Genesis 12:13
Genesis 12:13 in Multiple Translations
Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.”
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.
Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.
Say, then, that you are my sister, and so it will be well with me because of you, and my life will be kept safe on your account.
Tell them you're my sister so I'll be treated well because of you, and my life will be spared for your sake.”
Say, I pray thee, that thou art my sister, that I may fare well for thy sake, and that my life may be preserued by thee.
say, I pray thee, thou [art] my sister, so that it is well with me because of thee, and my soul hath lived for thy sake.'
Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
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.
Say, therefore, I pray thee, that thou art my sister: that I may be well used for thee, and that my soul may live for thy sake.
So I ask you to tell them that you are my sister, so that because of you telling them that, they will ◄spare my life/not kill me►.”
So listen. You have to tell everyone that you are my sister. Then they will be good to me, and they will not kill me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 12:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִמְרִי
נָ֖א
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
אָ֑תְּ
לְמַ֨עַן֙
יִֽיטַב
לִ֣/י
בַ/עֲבוּרֵ֔/ךְ
וְ/חָיְתָ֥ה
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
בִּ/גְלָלֵֽ/ךְ
אִמְרִי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
אָ֑תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
יִֽיטַב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ֣/י
Prep | Suff
בַ/עֲבוּרֵ֔/ךְ
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/חָיְתָ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בִּ/גְלָלֵֽ/ךְ
gâlâl
H1558
because of
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:13
אִמְרִי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אֲחֹ֣תִ/י
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
אָ֑תְּ
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יִֽיטַב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לִ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
בַ/עֲבוּרֵ֔/ךְ
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
וְ/חָיְתָ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בִּ/גְלָלֵֽ/ךְ
gâlâl
H1558
"because of"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The phrase 'because of' is used to indicate a circumstance or reason for something. It can be translated as 'on account of' or 'for the sake of', and is used to show the relationship between events or actions. This phrase helps to clarify motivations and causes in biblical stories.
Definition: on account of, for the sake of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (sake). See also: Genesis 12:13; Deuteronomy 18:12; Jeremiah 11:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 12:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 12:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:13
- Sermons on Genesis 12:13
Context — Abram and Sarai in Egypt
11As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,
12and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.
13Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.”
14So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 26:7 | But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” |
| 2 | Genesis 20:12–13 | Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife. So when God had me journey from my father’s house, I said to Sarah, ‘This is how you can show your loyalty to me: Wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” |
| 3 | Genesis 20:2 | Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. |
| 4 | Genesis 20:5 | Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 17:5–8 | This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 18:4 | Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die. |
| 7 | Isaiah 57:11 | Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? |
| 8 | Genesis 11:29 | And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah. |
| 9 | Psalms 146:3–5 | Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, |
| 10 | Romans 3:6–8 | Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved! |
Genesis 12:13 Summary
In Genesis 12:13, Abram asks Sarai to pretend to be his sister because he is afraid of the Egyptians. This was a mistake because it showed that Abram did not fully trust in God's protection and promise to bless him, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3. We can learn from Abram's mistake by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we are afraid or uncertain, and by looking to other examples of faith in the Bible, such as Hebrews 11:8-10. By trusting in God, we can experience the blessings that come from faithful obedience and avoid the kinds of problems that Abram faced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram ask Sarai to pretend to be his sister?
Abram asked Sarai to pretend to be his sister because he was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him if they knew she was his wife, as seen in Genesis 12:12. This was a desperate attempt to protect his own life, although it was not a faithful response to the situation, as we see in other examples of faith like Hebrews 11:8-10.
Was Abram's request to Sarai a sin?
Yes, Abram's request to Sarai was a sin because it involved deception and a lack of trust in God's protection, as we see in Psalm 37:3-7. This event in Abram's life serves as a reminder that even the heroes of the faith can stumble and make mistakes, as seen in Romans 3:23.
How does this event relate to the promise God made to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3?
This event shows that Abram did not fully trust in God's promise to make him a great nation and to bless those who bless him, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3. Instead, he relied on his own strategies to protect himself, which ultimately led to more problems, as seen in Genesis 12:14-15.
What can we learn from Abram's mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, even in uncertain and difficult situations, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can avoid the kinds of mistakes that Abram made and experience the blessings that come from faithful obedience, as seen in James 1:2-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and protection?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises and provision, even when faced with uncertainty and fear?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of Abram's mistake to my own life and relationships, and how can I avoid similar pitfalls?
- How does this event in Abram's life relate to the broader themes of faith, trust, and obedience in the Bible, and what can I learn from it about my own walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:13
Say, I pray thee, that thou art my sister,.... Which though it was not putting a direct lie into her mouth, she being his sister in some sense, as appears from Genesis 20:12 yet it was done to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:13
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: When he was come near to enter into
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
Say thou art my sister: so she was, either, 1. More generally, as his niece; for nephews and nieces are in Scripture called brethren and sisters, as . Or rather, 2. Properly, i.e. by the father’ s side, . So this expression was true, but ambiguous, and intended to deceive the Egyptians, and therefore unwarrantable. And here Abram, the father of the faithful, elsewhere celebrated for the strength of his faith, betrays his infirmity and distrust of God’ s providence and promise, and this fact was not without great danger both to himself and Sarai.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
Genesis 12:13 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.Ver. 13. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister.] The truth was here not only concealed, but dissembled. As the moon hath her specks, so the best have their blemishes: a sheep may slip into a slough as soon as a swine, and an apple tree may have a fit of barrenness as well as a crab tree.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
(13) My sister.—True literally, as Sarai was Terah’s daughter (Genesis 20:12), but absolutely false, as it implied that she was wholly his sister, and therefore not his wife.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:13
Verse 13. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister] Abram did not wish his wife to tell a falsehood, but he wished her to suppress a part of the truth. From Genesis 20:12, it is evident she was his step-sister, i.e., his sister by his father, but by a different mother. Some suppose Sarai was the daughter of Haran, and consequently the grand-daughter of Terah: this opinion seems to be founded on Genesis 11:29, where Iscah is thought to be the same with Sarai, but the supposition has not a sufficiency of probability to support it.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:13
13. my sister] i.e. half-sister. Cf. Genesis 11:29, Genesis 20:12. my soul] A vivid way of expressing the personal pronoun, cf. Genesis 27:4; Genesis 27:19; Genesis 27:25.
Sermons on Genesis 12:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 12:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Abraham and his journey to Egypt during a famine. The speaker highlights the beauty of Abraham's wife, Sarah, and how it caused t |
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Love Not the World by Walter Chantry | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of riches and deceit. He emphasizes that while it is not evil to have wealth, it becomes deceitful when it becomes the focus of o |
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Esther #3 Ch. 5-7 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Esther from the Bible. He highlights a scene where the king wants to reward Mordecai, but Haman, who wants to hang Mordecai, co |
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The Two Judaisms by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the materialistic mindset prevalent in America, where success is measured by wealth and possessions. He acknowledges the struggle of those wh |
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Jeremiah, the Persecuted Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for filmmaker Steven Spielberg to be stripped of his worldly success and brought into the wilderness of the nations. This wilderness |
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The Cross in My Life - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the significance of the cross in the life of a believer, emphasizing how the cross is the foundation of God's provision for every aspect of a believer's lif |
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The God of Hope by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having hope and joy in the midst of a hopeless world. He encourages the congregation to live in hope and to rely on the Ho |