Genesis 12:17
Genesis 12:17 in Multiple Translations
The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.
And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.
And Jehovah plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.
And the Lord sent great troubles on Pharaoh's house because of Sarai, Abram's wife.
But the Lord caused Pharaoh and the people in his palace to suffer from terrible diseases because of Sarai, Abram's wife.
But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues, because of Sarai Abrams wife.
And Jehovah plagueth Pharaoh and his house — great plagues — for the matter of Sarai, Abram's wife.
The LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.
And the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues, because of Sarai, Abram's wife.
But the Lord scourged Pharao and his house with most grievous stripes for Sarai, Abram’s wife.
But because the king had taken Sarai, Abram’s wife, Yahweh caused the king and the others in his household to be inflicted with terrible diseases.
God was not happy, because Sarai was living with the big boss of Egypt, so God made him really sick, and God made everyone that lived in his house really sick too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְנַגַּ֨ע
יְהוָ֧ה
אֶת
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
נְגָעִ֥ים
גְּדֹלִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
בֵּית֑/וֹ
עַל
דְּבַ֥ר
שָׂרַ֖י
אֵ֥שֶׁת
אַבְרָֽם
וַ/יְנַגַּ֨ע
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
נְגָעִ֥ים
negaʻ
H5061
plague
N-mp
גְּדֹלִ֖ים
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
שָׂרַ֖י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:17
וַ/יְנַגַּ֨ע
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
נְגָעִ֥ים
negaʻ
H5061
"plague"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plague or disease, like leprosy. It is used in Leviticus to describe the effects of sin and in Deuteronomy to warn against disobedience. The word can also mean a wound or a spot.
Definition: 1) stroke, plague, disease, mark, plague spot 1a) stroke, wound 1b) stroke (metaphorical of disease) 1c) mark (of leprosy)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound. See also: Genesis 12:17; Leviticus 13:55; Psalms 38:12.
גְּדֹלִ֖ים
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דְּבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
שָׂרַ֖י
Sâray
H8297
"Sarai"
N-proper
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283) § Sarai = "princess" original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sarai. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 16:1; Genesis 17:15.
אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
- Sermons on Genesis 12:17
Context — Abram and Sarai in Egypt
15When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.
16He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.
17The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai.
18So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? 19Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 16:21 | He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: |
| 2 | Genesis 20:18 | for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:14–15 | He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: “Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 21:22 | Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar to the LORD. Sell it to me for the full price, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.” |
| 5 | Hebrews 13:4 | Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. |
| 6 | Job 34:19 | who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
Genesis 12:17 Summary
[This verse shows that God is always watching over His people and will protect them from harm, even when they make mistakes or face difficult circumstances (Genesis 12:17, Psalm 23:4). Abram's lie to Pharaoh put his wife Sarai in a difficult situation, but God intervened to prevent harm from coming to her, demonstrating His care and love for His people (Genesis 12:17, Genesis 20:3). We can learn from Abram's mistake the importance of honesty and integrity, and the need to trust in God's provision and protection rather than relying on our own cunning or deception (Proverbs 10:9, Genesis 28:15).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God afflict Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues?
God afflicted Pharaoh and his household because Abram had lied about his relationship with Sarai, saying she was his sister instead of his wife, and Pharaoh had taken her as his own wife, which was a sinful act (Genesis 12:17, Genesis 20:3).
Was Abram's lie to Pharaoh a sin?
Yes, Abram's lie to Pharaoh was a sin, as it was a form of deception and dishonesty, and it put his wife Sarai in a difficult and potentially harmful situation (Genesis 12:13, Exodus 20:16).
How does this verse show God's protection of His people?
This verse shows God's protection of His people in that He afflicted Pharaoh and his household to prevent harm from coming to Sarai, demonstrating His care and watchfulness over Abram and his family (Genesis 12:17, Psalm 121:7-8).
What can we learn from Abram's mistake in this verse?
We can learn from Abram's mistake the importance of honesty and integrity, even in difficult or trying circumstances, and the need to trust in God's provision and protection rather than relying on our own cunning or deception (Genesis 12:17, Proverbs 10:9).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have compromised my integrity or honesty in my own life, and how can I learn from Abram's mistake?
