Old Testament
Genesis 12:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Abram is speaking to Sarai, his wife, and asking her to say she is his sister instead of his wife.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"Please tell them you are my sister, so that things will go well for me on your account, and my soul will be spared because of you."
Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Abram is speaking to Sarai, his wife, and asking her to say she is his sister instead of his wife. He believes that by doing this, he will be treated better and kept safe. Abram is worried about his safety in a foreign land and thinks that if people believe Sarai is his sister, they will not harm him. This moment highlights Abram's fear and his willingness to compromise his integrity for self-preservation. It shows a lack of trust in God’s protection, as he resorts to deception to ensure his survival. This situation sets the stage for the challenges Abram will face as he navigates his journey of faith. It reminds us that even great figures in history can struggle with fear and make questionable choices. Ultimately, it’s a lesson about the importance of trust and honesty, even in difficult circumstances. We can learn from Abram's experience to rely on our faith rather than resorting to deceit when faced with challenges in life. Trusting in a higher power can lead to better outcomes than we might expect.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 12:13 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, it’s easy to feel scared and consider shortcuts or dishonest solutions. Instead, remember to trust in your values and beliefs. Rely on your integrity and seek guidance from your faith. This approach can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind in challenging times. Don't compromise who you are for temporary safety or gain. Embrace honesty and trust in the process of life, knowing that you are supported.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 12:13 mean?
Genesis 12:13 shows Abram asking Sarai to say she is his sister to protect himself in a foreign land. He fears for his safety and believes that claiming she is his sister will lead to better treatment and keep him safe.
What is the significance of Abram's request in Genesis 12:13?
Abram's request highlights his fear and willingness to deceive for self-preservation. It reflects a moment of doubt in God's protection, illustrating the struggle between faith and fear.
What lessons can we learn from Genesis 12:13?
Genesis 12:13 teaches the importance of trust and integrity, especially in difficult situations. It reminds us to rely on our faith rather than resorting to deception for safety.
How does Genesis 12:13 relate to themes of trust and fear?
This verse illustrates the theme of trust as Abram's fear leads him to make a questionable choice. It shows how fear can drive individuals to compromise their integrity instead of trusting in a higher power.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.