Genesis 12:17

KJV

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} plagued {H5060} Pharaoh {H6547} and his house {H1004} with great {H1419} plagues {H5061} because of {H1697} Sarai {H8297} Abram's {H87} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Adonai inflicted great plagues on Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai Avram’s wife.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 12:17 records the LORD's direct and powerful intervention, afflicting Pharaoh and his entire household with severe plagues. This divine judgment was a direct consequence of Pharaoh's unwitting transgression in taking Sarai, Abram's wife, into his palace, thereby endangering the integrity of the promised lineage. The verse powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people and promises, even when human fear and deception introduce peril, ensuring the preservation of the sacred line through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 12:17 is a pivotal moment following Abram's initial call and journey. Having just received the profound covenant promises from God in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"), Abram, due to a severe famine, descends to Egypt ([Genesis 12:10](/genesis/12-10 "Abram and Sarai journey to Egypt")). Fearing for his life because of Sarai's beauty, Abram instructs her to claim she is his sister, a half-truth that exposes her to great peril ([Genesis 12:11-13](/genesis/12-11-13 "Abram's Deception Regarding Sarai")). Pharaoh, indeed, takes Sarai into his harem, showering Abram with gifts in the process ([Genesis 12:14-16](/genesis/12-14-16 "Pharaoh Takes Sarai and Blesses Abram")). Verse 17 marks God's immediate and decisive intervention, revealing His active involvement in protecting His covenant and His chosen instruments, even when they falter in faith. This divine action sets the stage for Sarai's release and Abram's subsequent departure from Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, and its pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine rulers, wielding absolute authority. The practice of taking beautiful women into royal harems was common among powerful rulers in the ancient Near East. In this cultural milieu, a man might indeed be killed to acquire his beautiful wife, making Abram's fear understandable, though his chosen method of deception was a lapse in faith. The concept of "plagues" as divine judgment was also understood, though the specific nature of these "great plagues" is not detailed. Such afflictions would have been interpreted by the Egyptians as a sign of divine displeasure, likely from their own gods, but in this narrative, they are unequivocally attributed to the LORD, the God of Abram, demonstrating His supremacy over the gods of Egypt and His sovereign power even in a foreign land.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 12:17 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, even when His chosen people demonstrate a lack of faith or resort to deception. Despite Abram's failure, God actively ensures the integrity of the lineage through which the promised seed would come ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram's Descendants")). Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty over nations and rulers**, demonstrating His ability to intervene directly in human affairs, even in the most powerful empires, to accomplish His will. Pharaoh, despite his immense power, is powerless against the LORD's judgment. Thirdly, the passage implicitly reinforces the **sanctity of marriage**, an institution established by God in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Institution of Marriage"). God's wrath against Pharaoh for taking Sarai, Abram's wife, underscores the sacredness of the marital bond and its importance within God's redemptive plan. Finally, this event serves as a **foresnadowing of future divine interventions** on behalf of Israel, particularly the more extensive and devastating plagues God would later unleash upon Egypt during the Exodus, as detailed in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "The Plagues of Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 12:17 states: "And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife." This verse is a powerful declaration of divine intervention and protection.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068 refers to the self-existent, eternal God, Jehovah, the personal covenant name of God. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) here is highly significant. It is not a generic deity but the specific God who called Abram and made a covenant with him. This name emphasizes God's personal involvement, His covenant faithfulness, and His active presence in the affairs of His chosen people and the world. It signifies that this is a deliberate, targeted action by the sovereign God of Israel.
* **plagued (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** H5060 is a primitive root meaning "to touch," "to strike," or "to afflict." In this context, it denotes a direct, supernatural, and punitive affliction from God. It implies a forceful, impactful touch that results in suffering or judgment. The verb highlights God's immediate and physical intervention, demonstrating His power to inflict consequences upon those who threaten His purposes or His people.
* **plagues (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** H5061, derived from the same root as _nâgaʻ_, refers to a "blow," "infliction," or "stroke." It describes the specific manifestations of God's judgment. While the exact nature of these "great plagues" is not specified, the term suggests a series of severe afflictions, not merely minor inconveniences. This noun emphasizes the tangible and impactful nature of the divine punishment, designed to be undeniable and to compel a response from Pharaoh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD plagued Pharaoh":** This opening clause immediately identifies the divine actor and the recipient of the divine action. "The LORD" (Yahweh) underscores God's personal and covenantal involvement. The verb "plagued" (from _nâgaʻ_) signifies a direct, supernatural, and punitive intervention. This was not a natural disaster but a targeted act of divine judgment against Pharaoh himself, demonstrating God's supreme authority over even the most powerful earthly ruler.
* **"and his house":** The judgment extended beyond Pharaoh to his entire household, encompassing his family, servants, and perhaps even his livestock. This comprehensive affliction underscores the seriousness of the offense and God's holistic response. It also suggests that the entire royal structure was implicated in the taking of Sarai, or that the consequences were meant to be far-reaching enough to ensure the desired outcome: Sarai's release.
* **"with great plagues":** The adjective "great" (from _gâdôwl_, H1419) emphasizes the severity, magnitude, and undeniable nature of the divine judgment. These were not minor inconveniences but significant, impactful afflictions designed to compel Pharaoh to recognize the divine hand at work and to release Sarai. The term "plagues" (from _negaʻ_) indicates specific, divinely inflicted blows or afflictions.
* **"because of Sarai Abram's wife":** This crucial phrase explicitly states the reason for God's intervention. The plagues were not random but directly tied to the protection of Sarai, not merely as an individual, but specifically as "Abram's wife." This highlights the sanctity of the marriage covenant and, more importantly, Sarai's critical role in the lineage through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled. Despite Abram's deceptive actions, God remained faithful to His covenant and actively protected its integrity, ensuring the purity of the messianic line.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Genesis 12:17 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the "great plagues" inflicted upon Pharaoh and his house serve as a clear precursor to the more extensive and devastating plagues God would later bring upon Egypt during the Exodus, highlighting a consistent pattern of divine judgment against those who oppress or threaten God's people and His redemptive purposes. There is also an element of **Divine Irony**: Abram's attempt to save his own life through deception inadvertently places Sarai in peril, yet it is precisely this perilous situation that prompts God's direct and powerful intervention, ultimately safeguarding both Abram and Sarai. The verse also implicitly points to a **Theophany** or divine manifestation through action, where God's presence and power are revealed not through a visible appearance but through His undeniable and impactful intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His active sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 12:17 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Despite Abram's significant lapse in faith and his deceptive actions, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises remains steadfast. He intervenes directly and decisively to protect Sarai, recognizing her indispensable role in the lineage through which the covenant would be fulfilled. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that no human scheme or powerful ruler can thwart His divine will. It also implicitly upholds the sanctity of marriage, as God's wrath is directed at the violation of this sacred bond, even if unknowingly committed.

