Devine Scripture

Genesis 12:10

What does Genesis 12:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 12:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 12:10 means

A severe "famine in the land" directly contrasts with God's previous promises of land and blessing. This natural disaster becomes a significant test of Abram’s faith and reliance on God's provision. In response to the dire circumstances, Abram chooses to go down "into Egypt to sojourn there," seeking sustenance in a foreign land known for its fertility. This decision, though seemingly practical, brings him into a place of potential spiritual compromise, diverting him from the promised land and immediate divine guidance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And because there was little food to be had in that land, he went down into Egypt.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there is a famine in the land, and Abram goeth down towards Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine <FI>is<Fi> grievous in the land;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there came a famine in the country: and Abram went down into Egypt, to sojourn there: for the famine was very grievous in the land.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was a famine in the land. And Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was grievous in the land.

Context

This verse introduces a major turning point in the chapter, immediately following Abram's continuous southward journey within Canaan. The famine presents the first significant test of Abram's faith and trust in God's promises after his obedient arrival. His decision to go to Egypt directly impacts the unfolding narrative, leading him into a situation where his faith falters, setting the stage for the moral compromises detailed in the subsequent verses.

v.9And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

v.10This passage

v.11And 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:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 14:1

    The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought.

  • 2 Kings 7:1

    And Elisha said, Hear ye the word of Jehovah: thus saith Jehovah, To-morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

  • John 16:33

    These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • 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 the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

  • 2 Kings 6:25

    And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.

  • Psalms 107:34

    A fruitful land into a salt desert, For the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 12:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary