Genesis 12:12

12 so that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife,' and kill me but keep you alive.

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 But there was a famine in the land, so Avram went down into Egypt to stay there, because the famine in the land was severe.

11 When he came close to Egypt and was about to enter, he said to Sarai his wife, "Here now, I know that you are a good-looking woman;

12 so that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife,' and kill me but keep you alive.

13 Please say that you are my sister, so that it will go well with me for your sake, and so that I will stay alive because of you."

14 When Avram entered Egypt, the Egyptians did notice that the woman was very beautiful.