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BSB
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Genesis 12

BSB·20 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Abramאַבְרָ֔ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study →, “Leaveלֶךְ־leḵ- — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → your countryמֵאַרְצְךָ֥mê·’ar·ṣə·ḵā — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, your kindredוּמִמּֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ū·mim·mō·w·laḏ·tə·ḵā — Kindred, relatives, family lineageH4138 — Full Word Study →, and your father’sאָבִ֑יךָ’ā·ḇî·ḵā — H1 — Full Word Study → householdוּמִבֵּ֣יתū·mib·bêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, and go toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → I will show youאַרְאֶֽךָּ׃’ar·’e·kā — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →. 2I will makeוְאֶֽעֶשְׂךָ֙wə·’e·‘eś·ḵā — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → you into a greatגָּד֔וֹלgā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → nationלְג֣וֹיlə·ḡō·w — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →, and I will bless youוַאֲבָ֣רֶכְךָ֔wa·’ă·ḇā·reḵ·ḵā — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study →; I will make your nameשְׁמֶ֑ךָšə·me·ḵā — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → greatוַאֲגַדְּלָ֖הwa·’ă·ḡad·də·lāh — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study →, so that you will beוֶהְיֵ֖הweh·yêh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a blessingבְּרָכָֽה׃bə·rā·ḵāh — Blessing; divine favor and benefitH1293 — Full Word Study →. 3I will blessוַאֲבָֽרֲכָה֙wa·’ă·ḇā·ră·ḵāh — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → those who bless youמְבָ֣רְכֶ֔יךָmə·ḇā·rə·ḵe·ḵā — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → and curseאָאֹ֑ר’ā·’ōr — to curse bitterly; to execrateH779 — Full Word Study → those who curse youוּמְקַלֶּלְךָ֖ū·mə·qal·lel·ḵā — to make light; to curse; to despiseH7043 — Full Word Study →; and allכֹּ֖לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the familiesמִשְׁפְּחֹ֥תmiš·pə·ḥōṯ — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → of the earthהָאֲדָמָֽה׃hā·’ă·ḏā·māh — Land, soil, ground, earthH127 — Full Word Study → will be blessedוְנִבְרְכ֣וּwə·niḇ·rə·ḵū — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → through you.” 4So Abramאַבְרָ֗ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → departedוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, asכַּאֲשֶׁ֨רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → had directed himדִּבֶּ֤רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, and Lotל֑וֹטlō·wṭ — Covered, hiddenH3876 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֥לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֖וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. Abramוְאַבְרָ֗םwə·’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → was seventy-fiveחָמֵ֤שׁḥā·mêš — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → yearsשָׁנָ֔הšā·nāh — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → oldבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → when he leftבְּצֵאת֖וֹbə·ṣê·ṯōw — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → Haranמֵחָרָֽן׃mê·ḥā·rān — Haran, Abraham's brother and a place in northern MesopotamiaH2771 — Full Word Study →. 5And Abramאַבְרָם֩’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → tookוַיִּקַּ֣חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → his wifeאִשְׁתּ֜וֹ’iš·tōw — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → Saraiשָׂרַ֨יśā·ray — My princessH8297 — Full Word Study →, his nephewבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Lotל֣וֹטlō·wṭ — Covered, hiddenH3876 — Full Word Study →, and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the possessionsרְכוּשָׁם֙rə·ḵū·šām — property, possessions, wealth, substanceH7399 — Full Word Study → and peopleהַנֶּ֖פֶשׁhan·ne·p̄eš — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → they had acquiredעָשׂ֣וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → in Haranבְחָרָ֑ןḇə·ḥā·rān — Haran, Abraham's brother and a place in northern MesopotamiaH2771 — Full Word Study →, and set outוַיֵּצְא֗וּway·yê·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → for the landאַ֣רְצָה’ar·ṣāh — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנַ֔עַןkə·na·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →. When they cameוַיָּבֹ֖אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to the landאַ֥רְצָה’ar·ṣāh — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנָֽעַן׃kə·nā·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →, 6Abramאַבְרָם֙’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → traveledוַיַּעֲבֹ֤רway·ya·‘ă·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → through the landבָּאָ֔רֶץbā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → as far asעַ֚ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the siteמְק֣וֹםmə·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → of the Oakאֵל֣וֹן’ê·lō·wn — Terebinth tree; oak-like shade treeH436 — Full Word Study → of Morehמוֹרֶ֑הmō·w·reh — The TeacherH4176 — Full Word Study → at Shechemשְׁכֶ֔םšə·ḵem — Shoulder; a cityH7927 — Full Word Study →. And at that timeאָ֥ז’āz — Then; at that time; thereforeH227 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesוְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יwə·hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → were in the landבָּאָֽרֶץ׃bā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 7Then the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → appearedוַיֵּרָ֤אway·yê·rā — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Abramאַבְרָ֔ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֕אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “I will giveאֶתֵּ֖ן’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֹּ֑אתhaz·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → landהָאָ֣רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → to your offspringלְזַ֨רְעֲךָ֔lə·zar·‘ă·ḵā — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study →.” So Abram built an altarמִזְבֵּ֔חַmiz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁם֙šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַיהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, who had appearedהַנִּרְאֶ֥הhan·nir·’eh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → to himאֵלָֽיו׃’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →. 