Genesis 12
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God’s Word Translation

Genesis 12:10-20

10There was a famine in the land. Abram went to Egypt to stay awhile because the famine was severe.

11When he was about to enter Egypt, Abram said to his wife Sarai, “I know that you’re a beautiful woman.

12When the Egyptians see you, they’ll say, ‘This is his wife!’ Then they’ll kill me but let you live.

13Please say that you’re my sister. Then everything will be alright for me, and because of you I will live.”

14When Abram arrived in Egypt, the Egyptians saw how very beautiful his wife was.

15When Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they raved about her to Pharaoh, so Sarai was taken to Pharaoh’s palace.

16Everything went well for Abram because of her, and he was given sheep, cattle, donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

17However, the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with terrible plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

18Then Pharaoh called for Abram. “What have you done to me?” he asked. “Why didn’t you tell me that she’s your wife?

19Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister’ and allow me to take her for my wife? Here’s your wife! Take her and go!”

20Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram. They sent Abram away with his wife and everything that he had.

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Commentaries on Genesis 12

God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society