Genesis 12:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abram asks Sarai to tell people she is his sister so he will be treated well and survive.
The Context of Genesis 12:13
Abram asks Sarai to claim she is his sister to save his life.
What Does Genesis 12:13 Mean?
Abram explicitly requested that Sarai present herself as his sister. This was a half-truth: Sarai was indeed Abram's half-sister (they shared the same father but different mothers, as stated later in Genesis 20:12). Yet in context, the claim was deceptive because it concealed her status as Abram's wife. The deception was framed as necessary for Abram's survival: 'my soul shall live because of thee.'
Abram's appeal shows the tension between self-preservation and covenant trust. He had left Haran in faith, built altars, called on God's name—yet now, facing danger and hunger, he sought security through deception. The verse does not excuse the deception but records Abram's human fear and his choice to protect himself through Sarai's sacrifice and compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 12:13
What does Genesis 12:13 mean?
Abram asks Sarai to tell people she is his sister so he will be treated well and survive.
What is the context of Genesis 12:13?
Abram asks Sarai to claim she is his sister to save his life.