Genesis 12:11 Study Bible: It happened, when he had come near to enter Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at.

◄ Genesis 12:11 ►

As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman,

As he was about to enter Egypt
This phrase marks a significant moment in Abram's journey, highlighting a transition from the land of Canaan to Egypt. The Hebrew root for "enter" (בּוֹא, bo) often signifies not just physical entry but also the beginning of a new phase or experience. Egypt, in biblical times, was a place of both refuge and temptation, often representing the world and its allurements. Abram's journey into Egypt foreshadows the Israelites' later sojourn and eventual exodus, symbolizing a place of testing and divine intervention.

he said to his wife Sarai
Abram's communication with Sarai is pivotal, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Near Eastern societies where the husband often took the lead in decision-making. The Hebrew name "Sarai" (שָׂרַי) means "my princess," indicating her noble status and beauty. This interaction underscores the importance of marital unity and the protective role Abram assumes, albeit imperfectly, as he anticipates potential challenges in Egypt.

Look, I know
The phrase "Look, I know" conveys a sense of urgency and awareness. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies deep understanding and recognition. Abram's acknowledgment of Sarai's beauty is not merely superficial but indicates an awareness of the potential consequences her beauty might bring in a foreign land. This moment of realization sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, where Abram's faith and trust in God will be tested.

that you are a beautiful woman
Sarai's beauty is central to the narrative, serving as both a blessing and a source of potential danger. The Hebrew word for "beautiful" (יָפֶה, yafeh) is often used in Scripture to describe physical attractiveness, but it also carries connotations of goodness and favor. In the ancient world, beauty could be both a gift and a vulnerability, especially in foreign courts where women could be taken into royal harems. This acknowledgment by Abram highlights the complexities of human relationships and the need for divine guidance in navigating them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abram (later Abraham)
The central figure in this passage, Abram is called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. He is a man of faith, yet he also struggles with fear and doubt, as seen in this passage.

2. Sarai (later Sarah)
Abram's wife, known for her beauty. Her role in this passage highlights the cultural and personal challenges faced by women in ancient times.

3. Egypt
A significant location in the Bible, often representing a place of refuge but also of potential danger and temptation. Abram's journey to Egypt is prompted by a famine in Canaan.

4. Famine
The event that drives Abram and Sarai to Egypt. It serves as a test of Abram's faith and reliance on God's promises.

5. Pharaoh
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Pharaoh becomes a key figure in the subsequent account, representing the power and authority of Egypt.

Teaching Points

Faith vs. Fear
Abram's fear of the Egyptians highlights the tension between faith in God's promises and the fear of earthly dangers. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and provision, even in uncertain circumstances.

The Role of Beauty and Identity
Sarai's beauty becomes a focal point of the account, raising questions about identity and value. Christians are reminded to find their worth in God's eyes rather than societal standards.

Cultural Pressures and God's Promises
Abram's decision to enter Egypt reflects the pressures of cultural and environmental circumstances. Believers are called to navigate such pressures with a steadfast commitment to God's promises.

The Consequences of Deception
Abram's later actions in Egypt reveal the potential consequences of deception. This serves as a warning to maintain integrity and truthfulness in all situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abram's fear in Genesis 12:11 reflect common human struggles with faith and fear? Can you identify similar situations in your own life?

2. In what ways does Sarai's beauty impact the account, and how can this inform our understanding of identity and value in today's culture?

3. How does Abram's journey to Egypt compare to other biblical journeys of faith, such as the Israelites' exodus from Egypt? What lessons can we learn from these parallels?

4. What are the potential consequences of deception, as seen in Abram's actions in Egypt? How can we apply this understanding to our own lives and relationships?

5. How do the themes of faith and fear in Genesis 12:11 connect to other scriptures, such as Hebrews 11:8-12? How can these connections strengthen our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 20
This chapter recounts a similar situation where Abraham again fears for his life due to Sarah's beauty, this time with Abimelech. It highlights a recurring theme of fear and deception in Abraham's life.

1 Peter 3:6
This passage refers to Sarah's obedience to Abraham, providing a New Testament perspective on her role and character.

Hebrews 11:8-12
This passage celebrates Abraham's faith, offering a broader context for understanding his journey and the challenges he faced.

