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 12:13KJV
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Genesis 12:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 12:13 mean?

Genesis 12:13 records Abram asking Sarai to say she is his sister so that things will go well for him and his life will be spared because of her. Abram is concerned for his own safety as they enter Egypt, fearing that the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai if they know she is his wife.

In this verse, Abram is speaking to Sarai as they approach Egypt during a time of famine. He asks her to claim to be his sister, hoping this will protect him from harm. The verse shows Abram’s anxiety about the dangers they might face and his willingness to use a partial truth to avoid possible violence.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 12:13

  • "Say" (אָמַר, ’amar): This word is a direct command from Abram to Sarai, showing his active role in planning how they will present themselves in Egypt.
  • "Well" (יָטַב, yatav): This word means "to be good" or "to go well." Abram’s request is motivated by a desire for things to turn out favorably for him, not just survival but a positive outcome.
  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): Often translated as "life" or "self," this word emphasizes that Abram’s very life is at stake, not just his comfort or reputation.
  • "Live" (חָיָה, chayah): This verb means "to live" or "to stay alive," underlining that Abram fears for his physical survival.

Why Genesis 12:13 matters

  • Genesis 12:13 clarifies that Abram’s request is driven by fear for his own life, not just concern for Sarai, highlighting his vulnerability and the risks they faced as foreigners.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of Abram’s journey and the challenges of trusting God’s promises in difficult circumstances.
  • Understanding the specific words for "well," "soul," and "live" shows that Abram’s concern is deeply personal and existential, not just a matter of convenience.

Where else these words appear

“thee” Hebrew H4994 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 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:
  • 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.

“that” Hebrew H4616 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • Numbers 16:40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
  • Psalms 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

“thee” Hebrew H1558 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
  • Deuteronomy 15:10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
  • Jeremiah 11:17 For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.

“well” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Joshua 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.