Genesis 12:16 He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.

◄ Genesis 12:16 ►

New International Version
He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

New Living Translation
Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

English Standard Version
And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Berean Standard Bible
He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.

King James Bible
And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

New King James Version
He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and he gave him sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

NASB 1995
Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.

NASB 1977
Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore he treated Abram well because of her; and sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels came into his possession.

Amplified Bible
Therefore Pharaoh treated Abram well for her sake; he acquired sheep, oxen, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

Christian Standard Bible
He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

American Standard Version
And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.

Contemporary English Version
The king was good to Abram because of Sarai, and Abram was given sheep, cattle, donkeys, slaves, and camels.

English Revised Version
And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she-asses, and camels.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everything went well for Abram because of her, and he was given sheep, cattle, donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

Good News Translation
Because of her the king treated Abram well and gave him flocks of sheep and goats, cattle, donkeys, slaves, and camels.

International Standard Version
He treated Abram well because of her, so Abram acquired sheep, oxen, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

Majority Standard Bible
He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.

NET Bible
and he did treat Abram well on account of her. Abram received sheep and cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

New Heart English Bible
He dealt well with Abram for her sake, and he acquired sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he treated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.

World English Bible
He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and to Abram he has done good because of her, and he has sheep and oxen, and male donkeys, and menservants, and handmaids, and female donkeys, and camels.

Young's Literal Translation
and to Abram he hath done good because of her, and he hath sheep and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and handmaids, and she-asses, and camels.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will do good to Abram on account of her; and there shall be to him sheep and oxen and he-asses, and servants and maids, and she-asses and camels.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they used Abram well for her sake. And he had sheep and oxen, and he asses, and menservants and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In truth, they treated Abram well because of her. And he had sheep and oxen and male donkeys, and men servants, and women servants, and female donkeys, and camels.

New American Bible
Abram fared well on her account, and he acquired sheep, oxen, male and female servants, male and female donkeys, and camels.

New Revised Standard Version
And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female slaves, female donkeys, and camels.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Abram was well treated for her sake; and he became the owner of sheep, oxen, he asses, menservants, maidservants, she asses, and camels.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was good for Abram because of her, and he had sheep and bulls and donkeys and male Servants and female Servants and female donkeys and camels.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he dealt well with Abram for her sake; and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they treated Abram well on her account, and he had sheep, and calves, and asses, and men-servants, and women-servants, and mules, and camels.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Abram and Sarai in Egypt
…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. 17The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 12:35-36
Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.

1 Kings 10:28-29
Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. / A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram.

Nehemiah 5:15
The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.

Job 42:12
So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Psalm 105:37
He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.

Isaiah 60:5-7
Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. / Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.

Ezekiel 16:13
So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen.

Hosea 12:12
Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife—for a wife he tended sheep.

Acts 7:5
He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child.

Romans 4:13
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Hebrews 11:8-9
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. / By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

1 Peter 3:6
just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.

Revelation 18:12-13
cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.

Treasury of Scripture

And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

And he.

Genesis 13:2
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Genesis 20:14
And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

he had.

Genesis 24:35
And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Genesis 26:14
For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

Genesis 32:5,13-15
And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight…

Jump to Previous

Abram Account Asses Bondmen Bondwomen Camels Cattle Dealt Donkeys Entreated Female Good Handmaids He-Asses Maidservants Maid-Servants Male Menservants Men-Servants Oxen Sake Servants She-Asses Sheep Treated

Jump to Next

Genesis 12

1. God calls Abram, and blesses him with a promise of Christ.
4. He departs with Lot from Haran, and comes to Canaan.
6. He journeys through Canaan,
7. which is promised to him in a vision.
10. He is driven by famine into Egypt.
11. Fear makes him feign his wife to be his sister.
14. Pharaoh, having taken her from him, is compelled to restore her.
18. Pharaoh reproves Abram, whom he dismisses.