Sermons

The Strength and Weakness of Abram	W. Roberts	Genesis 12:6-20
A Famine in the Land of Promise	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	Genesis 12:10-20
A Lie Lasting	W. Adamson.	Genesis 12:10-20
Abraham in Egypt	Dean Stanley.	Genesis 12:10-20
Abraham in Egypt	The Congregational Pulpit	Genesis 12:10-20
Abram in Egypt	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 12:10-20
Abram in Egypt	Homilist	Genesis 12:10-20
Abram in Egypt	A. Fuller.	Genesis 12:10-20
Abram in Egypt	The Pulpit Analyst	Genesis 12:10-20
Abram's Sinful Evasion	F. W. Robertson, M. A.	Genesis 12:10-20
Afflictions from God	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
Carnal Policy	F. Hastings.	Genesis 12:10-20
Faith in Weakness and Conflict	The Preacher's Monthly	Genesis 12:10-20
Faith's Infirmity		Genesis 12:10-20
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
Lessons	Charles Jerdan, M. A. , LL. B.	Genesis 12:10-20
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
The Blessed Life Illustrated in the History of Abraham	M. G. Pearse.	Genesis 12:10-20
The Church and the World	R.A. Redford	Genesis 12:10-20
The Holy Tempter	Gurnall, William	Genesis 12:10-20
The Lessons Abraham Learned in Egypt	M. Dods, D. D.	Genesis 12:10-20
The Sombre Tints of Life	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Genesis 12:10-20

People

Abram, Canaanites, Egyptians, Haran, Lot, Pharaoh, Sarai

Places

Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Moreh, Negev, Shechem

Topics

Appearance, Beautiful, Behold, Drawn, Egypt, Enter, Eye, Fair, Pass, Sarai, Sar'ai, Truly, Wife

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 12:4-20

5076 Abraham, life of

Genesis 12:10-13

8410 decision-making, examples

Genesis 12:10-16

5503 rich, the

Genesis 12:10-20

5077 Abraham, character
5737 sisters

Genesis 12:11-12

4040 beauty
8800 prejudice

Genesis 12:11-13

5811 compromise
8776 lies

Genesis 12:11-15

5173 outward appearance

Library

Life in Canaan
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.' GENESIS xii. 3. These are the two first acts of Abram in the land of Canaan. 1. All life should blend earthly and heavenly. They are not to be separated. Religion should run through everything and take the whole of life for its field. Where we cannot carry it is no place for …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Going Forth
'They went forth to go into the land of Canaan, and into the land of Canaan they came.'--GENESIS xii. 5. I The reference of these words is to Abram's act of faith in leaving Haran and setting out on his pilgrimage. It is a strange narrative of a journey, which omits the journey altogether, with its weary marches, privations, and perils, and notes but its beginning and its end. Are not these the main points in every life, its direction and its attainment? There are-- 'Two points in the adventure …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Man of Faith
'And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.'--GENESIS xii. 6, 7. Great epoch and man. Steps of Abram's training. First he was simply called to go--no promise of inheritance--obeyed--came to Canaan-found a thickly peopled land with advanced social order, and received no …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

October the Eleventh the Old Companion on the New Road
"Get thee out ... and I will show thee." "So Abram departed ... and the Lord appeared." --GENESIS xii. 1-9. We must bring these separated passages together if we would appreciate the graciousness of the Lord's call. They are like the two sides of the same shield. They answer each other as voice and echo. When I move in obedience the Lord moves in inspiration. He never lets me go on my own charges. "All things are now ready." Before He makes me hunger the bread is prepared. Before I thirst the …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Twenty-Seventh Day that God's People May Realise their Calling
WHAT TO PRAY.--That God's People may Realise their Calling "I will bless thee; and be thou a blessing: in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."--GEN. xii. 2, 3. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations."--PS. lxvii. 1, 2. Abraham was only blessed that he might be a blessing to all the earth. Israel prays for blessing, that God may be known among all nations. …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

I Will Bless Thee, --And Thou Shalt be a Blessing. " --Gen. xii. 2
I will bless thee,--and thou shalt be a blessing."--Gen. xii. 2. Where'er the Patriarch pitch'd his tent, He built an altar to his God, And sanctified, where'er he went, With faith and prayer, the ground he trod. Through all the East, for riches famed, Heaven's gifts, he set his heart on none; Nor, when the dearest was reclaim'd, Withheld his son, his only son. Wherefore, in blessing, he was blest; Friendless, the friend of God became; Long-wandering, every where found rest; Long child-less, nations …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery of Bangor. His First Miracles.
11. (6). Meanwhile Malachy's sister, whom we mentioned before,[271] died: and we must not pass over the visions which he saw about her. For the saint indeed abhorred her carnal life, and with such intensity that he vowed he would never see her alive in the flesh. But now that her flesh was destroyed his vow was also destroyed, and he began to see in spirit her whom in the body he would not see. One night he heard in a dream the voice of one saying to him that his sister was standing outside in the …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

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