Genesis 12:20

KJV

And Pharaoh commanded [his] men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} commanded {H6680} his men {H582} concerning him: and they sent him away {H7971}, and his wife {H802}, and all that he had.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Pharaoh gave orders concerning him to his men, and they sent him on his way with his wife and everything he had.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh gave men charge concerning him: and they brought him on the way, and his wife, and all that he had.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 12:20 marks the abrupt conclusion of Abram's sojourn in Egypt, detailing Pharaoh's swift and authoritative command to expel Abram, his wife Sarai, and all their possessions from his kingdom. This decisive act, prompted by divine plagues sent as a consequence of Abram's deception regarding Sarai, underscores God's unwavering protection of His covenant and the immediate, humbling repercussions of human fear and dishonesty, even for His chosen patriarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate resolution to the perilous episode in Egypt, which began with Abram's descent into the land due to famine, despite God's call to remain in Canaan ([Genesis 12:10](/genesis/12-10 "Abram's Descent to Egypt")). It follows directly from Pharaoh's discovery of Abram's deception concerning Sarai's identity, a truth revealed through the severe plagues God inflicted upon Pharaoh's household ([Genesis 12:17-19](/genesis/12-17-19 "Divine Plagues on Pharaoh's House")). The narrative flow emphasizes the swiftness of Pharaoh's reaction and the complete removal of Abram and his entourage, setting the stage for Abram's return to the land of Canaan and the subsequent narrative of his separation from Lot in [Genesis 13](/genesis/13 "Abram and Lot Separate"). This episode, while a detour, is crucial in highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Abram's human failings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a powerful and highly organized civilization, known for its fertile Nile Delta, which made it a refuge during times of famine in the Levant. Pharaoh was the absolute ruler, considered a divine king, and his word was law. The practice of a man presenting his wife as his sister to protect himself was a desperate measure, though it risked the wife being taken into another man's harem. The concept of divine judgment through plagues was understood in the ancient Near East, often attributed to offended deities. Pharaoh's concern for the well-being of his household and kingdom would have been paramount, making a swift expulsion of the perceived source of divine wrath a logical and necessary response to maintain order and appease the offended deity, in this case, the God of Abram.
* **Key Themes:** The episode culminating in this verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's unwavering covenant faithfulness** and protective sovereignty, even when His chosen instruments falter. Despite Abram's deception, God intervenes to protect Sarai and the promised lineage, demonstrating that His plan is not contingent on human perfection. Secondly, it explores the **perils and consequences of human fear and deception**, showing how a lack of trust in God can lead to morally compromising situations and bring unintended harm and divine judgment, as seen in Pharaoh's household. Thirdly, there is a subtle theme of **moral contrast**, where a pagan ruler, Pharaoh, displays a surprising degree of integrity and decisive action in rectifying a wrong, contrasting with the patriarch's initial lack of faith, a theme that reappears later in Abram's life in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Abram and Abimelech") and with Isaac in [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Isaac and Abimelech").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharaoh (Hebrew, _Parʻôh'_):** (H6547) This term, of Egyptian derivation, is not a personal name but a general title for the king of Egypt. Its use here emphasizes the supreme authority and power of the one issuing the command. The fact that "Pharaoh" himself, the most powerful man in Egypt, is directly involved underscores the severity of the situation and the impact of the divine plagues.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** (H6680) This primitive root signifies an intensive action, meaning "to constitute, enjoin, appoint, or give a charge." It denotes a direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable order. Pharaoh's command was not a suggestion or a request but a definitive decree, reflecting his absolute power and urgent desire to remove the source of the divine judgment from his kingdom.
* **sent him away (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** (H7971) This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it implies a forceful expulsion or dismissal. The immediate and complete nature of this "sending away" — encompassing Abram, Sarai, and all their possessions — highlights Pharaoh's determination to sever all ties with the cause of the recent divine affliction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him:"** This opening clause establishes the authority behind the action. Pharaoh, as the supreme ruler, directly issues an order to his subordinates regarding Abram. The phrase "concerning him" (עָלָיו, _alav_) indicates that Abram was the specific subject of this command, implying a focused and deliberate decision to address the problem he represented. This was not a casual dismissal but a formal, royal decree.
* **"and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had."** This second clause details the immediate and comprehensive execution of Pharaoh's command. The "men" (likely officials or guards) acted on the king's behalf, ensuring Abram's complete departure. The inclusion of "his wife, and all that he had" emphasizes the totality of the expulsion; nothing connected to Abram was permitted to remain, reflecting the urgency and thoroughness of Pharaoh's desire to rid his kingdom of the source of divine displeasure. This also highlights God's protective hand, as Abram leaves Egypt not only unharmed but with his family and possessions intact, despite his perilous deception.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative employs **Conciseness** and **Directness** to convey the swift and decisive nature of Pharaoh's action. There is no dialogue from Pharaoh in this verse, only the immediate report of his command and its execution, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The phrase "all that he had" functions as **Synecdoche**, representing not just his material wealth but his entire retinue and everything associated with him, underscoring the completeness of the expulsion. The entire episode serves as a **Foreshadowing** of future encounters between God's people and powerful rulers (most notably the Exodus), where divine judgment is brought upon those who oppose or endanger God's chosen ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 12:20 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His divine plan is not thwarted by human weakness or sin. Despite Abram's profound lapse in faith and his deceptive actions, God actively intervenes to protect Sarai and the lineage through which the Messiah would come, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive purposes. This episode highlights that God's commitment to His people is rooted in His own character and sovereignty, not in their perfect obedience. It also serves as a stark reminder of the immediate consequences of fear-driven deception, even when divine mercy prevents the most catastrophic outcomes.