8From thereמִשָּׁ֜םmiš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → Abram moved on to the hill countryהָהָ֗רָהhā·hā·rāh — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → eastמִקֶּ֛דֶםmiq·qe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study → ofלְבֵֽית־lə·ḇêṯ- — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study → Bethelאֵ֖ל’êl — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study → and pitchedוַיֵּ֣טway·yêṭ — to stretch out, extend, incline, bendH5186 — Full Word Study → his tentאָהֳלֹ֑הʾå̄·ho·lōh — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, with Bethelבֵּֽית־bêṯ- — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study → to the westמִיָּם֙mî·yām — Sea, body of water; also directional (west, south)H3220 — Full Word Study → and Aiוְהָעַ֣יwə·hā·‘ay — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study → to the eastמִקֶּ֔דֶםmiq·qe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study →. Thereשָׁ֤םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → he builtוַיִּֽבֶן־way·yi·ḇen- — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → an altarמִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַֽיהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, and he calledוַיִּקְרָ֖אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → on the nameבְּשֵׁ֥םbə·šêm — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. 9And Abramאַבְרָ֔ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → journeyed onוַיִּסַּ֣עway·yis·sa‘ — to journey, set out, departH5265 — Full Word Study → towardוְנָס֖וֹעַwə·nā·sō·w·a‘ — to journey, set out, departH5265 — Full Word Study → the Negevהַנֶּֽגְבָּה׃פhan·neḡ·bāh — The South, Southern RegionH5045 — Full Word Study →. 10Now there wasוַיְהִ֥יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a famineרָעָ֖בrā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study → in the landבָּאָ֑רֶץbā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. So Abramאַבְרָ֤ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → went downוַיֵּ֨רֶדway·yê·reḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to Egyptמִצְרַ֙יְמָה֙miṣ·ray·māh — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study → to live thereשָׁ֔םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → for a whileלָג֣וּרlā·ḡūr — to sojourn, dwell as a stranger, fearH1481 — Full Word Study → becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the famineהָרָעָ֖בhā·rā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study → was severeכָבֵ֥דḵā·ḇêḏ — Heavy; weighty; burdensome; grievousH3515 — Full Word Study →. 11Asכַּאֲשֶׁ֥רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he was aboutהִקְרִ֖יבhiq·rîḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → to enterלָב֣וֹאlā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → Egyptמִצְרָ֑יְמָהmiṣ·rā·yə·māh — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →, he saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his wifeאִשְׁתּ֔וֹ’iš·tōw — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → Saraiשָׂרַ֣יśā·ray — My princessH8297 — Full Word Study →, “Lookהִנֵּה־hin·nêh- — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, I knowיָדַ֔עְתִּיyā·ḏa‘·tî — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֛יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → youאָֽתְּ׃’āt — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are a beautiful womanאִשָּׁ֥ה’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →, 12andוְהָיָ֗הwə·hā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → whenכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the Egyptiansהַמִּצְרִ֔יםham·miṣ·rîm — Egyptian personH4713 — Full Word Study → see youיִרְא֤וּyir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, they will sayוְאָמְר֖וּwə·’ā·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘Thisזֹ֑אתzōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → is his wifeאִשְׁתּ֣וֹ’iš·tōw — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →.’ Then they will killוְהָרְג֥וּwə·hā·rə·ḡū — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → meאֹתִ֖י’ō·ṯî — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → butוְאֹתָ֥ךְwə·’ō·ṯāḵ — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → will let you liveיְחַיּֽוּ׃yə·ḥay·yū — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →. 13Pleaseנָ֖אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → sayאִמְרִי־’im·rî- — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → you areאָ֑תְּ’āt — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → my sisterאֲחֹ֣תִי’ă·ḥō·ṯî — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study →, so thatלְמַ֙עַן֙lə·ma·‘an — because of, for the sake of, in order thatH4616 — Full Word Study → I will be treated wellיִֽיטַב־yî·ṭaḇ- — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → for your sakeבַעֲבוּרֵ֔ךְḇa·‘ă·ḇū·rêḵ — For the sake of; because of; in order thatH5668 — Full Word Study →, and on account of youבִּגְלָלֵֽךְ׃biḡ·lā·lêḵ — Because of, on account of, for the sake ofH1558 — Full Word Study → my lifeנַפְשִׁ֖יnap̄·šî — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → will be sparedוְחָיְתָ֥הwə·ḥā·yə·ṯāh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →.” 