- How has God protected me from harm or danger in my own life, and how can I be more aware of His provision and care for me?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's protection and provision to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more honest and transparent, and how can I cultivate a greater sense of integrity and trustworthiness?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:17
And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues,.... Perhaps with the same sort that Abimelech and his servants were smote with on a like account, Genesis 20:17.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:17
And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
Most probably with some notable distemper of his body, which did both chastise him for and hinder him in the execution of his lust. His house, i.e, his servants, who being some one way, some another, partners of his sin, are justly made partners in his plagues. And if any were innocent in this matter, they were obnoxious to God for other sins. Besides, as they were punished upon the occasion of Pharaoh’ s sin, so Pharaoh was punished in their punishments. Because of Sarai, i.e. 1. For the act of violence towards her; for the word taken, , implies that it was by constraint, and not with Abram’ s and with her consent, which it is not probable that either of them would give in that case. 2. For an intention of uncleanness. For God, who is the Searcher and Judge of men’ s hearts, may justly, and doth often, punish men for their evil purposes. Compare ,4.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’ s wife.Ver. 17. And the Lord plagued Pharaoh.] Plagued him with plagues, saith the Hebrew: tormented him with torments, or set him on the rack, saith the Greek. And for this he might thank his court parasites, who put him upon this rape. Chrysostom thinketh that Sarai was in bed with the king, and that in the bed God by his plague so restrained him that she remained untouched. But we cannot gather by the text that he intended to commit adultery, sed quod levitate et vaga libidine peccavit , but offended only in going after the sight of his eyes and lust of his heart, as Solomon hath it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
Verse 17. The Lord plagued Pharaoh] What these plagues were we know not. In the parallel case, Genesis 20:18, all the females in the family of Abimelech, who had taken Sarah in nearly the same way, were made barren; possibly this might have been the case here; yet much more seems to be signified by the expression great plagues. Whatever these plagues were, it is evident they were understood by Pharaoh as proofs of the disapprobation of God; and, consequently, even at this time in Egypt there was some knowledge of the primitive and true religion.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:17
17. plagued … with great plagues] The words in the original run: “and Jehovah struck Pharaoh with great strokes, and his house.” The words “and his house” have all the appearance of being a later explanatory addition. The “great strokes” or “plagues” must have been some kind of epidemic (cf. Genesis 20:17; 1 Chronicles 16:21; Psalms 105:14), the cause of which could not be understood. Pharaoh and his house are guiltless; Abram and Sarai are deceitful and cowardly; Jehovah smites the Egyptian, in order to protect the patriarch and his wife. This representation of the Deity illustrates the immature stage of religious development presented by some of the early Israelite traditions.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:17
17. The Lord plagued Pharaoh — As another Pharaoh and his people were afterwards smitten for their cruel oppression of Abram’s seed.
Sermons on Genesis 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Progress of Redemption #07 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Edenic covenant and the relationship between God and man. The preacher emphasizes that God requires man to rule for Him and that God dete |
|
Genesis 12:1-20 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about Abram's journey of faith, highlighting his obedience to God's command to leave his country, the protection of his wife Sarai, and the divine intervention |
|
(Genesis) 26 -\tthe Lure of the Invisible and Abram's Choice by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon on the book of Genesis, the preacher focuses on the story of Abram and his journey back to the holy land after facing difficulties in Egypt. Despite Abram's previous |
|
(Hebrews - Part 48): Seven Christian Virtues by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript describes various anecdotes and situations to illustrate the importance of having reasons for our actions. The speaker shares a story about a boy trying to se |
|
Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of marriage and the Christian home. He starts by mentioning a verse from the Bible, Hebrews 13:4, which he believes would have sign |
|
Dealing With Lust by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of a married man who is studying for the ministry and battling with lustful desires. The man feels isolated and unable to find so |
|
|
(Women) 01. Marriage Is Honourable by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of faithfulness and trust in the world, particularly in marriages. However, their perspective changes when they meet their new neig |