And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.

GENESIS 12:14KJV
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Genesis 12:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 12:14 mean?

Genesis 12:14 describes how, when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians noticed Sarai and saw that she was very beautiful. This verse highlights the immediate impression Sarai made on the Egyptians because of her appearance.

In this part of the story, Abram and Sarai have just arrived in Egypt due to a famine in their own land. The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, where Sarai’s beauty draws attention and leads to complications for Abram and Sarai among the Egyptians.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 12:14

  • "beheld" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means "to see" or "to look at." The use here emphasizes that the Egyptians did not just notice Sarai in passing—they observed her closely and recognized her beauty.
  • "very" (מְאֹד, me'od): This word intensifies the description, showing that Sarai was not just attractive, but exceptionally beautiful in the eyes of the Egyptians.
  • "fair" (יָפֶה, yafeh): This word means "beautiful" or "good-looking." The verse uses it to underline Sarai’s physical appearance as something remarkable.

Why Genesis 12:14 matters

  • This verse helps explain why Sarai’s presence in Egypt quickly becomes a concern for Abram, setting up the tension in the following verses.
  • The emphasis on Sarai’s beauty shows how her appearance played a significant role in the unfolding events, not just her relationship to Abram.
  • Understanding the attention Sarai received from the Egyptians clarifies why Abram felt the need to take precautions, as described earlier in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Egyptians” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

“fair” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 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:
  • 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.

“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.