Genesis 12:17

17 But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai.

Genesis 12:17 in Other Translations

17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

17 But the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.

17 But the LORD sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

17 But God hit Pharaoh hard because of Abram's wife Sarai; everybody in the palace got seriously sick.

17 But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with severe plagues 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

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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 And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace.

16 He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

17 But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai.

18 So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?

19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!”

Cross References

• 1. 2 Kings 15:5; Job 30:11; Isaiah 53:4,10
• 2. 1 Chronicles 16:21; Psalms 105:14