Genesis 12:12

12 and it shall happen [that], if the Egyptians see you, then they will say, 'This [is] his wife,' then 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 And there was a famine in the land. And Abram went down to Egypt to dwell as an alien there, for the famine was severe in the land.

11 And it happened [that] as he drew near to enter into Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, "Look now, I know that you are a woman beautiful of appearance,

12 and it shall happen [that], if the Egyptians see you, then they will say, 'This [is] his wife,' then they will kill me but let you live.

13 Please say you are my sister so that it will go well for me on your account. {Then I will live} on account of you."

14 And it happened [that] as Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw the woman, that she [was] very beautiful.