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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 12:11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/12-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/01_Gen_12_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 12:11 - Abram and Sarai in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman," /><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'; 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<a href="/nasb/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, &#8220See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; <a href="/nasb77/genesis/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; <a href="/lsb/genesis/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And it happened as he drew near to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Now behold, I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance; <a href="/amp/genesis/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And when he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “Listen: I know that you are a beautiful woman; <a href="/csb/genesis/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, &#8220Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. <a href="/asv/genesis/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: <a href="/erv/genesis/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: <a href="/gwt/genesis/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, Abram said to his wife Sarai, "I know that you're a beautiful woman. <a href="/gnt/genesis/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> When he was about to cross the border into Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "You are a beautiful woman. <a href="/isv/genesis/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, he told his wife Sarai, "Look, I'm aware that you're a beautiful woman. <a href="/msb/genesis/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, ?Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, <a href="/net/genesis/12.htm">NET Bible</a> As he approached Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman. <a href="/nheb/genesis/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when he had come near to enter Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. <a href="/wbt/genesis/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when he had come near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: <a href="/web/genesis/12.htm">World English Bible</a> When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and it comes to pass as he has drawn near to enter Egypt, that he says to his wife Sarai, “Now behold, I have known that you [are] a woman of beautiful appearance; <a href="/ylt/genesis/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it cometh to pass as he hath drawn near to enter Egypt, that he saith unto Sarai his wife, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have known that thou art a woman of beautiful appearance; <a href="/slt/genesis/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it shall be when he came near to go to Egypt, he will say to Sarai his wife, Behold, now I knew that thou wert a fair woman to see.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he was near to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife: I know that thou art a beautiful woman: <a href="/cpdv/genesis/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he was close to entering Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai: “I know you to be a beautiful woman. <a href="/nabre/genesis/12.htm">New American Bible</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai: “I know that you are a beautiful woman. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know well that you are a woman beautiful in appearance;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass when he was about to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that you are a woman beautiful to look upon; <a href="/hpbt/genesis/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was that when he approached to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “Behold, I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife: 'Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. <a href="/sep/genesis/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when Abram drew nigh to enter into Egypt, Abram said to Sara his wife, I know that thou art a fair woman. <a href="/parallel/genesis/12-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=2651" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/12.htm">Abram and Sarai in Egypt</a> 10Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. 11<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">As</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: hiq·rîḇ (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">he was about</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lā·ḇō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to enter</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yə·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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.">his wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·ray (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">Sarai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">I know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’āt (Pro-2fs) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3303.htm" title="3303: yə·p̄aṯ- (Adj-fsc) -- Fair, beautiful. From yaphah; beautiful.">are a beautiful</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’eh (N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman,</a> 12and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/20-2.htm">Genesis 20:2</a> Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a> 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.” <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Exodus 2:15-17</a> When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. / Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. <a href="/1_kings/14-21.htm">1 Kings 14:21-24</a> Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon reigned in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. / And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and by the sins they committed they provoked Him to jealous anger more than all their fathers had done. / They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/12-2.htm">2 Chronicles 12:2-4</a> In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem / with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. / He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. <a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">Nehemiah 13:23-27</a> 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! ... <a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1-3</a> “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / 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. <a href="/jeremiah/42-14.htm">Jeremiah 42:14-16</a> and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’ / then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah! This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and reside there, / then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there. <a href="/ezekiel/23-19.htm">Ezekiel 23:19-21</a> Yet she multiplied her promiscuity, remembering the days of her youth, when she had prostituted herself in the land of Egypt / and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions. / So you revisited the indecency of your youth, when the Egyptians caressed your bosom and pressed your young breasts. <a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11</a> So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/mark/14-38.htm">Mark 14:38</a> Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” <a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-36</a> But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” <a href="/john/7-1.htm">John 7:1</a> After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that you are a fair woman to look on:a fair.