Genesis 12:12

12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife,' and they will kill me but let you live.

Genesis 12:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 12:12

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall
see thee
Who were a lustful people, and whose eyes would soon be fastened upon, and be taken with the beauty of Sarai:

that they shall say, this is his wife;
this beautiful woman is such a man's wife:

and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive;
so great a regard had they in those times, and even in Heathen countries, to the laws of marriage, that they chose rather to be guilty of murder than of adultery, though a lustful people; and therefore would, as Abram feared, take away his life, that it might be free and lawful for them to marry Sarai.

Genesis 12:12 In-Context

10 When a famine struck the land, Abram went down toward Egypt to live as an immigrant since the famine was so severe in the land.

11 Just before he arrived in Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know you are a good-looking woman.

12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife,' and they will kill me but let you live.

13 So tell them you are my sister so that they will treat me well for your sake, and I will survive because of you."

14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw how beautiful his wife was.