Devine Scripture

Genesis 12:11

What does Genesis 12:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 12:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 12:11 means

As Abram approaches Egypt, he expresses a deep-seated fear concerning Sarai's beauty. He acknowledges her attractiveness, stating, "I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon." This recognition of her beauty immediately precedes his calculated plan to protect himself, revealing his human vulnerability and the beginnings of a lapse in his trust in God's protection. His fear for his own life takes precedence over direct reliance on God's promised care, setting the stage for his deception.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when he came near to Egypt, he said to Sarai, his wife, Truly, you are a fair woman and beautiful to the eye;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it cometh to pass as he hath drawn near to enter Egypt, that he saith unto Sarai his wife, `Lo, I pray thee, I have known that thou <FI>art<Fi> a woman of beautiful appearance;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was near to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife: I know that thou art a beautiful woman:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a woman fair to look upon.

Context

This verse details Abram's private conversation with Sarai as they near Egypt, following the decision to go there due to famine. It immediately precedes and explains his fearful plan. This dialogue is crucial because it exposes Abram's human weakness and fear, which will directly lead to his deception of Pharaoh. It reveals the internal struggle and lack of trust that undergirds his subsequent actions, providing the rationale for the difficult events that follow.

v.10And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land.

v.11This passage

v.12and 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.

Cross references

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

  • Song of Solomon 1:14

    My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna-flowers In the vineyards of En-gedi.

  • Proverbs 21:30

    There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

  • Genesis 29:17

    And Leah’s eyes were tender; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

  • 2 Samuel 11:2

    And it came to pass at eventide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

  • 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, My wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.

  • Genesis 39:6

    And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught that was with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.

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