* [Genesis 20:1-18](/genesis/20-1-18 "Abram's Deception with Abimelech")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "God's Plans Prevail")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "God's Faithfulness Remains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Abram's expulsion from Egypt in Genesis 12:20 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God is sovereign and faithful to His promises, even when we stumble, our actions still carry consequences. Abram's fear-driven deception led to a dangerous situation and a humiliating expulsion, demonstrating that a lack of trust in God's provision can lead us down paths of compromise and difficulty. This passage calls us to cultivate unwavering faith in God's protective hand, even in the face of fear or uncertainty, rather than resorting to human schemes or dishonesty. It encourages us to trust that God's way, though sometimes challenging, is always the best and most honorable path. Ultimately, it reassures us that God's purposes will prevail, not because of our perfection, but because of His steadfast love and faithfulness, urging us to rely on His character above our own flawed efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abram's deception and God's subsequent intervention challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to resort to "Abram-like" deceptions or compromises due to fear, and how can you instead choose to trust God's protection?**
* **What does Pharaoh's response teach us about recognizing and responding to divine judgment, even from unexpected sources?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Abram to be deceived, and then intervene?**

Answer: God, in His sovereignty, permits human free will and its consequences, including Abram's deceptive act. He does not cause sin, but He can use situations, even those born of human failure, to advance His purposes. His intervention in this case demonstrates His covenant faithfulness and His commitment to protect His chosen lineage, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive plan. It also served to teach Abram a valuable lesson about trusting God's protection and revealed God's power to Pharaoh, ultimately fulfilling divine objectives despite human imperfection.

**What does Pharaoh's reaction teach us about integrity?**

Answer: Pharaoh's swift and decisive action, sending Abram away upon discovering the truth and experiencing the divine plagues, highlights a surprising degree of integrity and moral clarity from a pagan ruler. He immediately rectifies the wrong, demonstrating a desire to appease the offended deity and protect his household. This teaches us that even outside of a direct covenant relationship with God, individuals can respond appropriately to divine judgment or moral truth, and it serves as a humbling contrast to Abram's own fear-driven dishonesty, prompting reflection on our own moral consistency as believers.

**Is Abram's deception regarding Sarai a unique event in biblical history?**

Answer: Sadly, no. Abram repeats this same deception later in his life concerning Sarai with Abimelech in Gerar ([Genesis 20:2](/genesis/20-2 "Abram's Deception with Abimelech")), demonstrating a recurring struggle with fear and a lack of faith. Furthermore, his son Isaac also employs a similar deception regarding his wife Rebekah with Abimelech ([Genesis 26:7](/genesis/26-7 "Isaac's Deception with Abimelech")), illustrating a generational pattern of sin and the ongoing need for divine grace and intervention. These repeated instances underscore the pervasive nature of human sin and the consistent faithfulness of God despite it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 12:20, while detailing Abram's failure and God's protective intervention, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant faithfulness and the perfect embodiment of trust in God. Abram's repeated deception underscores humanity's inherent sinfulness and inability to perfectly uphold God's commands, highlighting the desperate need for a perfect mediator. Unlike Abram, who faltered in faith and resorted to deception, Jesus, the true Seed of Abraham, never sinned, perfectly trusting the Father even unto the cross ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He is the one through whom God's covenant promises are truly secured and perfectly fulfilled, offering divine protection and salvation not *despite* human failure, but *through* His atoning sacrifice for that very failure ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")), ensuring that God's people are truly "sent away" from the judgment of sin and into His eternal presence and blessing ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). In Christ, we find the perfect obedience and unwavering faith that Abram lacked, securing for us the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant.

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

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.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

1 Samuel 29:6

¶ Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, [as] the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host [is] good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not.

1 Samuel 29:11

So David and his men rose up early to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Exodus 18:27

And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.