Berean Study Bible

He treated Abram well for her sake
This phrase highlights the favor Abram received due to Sarai's presence in Pharaoh's house. The Hebrew root for "treated well" is "yatab," which implies a sense of doing good or bestowing benefits. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom where a woman's beauty could bring favor or wealth to her male relatives. This situation underscores God's providence, even when Abram's actions were questionable, showing that God can work through human frailty to fulfill His promises.

Abram acquired
The Hebrew word "laqach" means to take or acquire, indicating possession. This acquisition was not merely a transaction but a divine orchestration. Abram's wealth increase is a testament to God's blessing, aligning with the covenant promise of making Abram a great nation. It serves as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, and His blessings can come through various channels, even those that seem morally complex.

sheep and cattle
These animals were symbols of wealth and prosperity in the ancient world. Sheep and cattle were essential for sustenance, trade, and religious sacrifices. The mention of these animals signifies not only material wealth but also God's provision and blessing upon Abram. In a broader scriptural context, this foreshadows the abundance promised to Abram's descendants.

male and female donkeys
Donkeys were valuable for transportation and agricultural work. The distinction between male and female donkeys indicates a complete and sustainable wealth, as both were necessary for breeding and maintaining a herd. This detail emphasizes the thoroughness of God's provision, ensuring that Abram's wealth was not just immediate but sustainable for future growth.

menservants and maidservants
The acquisition of servants reflects the social and economic status Abram attained. In the ancient Near East, having servants was a sign of significant wealth and influence. This phrase also points to the broader narrative of God's promise to make Abram's name great, as his household expands and his influence grows. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with God's blessings, as Abram's household would later play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

and camels
Camels were rare and valuable animals in Abram's time, often associated with long-distance trade and wealth. Their mention here indicates the extent of Abram's prosperity and God's abundant blessing. Camels symbolize the ability to traverse great distances, hinting at the future journeys Abram and his descendants would undertake. This detail enriches the narrative by showing that God's provision equips His people for the paths He sets before them.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) He entreated Abram well.--Heb., did good to Abram. It was usual to give the relatives a sum of money when taking a daughter or sister to wife. The presents here show that Pharaoh fully believed that he was acting lawfully, while the largeness of them proves that Sarai, in spite of her years, was looked upon as a valuable acquisition. Among the presents are "asses." The charge on this account brought against the author of "inaccuracy," as if asses were not known at this time in Egypt, is disproved by the occurrence of representations of this animal on the tombs of Benihassan: we have proof even that they were numerous as far back as when the Pyramids of Gizeh were built. The horse is not mentioned, and the earliest representation of one is in the war-chariot of Ahmes, the first: Pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty, who expelled the Hyksos. Male and female slaves are, curiously enough, introduced between "he-asses" and "she-asses." As she-asses were especially valuable, perhaps these and the camels were looked upon as the monarch's choicest gifts.

Camels are not represented on the monuments, and are said not to thrive well in Egypt; but the Semitic hordes who were peopling the Delta would certainly bring camels with them. Many, too, of the Egyptian monarchs--as, for instance, those of the twelfth dynasty--held rule over a great part of the Sinaitic peninsula, and must have known the value of the camel for transporting heavy burdens in the desert, and its usefulness to a nomad sheik like Abram. (See Genesis 24:10.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - And he entreated Abram well - literally, did good to Abram; εϋ ἐχρήσαντο (LXX., Hieronymus, Poole) supposes that the court of Pharaoh or the Egyptian people generally conferred favors on the patriarch, which is not at all so probable as that Pharaoh did - for her sake. Marriage negotiations in Oriental countries are usually accompanied by presents to the relatives of the de as a sort of payment. "The marriage price is distinctly mentioned in Scripture (Exodus 22:15, 16; Ruth 4:10; 1 Samuel 18:23, 25; Hosea 3:2); was commonly demanded by the nations of antiquity, as by the Babylonians (Herod., 1:196), Assyrians (AElian V. H., 4. 1; Strabo, 16:745), the ancient Greeks ('Odyss.,' 8:318 ff.), and the Germans (Tacit., 'German.,' 18. ); and still obtains in the East to the present day" (vide Kitto's 'Cyclopedia,' art. Marriage, by Dr. Ginsburg). And he had - literally, there was (given) to him - sheep, and oxen. Flocks of small cattle and herds of larger quadrupeds, together constituted the chief wealth of nomads (cf. Genesis 13:5; Job 1:3). And he asses. Chamor, so named from the reddish color which in southern countries belongs not only to the wild, but also to the common or domestic, ass (Gesenius). The mention of asses among Pharaoh's presents has been regarded as an "inaccuracy" and a "blunder," at once a sign of the late origin of Genesis and a proof its author's ignorance of Egypt (Bohlen, Introd., Genesis 6.); but

