Genesis 12:12

12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' 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 There was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine in the land was severe.

11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are.

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

13 Please say you're my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account."

14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.