<a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Genesis 12:14</a> And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.<a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Genesis 26:7</a> And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.<a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Genesis 29:17</a> Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/7-1.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/12-5.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/12-5.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/24-16.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/12-12.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/45-17.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/genesis/44-21.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/12-17.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/12-12.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 12</div>1. <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">God calls Abram, and blesses him with a promise of Christ.</a> 4. <a href="/genesis/12-4.htm">He departs with Lot from Haran, and comes to Canaan.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">He journeys through Canaan,</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">which is promised to him in a vision.</a> 10. <a href="/genesis/12-10.htm">He is driven by famine into Egypt.</a> 11. <a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Fear makes him feign his wife to be his sister.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/12-14.htm">Pharaoh, having taken her from him, is compelled to restore her.</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Pharaoh reproves Abram, whom he dismisses.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>As he was about to enter Egypt This phrase sets the geographical and historical context. Egypt was a significant and powerful nation in the ancient world, known for its advanced civilization and wealth. Abram's journey to Egypt occurs during a time of famine in Canaan, highlighting the region's dependence on Egypt for sustenance. This journey foreshadows future events, such as the Israelites' eventual sojourn in Egypt and the Exodus. Egypt often symbolizes a place of refuge but also a place of potential danger and moral testing.he said to his wife Sarai Abram's relationship with Sarai is central to the narrative of Genesis. Sarai, later renamed Sarah, is a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant, as she is the mother of Isaac, the child of promise. This interaction between Abram and Sarai reveals the dynamics of their relationship and sets the stage for the unfolding of God's promises. It also reflects the patriarchal culture of the time, where husbands often made decisions for their families.Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman Sarai's beauty is emphasized here, which plays a crucial role in the events that follow. Her beauty is not only a personal attribute but also a narrative device that introduces tension and conflict. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, beauty could be both a blessing and a source of danger, as it might attract unwanted attention from powerful men. This acknowledgment of Sarai's beauty also connects to later biblical narratives where beauty plays a significant role, such as in the stories of Esther and Bathsheba.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram (later Abraham)</a> The central figure in this passage, Abram is called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. He is a man of faith, yet he also struggles with fear and doubt, as seen in this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai (later Sarah)</a> Abram's wife, known for her beauty. Her role in this passage highlights the cultural and personal challenges faced by women in ancient times. 3. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> A significant location in the Bible, often representing a place of refuge but also of potential danger and temptation. Abram's journey to Egypt is prompted by a famine in Canaan. 4. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> The event that drives Abram and Sarai to Egypt. It serves as a test of Abram's faith and reliance on God's promises. 5. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Pharaoh becomes a key figure in the subsequent account, representing the power and authority of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_vs._fear.htm">Faith vs. Fear</a> Abram's fear of the Egyptians highlights the tension between faith in God's promises and the fear of earthly dangers. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and provision, even in uncertain circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_beauty_and_identity.htm">The Role of Beauty and Identity</a> Sarai's beauty becomes a focal point of the account, raising questions about identity and value. Christians are reminded to find their worth in God's eyes rather than societal standards. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_pressures_and_god's_promises.htm">Cultural Pressures and God's Promises</a> Abram's decision to enter Egypt reflects the pressures of cultural and environmental circumstances. Believers are called to navigate such pressures with a steadfast commitment to God's promises. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deception.htm">The Consequences of Deception</a> Abram's later actions in Egypt reveal the potential consequences of deception. This serves as a warning to maintain integrity and truthfulness in all situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 12</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_abraham_rebuked_in_genesis_20.htm">How does Genesis 20 reconcile Abraham’s repeated deception about Sarah being his sister without clear rebuke or consequence to Abraham? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_isaac_afraid.htm">Why is Isaac afraid?</a> <a href="/q/what_events_shaped_sarah's_life.htm">What significant events shaped Sarah's life journey?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_biblical_people_look.htm">What was the appearance of biblical people?</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>(11-13) Thou art a fair woman.