Genesis 12:10

KJV

¶ And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was a famine {H7458} in the land {H776}: and Abram {H87} went down {H3381} into Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there; for the famine {H7458} was grievous {H3515} in the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But there was a famine in the land, so Avram went down into Egypt to stay there, because the famine in the land was severe.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.

American Standard Version

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 12:10 marks an immediate and profound test of Abram's nascent faith and obedience, as a severe famine strikes the very land God had just promised him. This unforeseen and grievous hardship compels Abram to seek refuge and sustenance in Egypt, a decision driven by immediate necessity for his household's survival, yet one made without explicit divine instruction, setting the stage for subsequent challenges to his faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows directly on the heels of God's momentous call to Abram in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "God's Call to Abram"), commanding him to leave his homeland for a land God would show him. This divine summons was accompanied by magnificent promises of a great nation, blessing, and universal blessing through him ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promises to Abram")). Abram's faithful response involved journeying to Canaan, where he built altars and called upon the name of the Lord ([Genesis 12:7-8](/genesis/12-7-8 "Abram Builds Altars in Canaan")). The sudden appearance of a "grievous famine" in the very land of promise immediately after these profound divine encounters and acts of worship introduces a stark and unexpected contrast, highlighting the immediate challenges faced by those who walk by faith. It sets a precedent for the trials that often accompany divine blessing and calling in the biblical narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Famines were a recurring and devastating reality in the ancient Near East, often caused by insufficient rainfall, pestilence, or political instability. Canaan, while fertile, was susceptible to drought, unlike Egypt, which benefited from the predictable annual inundation of the Nile River. Egypt was renowned as the "granary of the ancient world," a reliable source of food even during widespread regional famines. Therefore, it was a common practice for people in Canaan and surrounding areas to "go down" to Egypt during times of scarcity, as seen later with Jacob's family ([Genesis 42:1-2](/genesis/42-1-2 "Jacob Sends Sons to Egypt for Grain")). Abram's decision, while seemingly pragmatic and culturally common, is notable because it occurs so soon after a direct divine directive to remain in the promised land, raising questions about his reliance on God's provision versus human ingenuity.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 12:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it introduces the theme of **testing and trials of faith**, demonstrating that divine promises do not exempt believers from hardship, but rather often lead them into situations where their faith is refined. Secondly, it highlights the **tension between divine guidance and human initiative**, showcasing Abram's practical, yet potentially unguided, response to crisis. This tension recurs throughout Abram's journey and underscores the complexity of living by faith. Thirdly, the famine itself serves as a reminder of **God's sovereign control over creation and circumstances**, even those that appear detrimental, often using them to shape character and reveal deeper truths about His faithfulness. Finally, it subtly foreshadows the future sojourn of Abram's descendants in Egypt, a pivotal event in Israel's history that begins with a similar motivation of seeking refuge from famine ([Genesis 46:1-7](/genesis/46-1-7 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** This word (H7458) denotes hunger, dearth, or a widespread lack of food. Its repetition in the verse ("famine in the land"..."famine was grievous in the land") underscores the severity and pervasiveness of the crisis. It signifies a profound scarcity that threatened life, compelling drastic measures for survival.
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** The verb (H3381) literally means "to descend" or "go downwards." This is not merely a geographical description (Canaan is higher in elevation than Egypt's Nile Valley) but also carries a symbolic weight. In biblical narratives, "going down" can sometimes imply a spiritual descent or a move away from God's direct presence or instruction, setting a tone for the challenges Abram would face in Egypt.
* **grievous (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** This adjective (H3515) means "heavy," "weighty," or "severe." When applied to the famine, it emphasizes its oppressive and burdensome nature. It was not a mild inconvenience but a deeply distressing and life-threatening condition, necessitating immediate and significant action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And there was a famine in the land:"** This opening clause immediately introduces the central conflict. The "land" refers to Canaan, the very territory God had just promised to Abram. The sudden appearance of famine so soon after receiving such grand promises creates a jarring juxtaposition, highlighting the immediate and unexpected trials that can accompany a life of faith.
* **"and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there;"** Faced with the dire circumstances, Abram takes a decisive action. "Went down into Egypt" indicates a geographical descent from the highlands of Canaan to the fertile Nile Valley. The phrase "to sojourn there" (from H1481, _gûwr_) implies a temporary stay, a guest-like residence, rather than a permanent relocation. This suggests Abram's intention was to find temporary relief and then return, though the narrative does not record him seeking God's explicit permission for this move.
* **"for the famine [was] grievous in the land."** This concluding clause reiterates and amplifies the reason for Abram's departure. The repetition of "famine in the land" reinforces its severity, and the addition of "grievous" (H3515, _kâbêd_) stresses its extreme, burdensome, and life-threatening nature. This clause serves as a powerful justification for Abram's actions from a human perspective, yet it simultaneously sets the stage for the moral compromises and dangers he would face in Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "famine in the land," which appears at both the beginning and end of the verse, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable nature of the crisis. This repetition underscores the dire circumstances driving Abram's decision. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the "promised land," a place of divine blessing and future inheritance, immediately presents a life-threatening scarcity. This unexpected hardship serves as an early test of faith. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as Abram's "going down into Egypt to sojourn" due to famine subtly anticipates the much larger and longer sojourn of his descendants in Egypt centuries later, also initiated by famine, which would ultimately lead to their enslavement and miraculous deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 12:10 powerfully illustrates that God's promises do not guarantee an absence of hardship; rather, they often usher believers into contexts where their faith is refined through trials. Abram's immediate encounter with a severe famine in the very land promised to him highlights the reality that walking with God often involves navigating difficult circumstances that test one's reliance on divine provision versus human expediency. While Abram's decision to go to Egypt was a practical response to a life-threatening situation, the text's silence on his seeking God's counsel implicitly raises questions about the balance between human prudence and divine guidance, setting the stage for subsequent events that reveal the complexities of imperfect faith. Nevertheless, God's sovereign plan remains unthwarted, demonstrating His ability to work through human choices, even those made outside explicit divine command, to achieve His ultimate purposes.

