Genesis 12:12

KJV

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians {H4713} shall see {H7200} thee, that they shall say {H559}, This is his wife {H802}: and they will kill {H2026} me, but they will save thee alive {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife,’ and kill me but keep you alive.

Berean Standard Bible

and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.

American Standard Version

and it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 12:12 records Abram's profound apprehension as he and Sarai approach Egypt, anticipating that the Egyptians, captivated by Sarai's exceptional beauty, would kill him to take her as their own. This verse reveals a moment of human vulnerability and a proposed deceptive strategy, highlighting a significant lapse in Abram's immediate trust in God's protective power, despite the magnificent and recent covenant promises bestowed upon him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's momentous and unconditional call to Abram in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "God's initial call and promises to Abram"), where the Lord commanded him to leave his country, promising to make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and crucially, to bless those who blessed him and curse those who cursed him. Abram's obedient departure from Haran ([Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram's obedience to God's call")) demonstrates initial faith. However, a severe famine in the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:10](/genesis/12-10 "Famine in the land of Canaan")) forces Abram to go down to Egypt. It is in this context of immediate physical need and perceived danger that Abram's faith is tested, leading to the anxious thoughts expressed in this verse and the subsequent deceptive plan. The narrative sets up a tension between God's grand promises and the patriarch's very human response to a tangible threat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a powerful, centralized kingdom known for its wealth, advanced civilization, and formidable rulers. Foreigners entering such a domain, especially during a famine, would have been acutely aware of their vulnerability. The practice of powerful rulers or wealthy men taking beautiful women into their harems, often by force or coercion, was not uncommon in the ancient Near East. A woman's husband could be seen as an obstacle, making his removal a direct path to acquiring her. Abram's fear was thus rooted in a plausible, albeit extreme, cultural reality where his life could indeed be forfeit for Sarai's beauty. The Nile Delta, where they would likely enter, was a fertile region but also a place where foreign visitors would be under the direct scrutiny of Egyptian authorities.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 12:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It immediately introduces the theme of **faith and doubt**, showcasing that even a man chosen by God struggles with trusting divine providence in the face of immediate danger, contrasting sharply with his initial obedience in [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram's obedience"). It also highlights the theme of **human weakness and divine faithfulness**, as God's plan for Abram's lineage and the covenant promises will ultimately prevail despite Abram's shortcomings, a pattern seen throughout the patriarchal narratives. Furthermore, the verse foreshadows the recurring motif of **deception and its consequences**, as Abram's proposed solution will lead to complications, echoing similar incidents later in his life ([Genesis 20:2](/genesis/20-2 "Abraham's similar deception with Abimelech")) and in the lives of his descendants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Egyptians (Hebrew, _Mitsrîy'_):** From H4713, referring to an inhabitant of Mitsrayim (Egypt). This word establishes the specific foreign power Abram fears, a civilization known for its might and different cultural norms, intensifying the perceived threat.
* **see (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning to see, literally or figuratively, often implying a discerning or observing gaze that leads to action. In this context, it suggests more than a casual glance; it implies a recognition of Sarai's beauty that would incite covetous desire and prompt the Egyptians to act.
* **kill (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, a primitive root meaning to smite with deadly intent, to destroy, or to murder. This word directly conveys the extreme nature of Abram's fear—the ultimate threat to his life, which he believes is a direct consequence of Sarai's beauty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee,"**: Abram anticipates a specific chain of events, beginning with the Egyptians observing Sarai. The phrase "it shall come to pass" suggests a certainty in Abram's mind regarding this sequence, reflecting his deep-seated anxiety and a perceived inevitability of the danger.
* **"that they shall say, This [is] his wife:"**: Abram predicts the immediate conclusion the Egyptians will draw upon seeing Sarai. This statement reveals Abram's understanding of the cultural dynamics and the value placed on beautiful women, as well as the potential for conflict arising from marital status.
* **"and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive."**: This is the core of Abram's fear and the proposed outcome. He believes his life is in direct jeopardy because of his marital bond to Sarai, and that the only way for Sarai to be "saved alive" (preserved) is through his elimination. This stark contrast highlights the desperate nature of his internal calculation and the perceived zero-sum game he envisions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anticipation** is central, as Abram's entire statement is a projection of a feared future scenario, revealing his internal anxiety and strategic thinking. This anticipation also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Abram's fear-driven deception will indeed play out, not only in Egypt but later in Gerar ([Genesis 20:2](/genesis/20-2 "Abraham's deception with Abimelech")), establishing a pattern of human failing. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Abram's fear; despite God's recent, powerful promises of protection and blessing ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's promise of blessing and cursing in relation to Abram")), Abram relies on his own cunning rather than God's omnipotence. The direct speech, though internal to Abram, adds a dramatic and immediate quality to his perceived dilemma.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abram's response in Genesis 12:12 serves as a powerful illustration of the human tendency to succumb to fear and devise self-preservation strategies, even when operating under divine promises. Despite God's explicit covenant to bless and protect him, Abram's focus shifts from the unseen divine hand to the very real and immediate danger posed by a powerful foreign nation. This incident underscores that faith is not the absence of fear, but rather the choice to trust God's character and promises even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly threatening. It also highlights the profound truth that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon human perfection; He remains committed to His covenant purposes despite the flaws and failures of His chosen instruments.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Hebrews 11:8-9](/hebrews/11-8-9 "Abraham's faith in leaving Ur")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 12:12 offers a stark yet relatable glimpse into the human struggle with faith when confronted by overwhelming fear. Abram, the patriarch of faith, demonstrates that even those called by God can falter, allowing perceived dangers to overshadow divine promises. This narrative challenges us to honestly assess our own responses when faced with uncertainty, threat, or the unknown. Do we, like Abram, immediately resort to human ingenuity, half-truths, or self-protective schemes, or do we anchor ourselves in God's unwavering character and explicit assurances? While God's grace is vast enough to work through our imperfections, our choices born of fear often lead to unnecessary complications, distress, and a compromised witness. We are called to cultivate a deeper trust, believing that the God who makes promises is also the God who is able to keep them, even when the path ahead seems perilous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current fears or uncertainties are tempting you to rely on your own cunning or control rather than God's provision?**
* **How does Abram's lapse in faith encourage or challenge your understanding of what it means to be a person of faith?**
* **In what ways might a "half-truth" or deceptive strategy, even if well-intentioned, compromise your integrity or witness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abram fear for his life despite God's recent promises?**