14Soוַיְהִ֕יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → when Abramאַבְרָ֖ם’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → enteredכְּב֥וֹאkə·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → Egyptמִצְרָ֑יְמָהmiṣ·rā·yə·māh — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →, the Egyptiansהַמִּצְרִים֙ham·miṣ·rîm — Egyptian personH4713 — Full Word Study → sawוַיִּרְא֤וּway·yir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the womanהָ֣אִשָּׁ֔הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → was veryמְאֹֽד׃mə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → beautifulיָפָ֥הyā·p̄āh — Beautiful, fair, or lovely in appearanceH3303 — Full Word Study →. 15When Pharaoh’sפַרְעֹ֔הp̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → officialsשָׂרֵ֣יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → sawוַיִּרְא֤וּway·yir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → Sarai, they commendedוַיְהַֽלְל֥וּway·hal·lū — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study → herאֹתָ֖הּ’ō·ṯāh — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → him, and sheהָאִשָּׁ֖הhā·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → was takenוַתֻּקַּ֥חwat·tuq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → into the palaceבֵּ֥יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Pharaohפַּרְעֹֽה׃par·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study →. 16He treated Abramוּלְאַבְרָ֥םū·lə·’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → wellהֵיטִ֖יבhê·ṭîḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → on her accountבַּעֲבוּרָ֑הּba·‘ă·ḇū·rāh — For the sake of; because of; in order thatH5668 — Full Word Study →, and Abram acquiredוַֽיְהִי־way·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → sheepצֹאן־ṣōn- — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study → and cattleוּבָקָר֙ū·ḇā·qār — cattle, herd, ox, bovine livestockH1241 — Full Word Study →, male and female donkeysוַחֲמֹרִ֔יםwa·ḥă·mō·rîm — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study →, menservantsוַעֲבָדִים֙wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → and maidservantsוּשְׁפָחֹ֔תū·šə·p̄ā·ḥōṯ — Female servant or maidservant of lower statusH8198 — Full Word Study →, and camelsוּגְמַלִּֽים׃ū·ḡə·mal·lîm — Camel, a large desert animal used for transport and tradeH1581 — Full Word Study →. 17The LORD, howeverיְהוָ֧ה׀Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, afflictedוַיְנַגַּ֨עway·nag·ga‘ — to touch, reach, strike, or come into contactH5060 — Full Word Study → Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֛הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → and his householdבֵּית֑וֹbê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → with severeגְּדֹלִ֖יםgə·ḏō·lîm — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → plaguesנְגָעִ֥יםnə·ḡā·‘îm — Plague, affliction, or stroke of judgmentH5061 — Full Word Study → because ofעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Abram’sאַבְרָֽם׃’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → wifeאֵ֥שֶׁת’ê·šeṯ — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → Saraiשָׂרַ֖יśā·ray — My princessH8297 — Full Word Study →. 18So Pharaohפַרְעֹה֙p̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → summonedוַיִּקְרָ֤אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Abramלְאַבְרָ֔םlə·’aḇ·rām — Exalted FatherH87 — Full Word Study → and askedוַיֹּ֕אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have you doneעָשִׂ֣יתָ‘ā·śî·ṯā — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to me? Whyלָ֚מָּהlām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → didn’tלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → you tellהִגַּ֣דְתָּhig·gaḏ·tā — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → me sheהִֽוא׃hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → was your wifeאִשְׁתְּךָ֖’iš·tə·ḵā — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →? 19Whyלָמָ֤הlā·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → did you sayאָמַ֙רְתָּ֙’ā·mar·tā — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘She isהִ֔ואhî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → my sisterאֲחֹ֣תִי’ă·ḥō·ṯî — Sister; female sibling or kinswomanH269 — Full Word Study →,’ so that I tookוָאֶקַּ֥חwā·’eq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → herאֹתָ֛הּ’ō·ṯāh — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → as my wifeלְאִשָּׁ֑הlə·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →? Now thenוְעַתָּ֕הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →, hereהִנֵּ֥הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → is your wifeאִשְׁתְּךָ֖’iš·tə·ḵā — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →. Take herקַ֥חqaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → and goוָלֵֽךְ׃wā·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →!” 20Then Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֖הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → gave his menאֲנָשִׁ֑ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → ordersוַיְצַ֥וway·ṣaw — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → concerning Abram, and they sent him awayוַֽיְשַׁלְּח֥וּway·šal·lə·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → with his wifeאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ’iš·tōw — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → and all his possessionsכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Genesis 12
Chapter Overview

