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Genesis 12:11

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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:

And it came to pass, when {H834} he was come near {H7126} to enter {H935} into Egypt {H4714}, that he said {H559} unto Sarai {H8297} his wife {H802}, Behold {H2009} now {H4994}, I know {H3045} that thou art a fair {H3303} woman {H802} to look upon {H4758}:

When he came close to Egypt and was about to enter, he said to Sarai his wife, “Here now, I know that you are a good-looking woman;

As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,

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:

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 12:11

This verse finds Abram (later Abraham) and Sarai (later Sarah) on their journey, having left their homeland in response to God's divine call in Genesis 12:1. Due to a severe famine in Canaan, they are now heading to Egypt, a fertile land known for its resources. As they approach, Abram expresses a deep concern that sets the stage for a significant test of faith and introduces a recurring theme in his early life.

Key Themes

  • Human Fear and Frailty: Abram's immediate concern upon nearing Egypt is not about the provisions or the journey itself, but about Sarai's striking beauty. This reveals a moment of human fear and a potential wavering in his trust in God's protection in a foreign, potentially hostile environment.
  • Sarai's Beauty: Sarai's physical attractiveness is highlighted as a central element, becoming a catalyst for the challenges that follow. Her beauty, intended as a blessing, here poses a threat to Abram's safety.
  • Beginning of Challenges to the Covenant: This verse subtly introduces the first major test or deviation from the path of pure faith after God's grand promises to Abram. It underscores that even chosen individuals can experience moments of doubt and resort to human schemes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fair woman to look upon" translates the Hebrew yepheth mareh (יְפַת מַרְאֶה), which literally means "beautiful of appearance." This emphasizes Sarai's remarkable and captivating physical attractiveness. It is not merely a casual observation but a crucial detail that drives the ensuing narrative of deception and divine intervention, highlighting the profound impact her beauty had on those who beheld her.

Practical Application

Genesis 12:11 serves as a poignant reminder that even great figures of faith can experience moments of fear and doubt, leading them to consider actions that fall short of complete trust in God. It prompts us to reflect on how our own anxieties in challenging circumstances might tempt us to compromise or deviate from relying fully on divine providence. Nevertheless, the broader narrative of Abram's life, and specifically what follows this verse, also assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness and protection, even when His people falter. This incident sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention to protect His covenant promises, as explored further in Genesis 12:17.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:7 (4 votes)

    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 21:30 (3 votes)

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Genesis 12:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.

  • Genesis 29:17 (3 votes)

    Leah [was] tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

  • Genesis 39:6 (2 votes)

    And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

  • Genesis 39:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:14 (2 votes)

    My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.