And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

GENESIS 12:10KJV
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Genesis 12:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 12:10 mean?

Genesis 12:10 describes how Abram left the land where he was living because a severe famine made it hard to survive, so he traveled down to Egypt to stay there for a while. The verse highlights that the famine in the land was especially harsh, forcing Abram to seek refuge elsewhere.

In this verse, the story is focused on Abram (later called Abraham), who had recently arrived in the land of Canaan after following God’s call. The situation is one of hardship: the land (Canaan) is experiencing a famine, which means there is not enough food. Abram decides to go to Egypt, a place known for its resources, to live temporarily because the famine is described as “grievous”—very serious and difficult.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 12:10

  • "Famine" (רָעָב, ra'av): This word means a severe shortage of food, often causing people to leave their homes in search of survival. The repetition in the verse emphasizes just how extreme the situation was.
  • "Land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): This word can mean both "land" and "country." Here, it refers first to Canaan and then to the general area affected by famine, underlining that the hardship was widespread.
  • "Sojourn" (גּוּר, gur): This word means to live as a temporary resident or foreigner. Abram is not moving permanently but staying in Egypt as someone without full rights, highlighting his vulnerable position.
  • "Grievous" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word means "heavy" or "severe." The famine is not just ordinary; it is unusually harsh, which justifies Abram’s decision to leave.

Why Genesis 12:10 matters

  • Genesis 12:10 shows that even someone following God’s call, like Abram, can face real hardships and uncertainty, which sets the stage for the challenges and decisions he will face in Egypt.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing how Abram’s journey is not straightforward; his faith is tested by circumstances beyond his control, such as natural disasters.
  • Understanding the severity of the famine helps explain why Abram would leave the land he had just entered, making his actions more understandable in the context of survival rather than lack of faith.

Where else these words appear

“grievous” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 41:31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
  • Exodus 9:24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
  • 2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“Abram” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
  • Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

“famine” Hebrew H7458 · used in 88 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the LORD, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.

“sojourn” Hebrew H1481 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
  • Psalms 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.