Devine Scripture

Genesis 20:12

What does Genesis 20:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 20:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 20:12 means

Abraham further explains his deception by revealing a partial truth: Sarah was indeed his half-sister, sharing the same father but not the same mother. This fact, while technically true, was used deceptively to conceal the full truth of their marriage. This verse exposes the nuance of Abraham's lie—it was not an outright falsehood but a calculated omission designed to protect himself, showcasing how even partial truths can be used for manipulative purposes and lead to significant harm.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And moreover she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And moreover she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And, in fact, she is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and also, truly she is my sister, daughter of my father, only not daughter of my mother, and she becometh my wife;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Howbeit, otherwise also she is truly my sister, the daughter of my father, and not the daughter of my mother, and I took her to wife.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But she is also truly my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

Context

Following his primary explanation of fear in verse 11, Abraham now offers a factual, albeit incomplete, detail about Sarah. This verse clarifies the nature of his deception, confirming that Sarah was indeed his sister, though also his wife. This partial truth helps Abimelech understand the basis of Abraham's claim while emphasizing Abraham's flawed, self-protective strategy.

v.11And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

v.12This passage

v.13and it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 12:13

    Say, 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.

  • Genesis 11:29

    And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    abstain from every form of evil.

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