(1) asses were among the most common of Egyptian animals, a single individual, according to Wilkinson (vol. 3. p. 34), possessing sometimes as many as 700 or 800; and

(2) it is certain that asses appear on the early monuments (cf. ' Records of the Past,' vol. 2. p. 26). And men-servants, and maid-servants, and she asses. Athon; from athan, to walk with short steps; so named from its slowness (Genesis 32:16), though "the ass in Egypt is of a very superior kind, tall, handsome, docile, swift" (Kitto's 'Cyclopedia,' art. Egypt). And camels. Gamal (from gamal, to repay, because the camel is an animal that remembers past injuries (Bochart), or from a cogmate Arabic root hamala, meaning he or it carried, with reference to its being a beast of burden (Gesenius); both of which derivations Stuart Poole declares farfetched, and proposes to connect the term with the Sanskrit kramela, from kram, to walk or step, which would then signify the walking animal (vide Kitto, art. Camel). Cf. with the Hebrew the Sanskrit as above, the Arab jemel or gemel, the Egyptian sjamoul, Greek κάμηλος, Latin camelus) is the well-known strong animal belonging to Palestine (Ezra 2:67), Arabia (Judges 7:12), Egypt (Exodus 9:3), Syria (2 Kings 8:9), which serves the inhabitants of the desert for travelling (Genesis 24:10; Genesis 31:17) as well as for carrying burdens (Isaiah 30:6), and for warlike operations (Genesis 21:7), and in which their fiches consisted (Job 1:3; 42:21). Though the camel does not thrive well in Egypt, and seldom appears on the monuments, the historian has not necessarily been guilty of an "inaccuracy and a blunder" in assigning it to Abram as one of Pharaoh's presents (Bohlen); for

(1) the camel thrives better in Egypt than it does anywhere else out of its own proper habitat; . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He treated Abram
וּלְאַבְרָ֥ם (ū·lə·’aḇ·rām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham

well
הֵיטִ֖יב (hê·ṭîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

on her account,
בַּעֲבוּרָ֑הּ (ba·‘ă·ḇū·rāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that

and Abram acquired
וַֽיְהִי־ (way·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

sheep
צֹאן־ (ṣōn-)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

and cattle,
וּבָקָר֙ (ū·ḇā·qār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

male and female donkeys,
וַחֲמֹרִ֔ים (wa·ḥă·mō·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2543: A male ass

menservants
וַעֲבָדִים֙ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

and maidservants,
וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת (ū·šə·p̄ā·ḥōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant

and camels.
וּגְמַלִּֽים׃ (ū·ḡə·mal·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1581: A camel

Links

Genesis 12:16 NIV
Genesis 12:16 NLT
Genesis 12:16 ESV
Genesis 12:16 NASB
Genesis 12:16 KJV

Genesis 12:16 BibleApps.com
Genesis 12:16 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 12:16 Chinese Bible
Genesis 12:16 French Bible
Genesis 12:16 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 12:16 He dealt well with Abram for her (Gen. Ge Gn)