Genesis 12:20
Genesis 12:20 in Multiple Translations
Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions.
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.
And Pharaoh gave men charge concerning him: and they brought him on the way, and his wife, and all that he had.
And Pharaoh gave orders to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and all he had.
Pharaoh ordered his guards to expel him and his wife from the country, along with everyone with them and all their possessions.
And Pharaoh gaue men commandement concerning him: and they conueyed him forth, and his wife, and all that he had.
And Pharaoh chargeth men concerning him, and they send him away, and his wife, an all that he hath.
Pharaoh commanded men concerning him, and they escorted him away with his wife and all that he had.
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.
And Pharao gave his men orders concerning Abram: and they led him away, and his wife, and all that he had.
Then the king told his officials/servants to take Abram and his wife and all his possessions out of Egypt.
Then the big boss told his soldiers, “Get Abram, and Sarai, and everything they own, and all their workers, and send them out of Egypt. Send them away, and do it right now.” So his soldiers did that. They sent Abram and his mob away from Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 12:20
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 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
עָלָ֛י/ו
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּח֥וּ
אֹת֛/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
כָּל
אֲשֶׁר
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֹת֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 12:20
וַ/יְצַ֥ו
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
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.
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֹת֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
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.
אִשְׁתּ֖/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
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.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 12:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 12:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
- Sermons on Genesis 12:20
Context — Abram and Sarai in Egypt
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!”
20Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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!” |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:1 | The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. |
| 3 | Exodus 18:27 | Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 29:6–11 | So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright in my sight, and it seems right that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you have no favor in the sight of the leaders. Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” “But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’ Now then, get up early in the morning, along with your master’s servants who came with you, and go as soon as it is light.” So David and his men got up early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. |
Genesis 12:20 Summary
In Genesis 12:20, we see that Pharaoh gives orders to send Abram away with his wife and all his possessions. This shows that even when we make mistakes, God can still use us and bless us, as seen in Romans 8:28. Abram's possessions also reflect God's promise to him in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make Abram's name great and to bless those who bless him. We can learn from this verse that God is always working to fulfill His promises, even when we don't understand what is happening, and we can trust Him to take care of us, just like He took care of Abram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh give orders to send Abram away?
Pharaoh gave orders to send Abram away because he had taken Abram's wife, Sarai, as his own, not knowing she was Abram's wife, as seen in Genesis 12:18-19, and this was a sin that needed to be rectified, as God says in Exodus 20:17 that we should not covet our neighbor's wife.
What can we learn from Abram's experience in Egypt?
We can learn from Abram's experience that even when we make mistakes, God can still use us and bless us, as seen in Genesis 12:20 where Abram is sent away with his wife and all his possessions, and also in Romans 8:28 where it says that all things work together for good to those who love God.
How did Abram's possessions reflect God's promise to him?
Abram's possessions reflected God's promise to him in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make Abram's name great and to bless those who bless him, and now in Genesis 12:20, we see that God has indeed blessed Abram with many possessions, just as He promised.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Pharaoh's actions that even those who do not know God can still be used by Him to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Genesis 12:20 where Pharaoh sends Abram away, and also in Proverbs 21:1 where it says that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, and He turns it wherever He wishes.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have tried to deceive others or hide the truth, and how can I learn from Abram's mistake in Genesis 12:20?
- How has God blessed me with possessions or resources, and how can I use them to serve Him and others?