--For the word yephath, rendered "fair," see on <a href="/genesis/9-27.htm" title="God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.">Genesis 9:27</a>. Though its general meaning is beautiful, yet there can be no doubt that the light colour of Sarai's complexion was that which would chiefly commend her to the Egyptians; for she was now past sixty, and though vigorous enough to bear a son at ninety, yet that was by the special favour of God. As she lived to the age of 127 (<a href="/genesis/23-1.htm" title="And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.">Genesis 23:1</a>), she was now about middle age, and evidently had retained much of her early beauty; and this, added to the difference of tint, would make her still attractive to the swarthy descendants of Ham, especially as they were not a handsome race, but had flat foreheads, high cheek-bones, large mouths, and thick lips. Twenty years later we find Abram still haunted by fears of the effects of her personal appearance (<a href="/genesis/20-2.htm" title="And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.">Genesis 20:2</a>), even when living among a better-featured race. From <a href="/genesis/20-13.htm" title="And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, This is your kindness which you shall show to me; at every place where we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.">Genesis 20:13</a> it appears that on leaving Haran Abram and Sarai had agreed upon adopting this expedient, which seems to us so strangely contrary to the faith which the patriarch was at that very time displaying. He abandons his birthplace at the Divine command, and starts upon endless wanderings; and yet, to protect his own life, he makes an arrangement which involves the possible sacrifice of the chastity of his wife; and twice, but for God's interference, this painful result would actually have happened. Perhaps Abram may have depended upon Sarai's cleverness to help herself out of the difficulty; but such a mixture of faith and weakness, of trust in God in abandoning so much and trust in worldly policy for preservation in a foreseen danger, cannot but make us feel how much of infirmity there was even in a character otherwise so noble.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 11-13. - And it came to pass (literally, it was), when he was come near to enter into Egypt (that he had his misgivings, arising probably from his own eminence, which could scarcely fail to attract attention among strangers, but chiefly from the beauty of his wife, which was calculated to inflame the cupidity and, it might be, the violence of the warm-blooded Southrons, and) that he said unto Sarai his wife. The arrangement here referred to appears (<a href="/genesis/20-13.htm">Genesis 20:13</a>) to have been preconcerted on first setting out from Ur or Haran, so that Abram's address to his wife on approaching Egypt may be viewed as simply a reminder of their previous compact. Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. Literally, fair of aspect (cf. <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">1 Samuel 17:42</a>). Though now upwards of sixty-five years of age, she was still in middle life (<a href="/genesis/23-1.htm">Genesis 23:1</a>), and her constitution had not been impaired by bearing children. Besides, the clear complexion of Sarah would render her specially attractive in the eyes of the Egyptians, whose women, though not so dark as the Nubians and Ethiopians, were yet of a browner tinge than the Syrians and Arabians. Monumental evidence confirms the assertion of Scripture that a fair complexion was deemed a high recommendation in the age of the Pharaohs (ride Hengstenberg's 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' p. 200). Therefore (literally, and) it shall come to pass, when (literally, that) the Egyptians - notorious for their licentiousness (vide P. Smith's ' History of the World,' vol. 1. <a href="/genesis/6.htm">Genesis 6</a>. p. 71) - shall see thee, that (literally, and) they shall say, this is his wife: and they will kill me - in order to possess thee, counting murder a less crime than adultery (Lyra). An unreasonable anxiety, considering that he had hitherto enjoyed the Divine protection, however natural it might seem in view of the voluptuous character of the people. But (literally, and) they will save thee alive - for either compulsory marriage or dishonorable use. Say, I pray thee, - translated in ver. 11 as "now;" "verbum obsecrantis vel adhortantis" (Masius) - thou art my sister. A half-truth (<a href="/genesis/20-12.htm">Genesis 20:12</a>), but a whole falsehood. The usual apologies, that he did not fabricate, but "cautiously conceal the truth" (Lyra), that perhaps he acted in obedience to a Divine impulse (Mede), that he dissembled in order to protect his wife's chastity (Rosenmüller), are not satisfactory. On the other hand, Abram must not be judged by the light of New Testament revelation. It is not necessary for a Christian in every situation Of life to tell all the truth, especially when its part suppression involves no deception, and is indispensable for self-preservation; and Abram may have deemed it legitimate as a means of securing both his own life and Sarah's honor, though how he was to shield his wife in the peculiar circumstances it is difficult to see. Rosenmüller suggests that he knew the preliminary ceremonies to marriage required a considerable time, and counted upon being able to leave Egypt before any injury was done to Sarah. The only objection to this is that the historian represents him as being less solicitous about the preservation of his wife's chastity than about the conservation of his own life. That it may be well (not with thee, though doubtless this is implied, but) with me for thy sake (the import of which is declared in the words which follow); and my soul shall live because of thee. "No defense can be offered for a man who, merely through dread of danger to himself, tells a lie, risks his wife's chastity, puts temptation in the way of his neighbors, and betrays the charge to which the Divine favor had summoned him "(Dykes). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/12-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>As כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he was about הִקְרִ֖יב (hiq·rîḇ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach to enter לָב֣וֹא (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go Egypt, מִצְרָ֑יְמָה (miṣ·rā·yə·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa he said וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his wife אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ (’iš·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female Sarai, שָׂרַ֣י (śā·ray) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> Sarai -- a wife of Abram “Look, הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! I know יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you אָֽתְּ׃ (’āt) Pronoun - second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you [are] a beautiful יְפַת־ (yə·p̄aṯ-) Adjective - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> Fair, beautiful woman, אִשָּׁ֥ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/12-11.htm">Genesis 12:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">OT Law: Genesis 12:11 It happened when he had come near (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/12-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 12:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/12-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 12:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 12:12" /></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>