Devine Scripture

Genesis 12:14

What does Genesis 12:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 12:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 12:14 means

As Abram and Sarai enter Egypt, the predictable consequence of Sarai's beauty quickly unfolds. The Egyptians immediately notice her, observing that "the woman that she was very fair." This confirms Abram's earlier assessment and fear regarding her attractiveness. This observation by the Egyptians directly sets in motion the chain of events that Abram had anticipated, leading to her being taken by Pharaoh and highlighting the immediate effects of their deception and the vulnerability of God's chosen family in a foreign land.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And so it was that when Abram came into Egypt, the men of Egypt, looking on the woman, saw that she was fair.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it cometh to pass, at the entering of Abram into Egypt, that the Egyptians see the woman that she <FI>is<Fi> exceeding fair;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians saw the woman that she was very beautiful.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse directly follows Abram's instruction to Sarai to lie about their relationship and their arrival in Egypt. It serves as the immediate confirmation of Abram's fear concerning Sarai's beauty as the Egyptians see her. This observation is the critical event that directly leads to Pharaoh's attention being drawn to Sarai, setting the stage for her being taken into his house and the subsequent divine intervention, as detailed in the verses that follow.

v.13Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.

v.14This passage

v.15And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:28

    but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Genesis 3:6

    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.

  • Genesis 6:2

    that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that they chose.

  • Genesis 39:7

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

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