Genesis 12:11

11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.

Genesis 12:11 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
11 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:
English Standard Version (ESV)
11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, "I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance,
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 As he was approaching the border of Egypt, Abram said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman.
The Message Bible (MSG)
11 As he drew near to Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, "Look. We both know that you're a beautiful woman.
American Standard Version (ASV)
11 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:
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
11 When he was about to enter Egypt, Abram said to his wife Sarai, "I know that you're a beautiful woman.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he spoke to his wife Sarai. He said, "I know what a beautiful woman you are.

Genesis 12:11 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 12:11

And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into
Egypt
Just entering into it, having travelled from the mountain between Bethel and Hai, two hundred and forty miles F16; or when he "caused to come near" F17, either his camp, as Aben Ezra supplies it, or his tent, or his family, as others:

that he said unto Sarai his wife, behold now, I know that thou art
a fair woman to look upon;
though sixty five years of age, being ten years younger than her husband, see ( Genesis 17:17 ) who was now seventy five years old, ( Genesis 12:4 ) yet might still be a fair woman, having a good complexion and comely features, and having never bore children, and especially she would be reckoned so among the Egyptians, whose women were of a blackish, sallow, swarthy complexion.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 Travels of the Holy Patriarchs p. 56.
F17 (byrqh rvak) "quum admoveret, sub tentorium", so some in Vatablus; "familiam", Munster.

Genesis 12:11 In-Context

9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.
10 Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.
11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.
12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.
13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 11:29
  • 2. ver 14; Genesis 24:16; Genesis 26:7; Genesis 29:17; Genesis 39:6
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