Answer: Abram's fear, though seemingly contradictory to the fresh and powerful promises of [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's covenant with Abram"), reveals the profound human struggle to reconcile divine assurances with immediate, tangible threats. While God had promised to bless and curse on his behalf, Abram's focus shifted from the unseen divine protection to the very real and immediate physical danger posed by the powerful Egyptians. This illustrates that faith is not the absence of fear, but rather the choice to act in trust despite it, a choice Abram momentarily failed to make, relying instead on his own cunning.

**Was Abram's plan a lie or a half-truth?**

Answer: Abram's plan was a deceptive half-truth. Sarai was indeed his half-sister, as later revealed in [Genesis 20:12](/genesis/20-12 "Abraham's explanation to Abimelech"), sharing a common father but not a common mother. However, she was also his wife. By revealing only the truth of her being his sister and omitting the crucial fact of their marriage, Abram intended to mislead the Egyptians to protect himself. This constitutes a form of deception, as the intent was to create a false impression that would lead to a specific, desired outcome (his safety) at the expense of full transparency and Sarai's true status.

**Does this incident diminish Abram's status as a 'man of faith'?**

Answer: While this incident reveals a significant lapse in Abram's faith and a moral compromise, it does not ultimately diminish his overall status as a 'man of faith' in the biblical narrative. The Bible consistently portrays its heroes with their flaws and struggles, highlighting that their righteousness comes not from their perfection but from God's grace and their general posture of trust and obedience, despite occasional failures. This account serves to show that even great figures struggled, making their journey relatable and emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness and ability to work through imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's failure in [Genesis 12:12](/genesis/12-12 "The KJV text of Genesis 12:12") to fully trust God's protection and his resort to deception underscores humanity's deep and pervasive need for a perfect deliverer. Abram, the patriarch through whom the promised "seed" would come, demonstrates that even the chosen instruments of God's redemptive plan are fallible, prone to fear, and capable of compromising truth for self-preservation. This narrative implicitly points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Seed of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Paul's teaching on the Seed in Galatians 3:16")), who perfectly trusted the Father in every circumstance, never resorting to deception or fear-driven self-preservation, even in the face of death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's obedience unto death")). Christ is the one who perfectly fulfills the ideal of faith that Abram fell short of, and through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, God's promises of blessing to all nations are truly secured, not by human cunning, but by divine faithfulness and perfect, unwavering trust ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, our High Priest, who was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.")).

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 20:11

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God [is] not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

Genesis 26:7

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.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 Samuel 27:1

¶ And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.