Devine Scripture

Genesis 12:17

What does Genesis 12:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 12:17 means

In a direct and powerful act of divine intervention, "Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife." God directly intervenes to protect Sarai and, by extension, His covenant promises, despite Abram's failure of faith. The plagues serve as a divine judgment, revealing Sarai's true identity to Pharaoh and preventing him from unwittingly violating the covenant marriage. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness even when His chosen instruments falter, ensuring His redemptive plan remains on course.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord sent great troubles on Pharaoh's house because of Sarai, Abram's wife.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah plagueth Pharaoh and his house--great plagues--for the matter of Sarai, Abram's wife.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the Lord scourged Pharao and his house with most grievous stripes for Sarai, Abram's wife.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

Context

This pivotal verse describes God's direct and miraculous intervention, occurring immediately after Abram receives wealth from Pharaoh and Sarai is taken into the royal house. The plagues are God's chosen method to protect Sarai and the covenant, specifically in response to Abram's deception. This intervention is crucial because it forces Pharaoh to realize his error and leads to the resolution of the immediate crisis, directly preceding Pharaoh's confrontation with Abram in the following verses.

v.16And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.

v.17This passage

v.18And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 105:14

    He suffered no man to do them wrong; Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

  • Job 34:19

    That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:21

    He suffered no man to do them wrong; Yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

  • 1 Chronicles 21:22

    Then David said to Ornan, Give me the place of this threshing-floor, that I may build thereon an altar unto Jehovah: for the full price shalt thou give it me, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

  • Genesis 20:18

    For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

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