- What are some promises that God has made to me, and how can I trust Him to fulfill them, just like Abram trusted God in Genesis 12:1-3?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to those around me, just like Abram was blessed by God in Genesis 12:20?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 12:20
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him,.... His courtiers and servants, not to do him any hurt or injury in his person or substance; who he might suppose would be enraged at hearing how the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 12:20
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
Pharaoh gave them a charge concerning him for his safe conduct whither he pleased.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
Genesis 12:20 And Pharaoh commanded [his] men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.Ver. 20. And Pharaoh commanded.] Thus God comes, as it were, out of an engine, and helps his people at a pinch. Abram had brought himself into the briars, and could find no way out. Many a heavy heart he had, no doubt, for his dear wife (who suffered by his default), and she again for him. God, upon their repentance, provides graciously for them both: she is kept undefiled, he greatly enriched for her sake; and now they are both secured, and dismissed with the king’ s safeconduct. Oh, who would not serve such a God, as turns our errors and evil counsels to our great good, as the Athenians dreamed their goddess Minerva did for them!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
Verse 20. Commanded his men concerning him] Gave particular and strict orders to afford Abram and his family every accommodation for their journey; for having received a great increase of cattle and servants, it was necessary that he should have the favour of the king, and his permission to remove from Egypt with so large a property; hence, a particular charge is given to the officers of Pharaoh to treat him with respect, and to assist him in his intended departure. THE weighty and important contents of this chapter demand our most attentive consideration. Abram is a second time called to leave his country, kindred, and father's house, and go to a place he knew not. Every thing was apparently against him but the voice of God. This to Abram was sufficient; he could trust his Maker, and knew he could not do wrong in following his command. He is therefore proposed to us in the Scriptures as a pattern of faith, patience, and loving obedience. When he received the call of God, he spent no time in useless reasonings about the call itself, his family circumstances, the difficulties in the way, c., c. He was called, and he departed, and this is all we hear on the subject. Implicit faith in the promise of God, and prompt obedience to his commands, become us, not only as HIS creatures, but as sinners called to separate from evil workers and wicked ways, and travel, by that faith which worketh by love, in the way that leads to the paradise of God.
How greatly must the faith of this blessed man have been tried, when, coming to the very land in which he is promised so much blessedness, he finds instead of plenty a grievous famine! Who in his circumstances would not have gone back to his own country, and kindred? Still he is not stumbled prudence directs him to turn aside and go to Egypt, till God shall choose to remove this famine. Is it to be wondered at that, in this tried state, he should have serious apprehensions for the safety of his life? Sarai, his affectionate wife and faithful companion, he supposes he shall lose her beauty, he suspects, will cause her to be desired by men of power, whose will he shall not be able to resist. If he appear to be her husband, his death he supposes to be certain; if she pass for his sister, he may be well used on her account; he will not tell a lie, but he is tempted to prevaricate by suppressing a part of the truth. Here is a weakness which, however we may be inclined to pity and excuse it, we should never imitate. It is recorded with its own condemnation. He should have risked all rather than have prevaricated. But how could he think of lightly giving up such a wife?
Surely he who would not risk his life for the protection and safety of a good wife, is not worthy of one. Here his faith was deficient.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 12:20
20. they brought him on the way] i.e. they escorted him to the frontier, treating with respect and honour a man of wealth and substance, and a foreigner whose God had been a protection to himself and a peril to the Egyptian royal family. Abram apparently retained the wealth that he had procured on false pretences. For the word rendered “bring on the way,” in the sense of “escort,” cf. Genesis 18:16, Genesis 31:27 (“sent away”). On this narrative, see the remarks of J. G. Frazer in Psyche’s Task, p. 40, “among many savage races breaches of the marriage laws are believed to draw down on the community public calamities of the most serious character … in particular they are thought to blast the fruits of the earth through excessive rain or excessive drought. Traces of similar beliefs may perhaps be detected among the civilised races of antiquity.” Frazer quotes, in illustration, Job 31:11 sq., and the two narratives of Gen 12:10-20; Genesis 20:1-18. “These narratives,” he says, “seem to imply that adultery, even when it is committed in ignorance, is a cause of plague and especially of sterility among women.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 12:20
20. Sent him away — The language implies an honourable escort, and a safe conduct out of Egypt.
Sermons on Genesis 12:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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 |
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Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na |
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Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch |
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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The Rich and the Poor Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video is a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith on the book of Proverbs, specifically focusing on Proverbs 21:1. Pastor Chuck explains that the purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom |
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The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God |
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(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Testimonies of Godly Courtship by Rick Leibee | In this video, a couple shares highlights from their courtship and testimonies. They mention the verse from Isaiah 61 that speaks about God turning ashes into beauty and bringing j |