Genesis 20:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham reveals Sarah is his half-sister, married to him by his own law.
The Context of Genesis 20:12
Abraham's partial truth and cultural defense.
What Does Genesis 20:12 Mean?
Abraham's clarification shows his lie was a half-truth—Sarah was indeed his sister through their father Terah, though from different mothers. In the cultural context, this made his claim technically defensible, though using it as cover for marriage was deceptive and unlawful by later standards.
This explanation does not excuse his deception but shows Abraham's character as someone who sought moral gray areas. Rather than rely on God's promised protection, he exploited a technicality in kinship law to create a false narrative—demonstrating how easily even God's chosen can rationalize unfaithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 20:12
What does Genesis 20:12 mean?
Abraham reveals Sarah is his half-sister, married to him by his own law.
What is the context of Genesis 20:12?
Abraham's partial truth and cultural defense.