Genesis 12:17

17 But the Lord sent terrible diseases on the king and all the people in his house because of Abram's wife Sarai.

Genesis 12:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 12:17

And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great
plagues
Perhaps with the same sort that Abimelech and his servants were smote with on a like account, ( Genesis 20:17 Genesis 20:18 ) . The Jews

---

FOOTNOTES:

F8 say they were smitten with ulcers; not only Pharaoh was plagued, but those of his household also, his courtiers and servants, who were accessary to the bringing of Sarai into his house; for all this was

because of Sarai, Abram's wife;
or "upon the word of Sarai" ^F9, as it may be literally rendered: hence the Jews have a notion, that an angel stood by Sarai with a scourge in his hand, and when Sarai bid him smite Pharaoh, he smote him ^F11; but (rbd) signifies not a word only, but thing, matter and business: and so Onkelos renders it here: and the sense is, that Pharaoh and his courtiers were smitten, because of the affair and business of Sarai; because she was taken by them, and detained in Pharaoh's house, and designed to be made his wife or concubine; and thus for evil intentions was this punishment inflicted; so that evil designs, not brought into execution, are punishable; though the word of Sarai may mean what she was bid to say, and did.
F8 Jarchi in loc. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 41. fol. 35. 4.
F9 (yrv rbd le) "propter verbum Sarai", Montanus; "super verbo", Munster, Piscator.
F11 Jarchi in loc. Bereshit Rabba, ut supra. (sect. 41. fol. 35. 4.)

Genesis 12:17 In-Context

15 The Egyptian officers saw her and told the king of Egypt how beautiful she was. They took her to the king's palace, and

16 the king was kind to Abram because he thought Abram was her brother. He gave Abram sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

17 But the Lord sent terrible diseases on the king and all the people in his house because of Abram's wife Sarai.

18 So the king sent for Abram and said, "What have you done to me? Why didn't you tell me Sarai was your wife?

19 Why did you say, 'She is my sister' so that I made her my wife? Now, here is your wife. Take her and leave!"