Genesis 12:12

12 When the Egyptians see you they're going to say, 'Aha! That's his wife!' and kill me. But they'll 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 Then a famine came to the land. Abram went down to Egypt to live; it was a hard famine.
11 As he drew near to Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, "Look. We both know that you're a beautiful woman.
12 When the Egyptians see you they're going to say, 'Aha! That's his wife!' and kill me. But they'll let you live.
13 Do me a favor: tell them you're my sister. Because of you, they'll welcome me and let me live."
14 When Abram arrived in Egypt, the Egyptians took one look and saw that his wife was stunningly beautiful.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.