* [Genesis 20:1-18](/genesis/20-1-18 "Abimelech and Sarah") - This parallel account, where Abram (now Abraham) repeats the deception with Abimelech, further emphasizes God's consistent protection of Sarah and the covenant lineage, even when His chosen ones falter.
* [Exodus 7:1-12:36](/exodus/7-1-12-36 "The Ten Plagues of Egypt") - The "great plagues" on Pharaoh serve as a theological precursor to the more famous and extensive plagues of the Exodus, establishing a pattern of divine judgment against Egypt for its opposition to God's people and purposes.
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalms/105-14-15 "God Protects His Anointed") - This psalm reflects on God's protection of His people, stating, "He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." This encapsulates the divine principle demonstrated in Genesis 12:17.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 12:17 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our perfection or unwavering faith; rather, His commitment to His promises and His people transcends our failures. Abram's deception was a significant lapse, born of fear, yet God's sovereign grace intervened to protect the very lineage He had chosen. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's unfailing care and protection, even when circumstances seem dire or when we are tempted to resort to human schemes. However, it also underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness. While God's grace abounds, our actions, even those motivated by self-preservation, can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also others. The divine judgment on Pharaoh, though he was an unwitting participant, reminds us that God's moral order ultimately holds all accountable, reinforcing the imperative to live truthfully and righteously, trusting God to be our ultimate refuge and deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's intervention in Genesis 12:17 challenge or affirm your understanding of His faithfulness, especially when His people make mistakes?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to resort to deception or self-reliance rather than trusting God for protection?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the sanctity of marriage and God's view of such covenants?**
* **How can the concept of God's sovereignty over powerful rulers and nations encourage us in times of political or global instability?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish Pharaoh when Abram was the one who lied?**

Answer: While Abram initiated the deception by instructing Sarai to say she was his sister, Pharaoh's actions were still morally wrong in God's eyes, as he took another man's wife into his household. God's intervention was multifaceted: primarily, it was to protect Sarai and the integrity of the covenant lineage, which was paramount to His redemptive plan. It also demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over all human rulers and His defense of the sanctity of marriage. The plagues served as a divine warning and a clear sign of God's displeasure, compelling Pharaoh to release Sarai and rectify the situation. This highlights that God's justice operates on multiple levels, protecting the innocent and holding accountable those who violate His moral order, even if their ignorance was due to another's deceit. God's priority was the preservation of His covenant and the purity of the line through which the Messiah would come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 12:17 profoundly points to Christ by demonstrating God's relentless commitment to preserve the promised lineage through which the Savior would ultimately come. Sarai's protection was not merely for her own sake, but because she was a vital link in the redemptive history that would culminate in Jesus Christ, the promised "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")). God's decisive intervention against Pharaoh, afflicting him with plagues to secure Sarai's release, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of sin, death, and spiritual darkness that seek to thwart God's plan of salvation. Just as God plagued Egypt to free His people and protect the covenant in the Exodus, and here to protect Sarai, so Christ, through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, conquered the spiritual forces that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He is the ultimate Protector and the faithful One who perfectly upholds God's righteousness and delivers His people from all threats, establishing a new and better covenant through His blood ([Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Jesus, the Surety of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), ensuring the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes for all who believe.

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

1 Chronicles 16:21

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

Genesis 20:18

For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.

Psalms 105:14

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

1 Chronicles 21:22

Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of [this] threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.