Genesis 12:11 - When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at.

Generated Verse: Genesis 12:11

What does "Genesis 12:11" mean?


This verse from Genesis 12:11 is part of the story of Abram (later Abraham) and Sarai (later Sarah) traveling to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Let's break down what it means:

"When he had come near to enter Egypt...": Abram and Sarai were approaching the border of Egypt. They were about to enter a new and potentially dangerous territory.

"...he said to Sarai his wife...": This indicates a private conversation between husband and wife. Abram is confiding in Sarai.

"See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at.": Abram acknowledges Sarai's beauty. This isn't a new revelation, but he's emphasizing it because it's relevant to their current situation.

The Verse's Significance

The verse sets the stage for the next part of the story. Abram is not simply complimenting his wife. He's recognizing that her beauty will be noticed by the Egyptians, and he anticipates potential problems arising from it. This will lead to his plan to protect himself, which is revealed in the following verses:

Abram is aware that Sarai's beauty could attract the attention of powerful Egyptians, including Pharaoh.
He fears that these men might kill him to take Sarai as their own.

In essence, this verse highlights Abram's fear for his own life and foreshadows the deception he is about to enact. It reveals a complex mix of love, fear, and self-preservation in Abram's character. The verse is crucial to understanding the motivations behind Abram's subsequent actions and the ensuing events in Egypt.

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