* [Genesis 26:1-2](/genesis/26-1-2 "Isaac and the Famine in Gerar")
* [Ruth 1:1](/ruth/1-1 "Naomi and Elimelech Go to Moab During Famine")
* [Psalm 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Trust in the Lord and Do Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 12:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that following God's call does not exempt us from life's "famines"—unexpected trials, crises, or periods of scarcity. The immediate onset of famine in the promised land challenges any simplistic notion that obedience guarantees an easy path. This verse prompts us to deeply reflect on our own responses when faced with adversity: do we, like Abram, instinctively resort to what seems most practical and expedient from a purely human perspective, or do we first and foremost seek God's specific guidance and trust in His provision, even when circumstances appear dire? Abram's journey underscores the vital importance of cultivating a habit of seeking divine wisdom in all our decisions, especially during times of uncertainty and hardship, rather than relying solely on our own ingenuity or the world's perceived solutions. It calls us to a deeper dependence on God, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and His provision often comes in unexpected forms, requiring faith to perceive and receive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "famines" or unexpected hardships have you encountered immediately after a season of clear divine direction or blessing in your life?**
* **In what ways do you tend to respond to crises—do you first seek practical solutions, or do you prioritize seeking God's specific guidance?**
* **How can Abram's experience encourage you to trust in God's provision even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the ongoing process of faith, even for those who are called by God?**

### FAQ
**Does Abram's decision to go to Egypt indicate a lack of faith?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state that Abram sought God's counsel before going to Egypt, and subsequent events (like the incident with Pharaoh in [Genesis 12:11-20](/genesis/12-11-20 "Abram and Sarai in Egypt")) reveal complications arising from this decision, it's not necessarily an outright "lack of faith." It highlights the complexity of human response to crisis. Going to Egypt during a famine was a common and practical survival strategy in the ancient Near East, as Egypt's Nile-fed agriculture made it a reliable granary. However, for a patriarch under a direct divine covenant, it also serves as a subtle lesson on the importance of seeking God's specific guidance even in seemingly practical matters, especially when under a divine covenant and having just received profound promises. It shows that even great figures of faith can act on human reasoning rather than explicit divine instruction.

**Why would God allow a famine in the land He just promised to Abram?**

Answer: God's allowance of the famine, immediately after His promises to Abram, serves several profound purposes within the biblical narrative and theological understanding. Firstly, it acts as an immediate **test of Abram's nascent faith**, demonstrating that divine blessing and promises do not preclude hardship, but often invite it as a means of refinement. Secondly, it serves to **shape Abram's character**, teaching him greater dependence on God's provision and guidance, even when circumstances seem dire. Thirdly, it sets the stage for future interactions and lessons, showing that God's sovereign plan can incorporate and even utilize human trials and imperfect responses to achieve His ultimate purposes. This famine also foreshadows the future sojourn of Abram's descendants in Egypt, a crucial part of God's plan for the formation of Israel. Ultimately, it underscores that God's ways are often mysterious, using adversity to deepen faith and reveal His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 12:10 depicts Abram's human response to a physical famine, it subtly foreshadows the greater truth of God's ultimate provision for humanity's deepest need in Christ. Just as Abram sought temporary refuge from a physical scarcity in Egypt, humanity faces a profound spiritual famine—a desperate need for life, truth, and sustenance that no human effort or earthly "breadbasket" can truly satisfy. Jesus, the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus is the Bread of Life")), offers eternal nourishment and true refuge from the spiritual desolation of sin and death. He declares, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "Jesus, the Living Bread")). His coming fulfills the deeper need for divine provision, not just for physical survival, but for eternal life, demonstrating God's steadfast faithfulness to His promises, even when human faith falters or seeks its own way. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision in the face of humanity's spiritual hunger, offering living water that quenches thirst forever ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water")) and inviting all who are thirsty to come and buy without money ([Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1-2 "Come to the Waters")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 43:1

¶ And the famine [was] sore in the land.

Genesis 26:1

¶ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

Genesis 26:3

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Psalms 105:13

When they went from one nation to another, from [one] kingdom to another people;

Jeremiah 14:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.

Genesis 47:13

¶ And [there was] no bread in all the land; for the famine [was] very sore, so that the land of Egypt and [all] the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

Ruth 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.