Genesis 12:19
What does Genesis 12:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 12:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 12:19 means
Pharaoh continues his sharp rebuke of Abram, specifically challenging him for his lie: "why saidst thou, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife?" This question underscores the severe ethical breach and the threat to Pharaoh's honor and household that Abram's deception caused. Having clearly understood Sarai’s true status, Pharaoh then decisively commands Abram, "now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way." This mandate emphasizes the immediate expulsion, as Pharaoh seeks to distance himself and his family from the dangerous situation, reinforcing God's protective hand over Abram's marriage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000why saidst thou, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901why saidst thou, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Why did you say that she was your sister? so that I took her for my wife: now, take your wife and go on your way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Why hast thou said, She <FI>is<Fi> my sister, and I take her to myself for a wife? and now, lo, thy wife, take and go.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For what cause didst thou say, she was thy sister, that I might take her to my wife? Now therefore there is thy wife, take her, and go thy way.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Why didst thou say, She is my sister, so that I took her as my wife. And now, behold, there is thy wife: take [her], and go away.
Context
This verse directly continues Pharaoh's indignant confrontation with Abram from verse 18, specifically addressing the core lie. Pharaoh's firm command to "take her, and go thy way" serves as the immediate consequence of Abram's deception and God's intervention. This expulsion is the resolution of the Egyptian episode, leading directly to Abram's departure from Egypt and his return towards the promised land, as recounted in the final verse of the chapter.
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