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Genesis 12:14

ESV When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
NIV When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman.
NASB Now it came about, when Abram entered Egypt, that the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
CSB When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
NLT And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt, everyone noticed Sarai’s beauty.
KJV And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair.

What does Genesis 12:14 mean?

In the previous verses, Abram expressed his fear that Sarai's great beauty would cause the Egyptians to take her from him. Any question that Abram was overestimating Sarai's beauty is answered in this verse. The Egyptians did indeed notice how attractive Sarai was. This notice, it seems, will be significant enough that even the rulers of Egypt will hear about her magnificent appearance (Genesis 12:15).

Abram's plan for them to lie to the Egyptians by saying Sarai was his sister is about to backfire. He may have hoped that, as her "brother," he would have the right to refuse any marriage proposals. Certainly, Abram was concerned that a husband would be vulnerable to murderous jealousy, while a brother would not. Of course, things will not work out the way Abram expects. Rather than solving a problem, Abram's attempt to out-think God and take matters into his own hands actually causes one of the outcomes he was hoping to avoid!
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