasizing the significant role women play in biblical accounts and God's purposes.<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/key_events_in_abraham's_life.htm">What are the key events in Abraham's life?</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/what_defines_bioethics.htm">What role did Egyptians play in biblical narratives?</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>(15) <span class= "bld">The princes . . . commended her before Pharaoh.</span>--In the days of Abram Canaan was the highway to Egypt, and so large an immigration of men of the Semitic stock found their way thither that they overspread the whole Delta, and finally, under the name of the Hyksos, made themselves masters of the throne of the Pharaohs, and retained their supremacy for several centuries. To keep out these hordes, Amenemhai had built a chain of fortresses, with a connecting wall; and though probably, as M. Chabas concludes (<span class= "ital">Rev. Arch., XVe Annee, </span>Livr. ii. 7), the Hyksos had already in Abram's time attained to empire, nevertheless, on arriving at this wall, so powerful a sheik, with so large a following, would be interrogated by the Egyptian scribes, and a report sent to the Pharaoh. The word <span class= "ital">sar. </span>translated <span class= "ital">here prince, </span>is common to the Babylonian, Egyptian, and Hebrew languages; but while in Babylonia it was the title of the sovereign, in Egypt it was applied to subordinate officers, such as those in command at these fortresses. By one of these Abram would, no doubt, be conducted into Pharaoh's presence; and on one of the sepulchres at Benihassan we find an exactly parallel occurrence in the presentation of a nomad prince, evidently of Semitic origin, who, with his family and dependents, is seeking the Pharaoh's protection, and is received by him with honour. As women did not at that time go veiled in Egypt, this custom not having been introduced there till the Persian conquest, the officers at the frontier would have full opportunity of seeing Sarai. and would, no doubt, mention the extraordinary lightness of her complexion.<p>The most probable derivation of the word <span class= "ital">Pharaoh </span>is that which identifies it with a symbol constantly used in inscriptions to indicate the king, and which may be read <span class= "ital">per-ao </span>or <span class= "ital">phar-ao. </span>It signifies, literally, the double house, or palace. This would be a title of respect. veiling the person of the monarch under the name of his dwelling, in much the same manner as we include the sovereign and his attendants under the name of the Court. For the arguments in favour of this derivation, see Canon Cook's Excursus on the Egyptian words in the Pentateuch, at the end of Vol. I. of the <span class= "ital">Speaker's Commentary. </span>He also gives there the reasons for his opinion, in opposition to that of M. Chabas, that the Pharaoh in whose days Abram visited Egypt was an early king of the twelfth dynasty, some time anterior to the usurpation of the Hyksos.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/12-15.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">When Pharaoh’s</span><br /><span class="heb">פַרְעֹ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ar·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">officials</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְא֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive 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">[Sarai],</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third 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">they commended</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·hal·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[him],</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and she</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִשָּׁ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine 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">was taken</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֻּקַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tuq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - QalPass - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the palace</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Pharaoh.</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/12-15.htm">Genesis 12:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/12-15.htm">OT Law: Genesis 12:15 The princes of Pharaoh saw her (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/12-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 12:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/12-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 12:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:16" /></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>