Overview: Genesis 12 — The Call of Abram and the Foundation of God's Covenant

Genesis 12 marks one of the most pivotal moments in all of Scripture: the call of Abram and the establishment of God's covenant with him. Here we see the beginning of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. The Lord calls Abram to leave everything familiar—his country, his family, his security—and journey to an unknown land. In return, God makes extraordinary promises: a great nation, personal blessing, a great name, and the blessing of all families on earth through his seed. This chapter demonstrates both God's sovereign initiative in salvation history and the necessity of faith and obedience in God's people. We also witness Abram's first stumble of faith, reminding us that even great believers struggle with fear and human schemes.

Verses 1–3: The Divine Call and the Covenant Promise

The chapter opens with God's command to Abram to depart from his homeland. Notice that verse 1 begins with "Now the LORD had said," indicating this is not merely Abram's idea—it is God's sovereign calling. The Lord demands separation: from country, kindred, and father's house. This was radical in Abram's ancient Near Eastern culture, where family and homeland were the foundation of identity and security.

God's threefold promise in verses 2–3 is breathtaking: (1) "I will make of thee a great nation," (2) "I will bless thee, and make thy name great," and (3) "thou shalt be a blessing." But the promise extends far beyond Abram personally. Verse 3 reveals the missionary heart of God: "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." This promise ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who would come through Abram's lineage (Galatians 3:16). The promise also includes a word of judgment: those who bless Abram will be blessed; those who curse him will be cursed. God protects His covenant people.

Application: Genuine faith requires letting go of human security and trusting God's promises, even when the future is unclear. Do we trust God's calling as completely as Abram learned to do?

Verses 4–9: Obedience and the Pilgrim Journey

Abram's response to God's call is immediate and unqualified: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him" (verse 4). At seventy-five years old—an age when most would expect rest—Abram begins a journey of faith. He takes his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and his household possessions and servants to Canaan.

Upon arrival, God appears to Abram at Shechem in the plain of Moreh (verse 7) and confirms: "Unto thy seed will I give this land." Abram's response is immediate worship—he builds an altar to the Lord. The building of altars becomes Abram's pattern of faith: at Shechem (verse 7), between Bethel and Hai (verse 8), and continuing as he journeys south. These altars mark his pilgrimage and testify to his trust in God's promise of the land, even though he does not yet possess it.

Application: Faith expresses itself through obedience and worship. Like Abram, we honor God through both our actions and our altars of praise, even when we walk through uncertain territory.

Verses 10–20: The Test of Faith and Abram's Failure

When famine comes to Canaan, Abram journeys to Egypt. But here his faith falters. Fearful that the Egyptians will kill him to take his beautiful wife Sarai, Abram asks her to say she is his sister. This was a half-truth—she was his half-sister by their father's side—but it was fundamentally a deception born of fear.

The consequences are immediate: Pharaoh takes Sarai into his house, though God protects her by sending plagues on Pharaoh (verse 17). When Pharaoh discovers the deception, he rebukes Abram and sends him away with all his possessions. Remarkably, God uses Pharaoh's judgment to vindicate Sarai and preserve Abram's household.

Application: Even faithful believers may stumble through fear and attempt to solve God's problems through human schemes. God's covenant faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection—He preserves His purposes despite our failures.

Application for Today

Genesis 12 calls us to radical obedience and trust in God's promises, even when those promises seem impossible or the path unclear. Like Abram, we are called to leave behind the false securities of this world and follow Jesus Christ wherever He leads. When fear tempts us to compromise or scheme, we must remember that God's covenant with His people remains sure and His protection certain. True blessing comes not through human cleverness but through faith, obedience, and worship.

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