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:

GENESIS 12:11KJV
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Genesis 12:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 12:11 mean?

Genesis 12:11 describes Abram noticing Sarai’s beauty as they approach Egypt, and expressing concern to her about how attractive she is. Abram tells Sarai that he knows she is a beautiful woman, which sets the stage for his worry about how the Egyptians might react to her appearance.

In this verse, Abram is speaking directly to his wife Sarai as they are about to enter Egypt because of a famine in their land. The verse highlights Abram’s awareness of Sarai’s physical attractiveness and hints at his anxiety about the potential dangers they might face because of it. This moment introduces the tension that will unfold in the following verses, where Abram fears for his safety due to Sarai’s beauty.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 12:11

  • "near" (קָרַב, qārav): This word means to draw near or approach. It emphasizes that Abram and Sarai are not just traveling but are right on the threshold of entering Egypt, making the situation immediate and pressing.
  • "fair" (יָפֶה, yāfeh): This word means beautiful or attractive. Abram’s use of this word underscores that Sarai’s beauty is notable and likely to draw attention, which is central to his concern.
  • "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinnēh): This is a word used to draw attention, like saying “look” or “see.” Abram uses it to make sure Sarai understands the seriousness of what he is about to say.
  • "now" (נָא, nā’): This word adds a sense of urgency or immediacy, showing that Abram is speaking out of real concern as they are about to enter a potentially risky situation.

Why Genesis 12:11 matters

  • Genesis 12:11 shows Abram’s awareness of the real-world dangers he and Sarai might face as foreigners in Egypt, especially because of Sarai’s beauty.
  • The verse sets up the ethical and emotional tension that will follow, helping readers understand why Abram makes the controversial request in the next verses.
  • This moment connects to the broader story of Abram’s journey, highlighting both his vulnerability and his attempts to protect his family in unfamiliar territory.

Where else these words appear

“now” Hebrew H4994 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
  • Genesis 18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
  • Judges 7:3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

“Sarai” Hebrew H8297 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
  • Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
  • Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

“Behold” Hebrew H2009 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
  • Genesis 50:5 My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

“fair” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.
  • 2 Samuel 14:27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.