Genesis 12:12

12 Therefore it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

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 into Egypt to dwell there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

11 And it came to pass, when he had come near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou [art] a fair woman to look upon:

12 Therefore it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

13 Say, I pray thee, thou [art] my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

14 And it came to pass, that when Abram had come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.