Genesis 12:14
Genesis 12:14 in Multiple Translations
So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
¶ And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
And so it was that when Abram came into Egypt, the men of Egypt, looking on the woman, saw that she was fair.
When Abram arrived in Egypt, the people there saw how beautiful Sarai was.
Nowe when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians behelde the woman: for she was very faire.
And it cometh to pass, at the entering of Abram into Egypt, that the Egyptians see the woman that she [is] exceeding fair;
When Abram had come into Egypt, some Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
And it came to pass, that when Abram had come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
And when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians saw the woman that she was very beautiful.
And as soon as they arrived in Egypt, the people in Egypt saw that his wife was indeed very beautiful.
And that’s what happened. They got to Egypt, and the people there looked at Sarai, and they saw that she was really beautiful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:14
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 12:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֕י
כְּ/ב֥וֹא
אַבְרָ֖ם
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
הַ/מִּצְרִים֙
אֶת
הָ֣/אִשָּׁ֔ה
כִּֽי
יָפָ֥ה
הִ֖וא
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/ב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper | Suff
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מִּצְרִים֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Art | Ngmpa
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָפָ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:14
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/ב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper | Suff
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וַ/יִּרְא֤וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/מִּצְרִים֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
Art | Ngmpa
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ֣/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָפָ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 12:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 12:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
- Sermons on Genesis 12:14
Context — Abram and Sarai in Egypt
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. 16He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 6:2 | the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 3 | Genesis 39:7 | and after some time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” |
| 4 | Genesis 3:6 | When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. |
Genesis 12:14 Summary
[Genesis 12:14 tells us that when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was very beautiful. This beauty caught their attention and led to a series of events that would test Abram and Sarai's faith. In simple terms, this verse shows us how our physical appearances can impact the way others treat us, and how we must trust in God's plan, even when we face challenges, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like Abram and Sarai, we must learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we face difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Egyptians notice Sarai's beauty when Abram entered Egypt?
The Egyptians noticed Sarai's beauty because she was indeed very beautiful, as stated in Genesis 12:14, and this beauty caught their attention immediately, leading to the events that unfolded in Genesis 12:15-16.
What can we learn from Abram's decision to enter Egypt?
Abram's decision to enter Egypt due to the famine in Canaan, as seen in Genesis 12:10, teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's provision, as stated in Psalm 37:3, and not taking matters into our own hands, as Abram did in Genesis 12:13.
How does Sarai's beauty relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 12?
Sarai's beauty played a significant role in the story, as it led to her being taken into Pharaoh's palace, which in turn led to Abram being treated well, as seen in Genesis 12:16, but also put their lives in danger, as initially feared by Abram in Genesis 12:12-13.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Abram and Sarai?
This verse reveals that Abram was willing to take risks and make decisions based on his own understanding, as seen in Genesis 12:13, while Sarai's beauty was a significant aspect of her identity, and her character would be tested in the events that followed, as seen in Genesis 12:15-16 and Genesis 20:1-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you are tempted to take matters into your own hands, rather than trusting in God's provision?
- How do you think Sarai felt about being seen as a beautiful woman, and what can we learn from her experience?
- What are some ways that physical beauty can be both a blessing and a curse, and how can we navigate these complexities in our own lives?
- How does Abram's decision to enter Egypt relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:14
And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt,.... To the city of Heliopolis; for there it was that Abram had his abode, as Eupolemus (r) says, when upon the famine he went into Egypt,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:14
And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
Genesis 12:14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.Ver. 14. The Egyptians beheld the woman.] Pleasure is blamed, in Xenophon, for this, that she ever and anon looketh back upon her own shadow, and giveth her eyes leave to rove and range without restraint. An honest man, saith Plautus, should have continent eyes, hands, and tongue. Nihil enim interest quibus membris cinoedi sitis posterioribus an prioribus , said Archelaus, the philosopher, to a wanton young gentleman. The eye (that light of all the members) is an ornament to the whole body. And yet that lightsome part of the body draweth too oft the whole soul into darkness. This Job knew, and therefore "made a covenant" to look to his looks; sith of looking came lusting. Charles V., when the city of Antwerp thought to gratify him in a mask with the sight of certain fair maids brought in before him almost naked, he would not once look at them. The young Lord Harrington, when he should meet with fair women in the streets, or elsewhere, would usually pull his hat over his eyes, as knowing that of our Saviour, "He that looks upon a woman, to lust after her," &c., whereupon immediately follows, "If thine eye offend thee," &c. Eckius was sharply rebuked at a feast, by a modest matron, for his uncivil glances and behavior, in these words (as Melancthon relateth), Es tu doctor?
Non existimo te in honesta familia, sed in lupanari educatum . Thou a doctor? I do not believe thou wast bred anywhere else but in a brothel house. Decet habere oculos continentes, manus et linguam. Joh. Manlii, loc. com., p. 345. Saepe clausit fenestra, ne inspiceret formosiores feminas ,& c. - De Carolo V., Pareus Hist., pref. medul., p. 908. Joh. Manlii, loc. com., p. 327.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
(14, 15) Pharaoh is not the name of a person, but was the title borne by all the Egyptian monarchs.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:14
14. Beheld — The Egyptian women were not veiled, like the Orientals. The pictorial representations in Egypt show the women unveiled, associating with men in all the freedom of modern civilization.
Sermons on Genesis 12:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 4:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and Aaron in the book of Exodus. He highlights the moment when Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel and share the w |
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Man's Malady-God's Remedy 01 gen.3:1 by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a previous discussion on the book of Genesis, focusing on man's malady of sin and God's remedy through sacrifice. The speaker emph |
|
When the Children of God Mix With the World by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine intention for God's chosen people to remain separate from the world, highlighting the dangers of conforming to worldly ways. He illustrates that |
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Epistle 190 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of valuing truth and God's glory above all else, warning against inordinate affections and worldly pursuits that lead to corruption and sep |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |
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Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |