Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. New Living Translation When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace. English Standard Version And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Berean Standard Bible When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh. Berean Literal Bible And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and they commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into the house of Pharaoh. King James Bible The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. New King James Version The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. New American Standard Bible Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. NASB 1995 Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. NASB 1977 And Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Legacy Standard Bible And Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Amplified Bible Pharaoh’s princes (officials) also saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken [for the purpose of marriage] into Pharaoh’s house (harem). Berean Annotated Bible When Pharaoh’s (great house) officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh. Christian Standard Bible Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s household. Holman Christian Standard Bible Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s household. American Standard Version And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. Contemporary English Version The king's officials told him about her, and she was taken to his house. English Revised Version And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they raved about her to Pharaoh, so Sarai was taken to Pharaoh's palace. Good News Translation Some of the court officials saw her and told the king how beautiful she was; so she was taken to his palace. International Standard Version When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they brought her to the attention of Pharaoh and took the woman to Pharaoh's palace. NET Bible When Pharaoh's officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. So Abram's wife was taken into the household of Pharaoh, New Heart English Bible The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into the household of Pharaoh. Webster's Bible Translation The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh. World English Bible The princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand princes of Pharaoh see her, and praise her to Pharaoh, and the woman is taken [to] Pharaoh’s house; Berean Literal Bible And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and they commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into the house of Pharaoh. Young's Literal Translation and princes of Pharaoh see her, and praise her unto Pharaoh, and the woman is taken to Pharaoh's house; Smith's Literal Translation And Pharaoh's rulers will see her, and will praise her to Pharaoh, and the woman shall be taken into Pharaoh's house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the princes told Pharao, and praised her before him: and the woman was taken into the house of Pharao. Catholic Public Domain Version And the princes reported it to Pharaoh, and they praised her to him. And the woman was inducted into the house of Pharaoh. New American Bible When Pharaoh’s officials saw her they praised her to Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. New Revised Standard Version When the officials of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe princes of Pharaoh also saw her and praised her before Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Princes of Pharaoh saw her and praised her before Pharaoh, and the woman was led to the house of Pharaoh. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. Brenton Septuagint Translation that the princes of Pharao saw her, and praised her to Pharao and brought her into the house of Pharao. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abram and Sarai in Egypt…14So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 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.… Cross References When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, Esther 1:11 to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold. 2 Samuel 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. Genesis 24:16 Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again. they commended her to him, 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” Esther 2:15-17 Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. / She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. / And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 1 Kings 1:2-4 So his servants said to him, “Let us search for a young virgin for our lord the king, to attend to him and care for him and lie by his side to keep him warm.” / Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. / The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her. and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh. Esther 2:8-9 When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. / And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem. Genesis 20:3 One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” Daniel 1:4 young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. Genesis 20:2 Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. Genesis 26:7 But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.” Exodus 1:8-10 Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” 1 Kings 3:1 Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem. 1 Kings 9:16 Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. 2 Chronicles 8:11 Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her. For he said, “My wife must not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the LORD has entered are holy.” Nehemiah 13:23-27 In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. / Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. / I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! … Treasury of Scripture The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. princes. Esther 2:2-16 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: … Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. Hosea 7:4,5 They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened… Exodus 2:5,15 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it… 1 Kings 3:1 And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him. taken. Genesis 20:2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. Esther 2:9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Jump to Previous Commended Great House Officials Palace Pharaoh Pharaoh's Praise Praised Princes WordsJump to Next Commended Great House Officials Palace Pharaoh Pharaoh's Praise Praised Princes WordsGenesis 12 1. God calls Abram, and blesses him with a promise of Christ.4. He departs with Lot from Haran, and comes to Canaan. 6. He journeys through Canaan, 7. which is promised to him in a vision. 10. He is driven by famine into Egypt. 11. Fear makes him feign his wife to be his sister. 14. Pharaoh, having taken her from him, is compelled to restore her. 18. Pharaoh reproves Abram, whom he dismisses. When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai Pharaoh's officials were likely high-ranking members of the Egyptian court, tasked with identifying potential additions to the royal harem. Sarai's beauty was notable even in a foreign land, indicating her exceptional appearance. This event occurs during Abram's sojourn in Egypt due to famine in Canaan, highlighting the vulnerability of the patriarchal family in foreign territories. The officials' actions reflect the customs of ancient Near Eastern courts, where women of beauty could be taken into royal households. they commended her to him and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, representing the power and authority of the Egyptian kingdom. In this context, he is a key figure who interacts with Abram and Sarai. 2. Sarai Abram's wife, known for her beauty, which leads to her being taken into Pharaoh's palace. Her experience in Egypt is pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for Abram's family. 3. Abram Later known as Abraham, he is the patriarch called by God to leave his homeland. His journey to Egypt and the subsequent events reveal his faith and human frailty. 4. Egypt A significant location in the Bible, often representing a place of refuge and testing for God's people. Abram's journey to Egypt during a famine sets the stage for future events in biblical history. 5. Pharaoh’s Officials They play a role in bringing Sarai to Pharaoh's attention, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics of the time. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesAbram's journey to Egypt during a famine shows a lapse in trust. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's promises even in difficult circumstances. The Consequences of Fear Abram's fear for his life leads to deception. This teaches the importance of faith over fear and the potential consequences of not trusting God. God's Sovereignty and Protection Despite Abram's actions, God protects Sarai and ensures His covenant promises are fulfilled. This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Cultural and Moral Challenges The account reflects the cultural norms of the time and challenges believers to uphold God's standards in a world with different values. The Role of Women in God's Plan Sarai's experience in Egypt is part of God's larger plan, emphasizing the significant role women play in biblical accounts and God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 12:15?2. How does Genesis 12:15 demonstrate God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's household? 3. What can we learn about human authority from Genesis 12:15? 4. How does Genesis 12:15 connect to God's promises to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3? 5. How should believers respond when facing powerful authorities, as seen in Genesis 12:15? 6. What does Genesis 12:15 teach about God's protection of His chosen people? 7. Why did Pharaoh's officials praise Sarai's beauty in Genesis 12:15? 8. How does Genesis 12:15 reflect cultural norms of ancient Egypt? 9. What theological implications arise from Sarai being taken to Pharaoh's palace? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 12? 11. What are the key events in Abraham's life? 12. Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception? 13. Genesis 12:11-13: Why would a supposedly divinely guided Abram deceive Pharaoh about his wife, risking moral inconsistency? 14. What role did Egyptians play in biblical narratives? What Does Genesis 12:15 Mean When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai- Abram and Sarai have just entered Egypt because of famine (Genesis 12:10–13). The verse before ours notes, “When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful” (Genesis 12:14). - Sarai’s beauty is real and striking; Scripture states it plainly without embellishment. Comparable moments appear when Rachel’s appearance arrests attention (Genesis 29:17) or when King Ahasuerus’ servants notice Esther (Esther 2:15). - In ancient courts, officials functioned as the eyes and ears of the ruler. Their notice of Sarai sets in motion events that threaten the covenant line. Yet God’s promises never hang on chance; He remains sovereign behind the scenes (cf. Proverbs 21:1). they commended her to him - “Commended” implies enthusiastic praise. Court officials recommended Sarai to Pharaoh as one worthy of royal attention, much like Saul’s servants later present David to the king (1 Samuel 16:18). - Their action highlights the cultural gap Abram sensed. A foreigner without powerful allies could be vulnerable, which explains Abram’s earlier fear-driven scheme (Genesis 12:11–13). - Human commendation can open doors, but it can also propel God’s people into trials. Joseph was “commended” to Pharaoh by the cupbearer (Genesis 41:9–13); here Sarai is similarly propelled into Pharaoh’s orbit. and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh - The phrase records an actual relocation into Pharaoh’s harem. Scripture gives no hint of consent or negotiation; royal authority simply prevails. - This move imperils God’s promise that Abram’s offspring will inherit the land (Genesis 12:7). If Sarai becomes Pharaoh’s wife, the lineage is compromised—yet the Lord will not allow that. Soon He intervenes: “the LORD afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai” (Genesis 12:17). - A pattern emerges: later, Abimelech seizes Sarah (Genesis 20:2), and centuries afterward, Pharaoh again oppresses Israel (Exodus 1). Each time God steps in to protect the covenant people, fulfilling Psalm 105:14–15, “He let no one oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf: ‘Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets.’” - What looks like a detour inside a pagan palace becomes a stage for God’s faithfulness. Even the most powerful ruler cannot derail His plan. summary Genesis 12:15 shows three linked realities: Sarai’s evident beauty draws royal notice; enthusiastic servants usher her into Pharaoh’s presence; and the king’s power sweeps her into his palace. The verse underscores how vulnerable God’s people can seem and how indispensable His protection truly is. Though Abram’s half-truth placed Sarai in danger, the Lord swiftly acts to shield her and preserve the promise, reminding every believer that His word stands firm no matter who occupies earthly thrones. (15) The princes . . . commended her before Pharaoh.--In the days of Abram Canaan was the highway to Egypt, and so large an immigration of men of the Semitic stock found their way thither that they overspread the whole Delta, and finally, under the name of the Hyksos, made themselves masters of the throne of the Pharaohs, and retained their supremacy for several centuries. To keep out these hordes, Amenemhai had built a chain of fortresses, with a connecting wall; and though probably, as M. Chabas concludes (Rev. Arch., XVe Annee, Livr. ii. 7), the Hyksos had already in Abram's time attained to empire, nevertheless, on arriving at this wall, so powerful a sheik, with so large a following, would be interrogated by the Egyptian scribes, and a report sent to the Pharaoh. The word sar. translated here prince, is common to the Babylonian, Egyptian, and Hebrew languages; but while in Babylonia it was the title of the sovereign, in Egypt it was applied to subordinate officers, such as those in command at these fortresses. By one of these Abram would, no doubt, be conducted into Pharaoh's presence; and on one of the sepulchres at Benihassan we find an exactly parallel occurrence in the presentation of a nomad prince, evidently of Semitic origin, who, with his family and dependents, is seeking the Pharaoh's protection, and is received by him with honour. As women did not at that time go veiled in Egypt, this custom not having been introduced there till the Persian conquest, the officers at the frontier would have full opportunity of seeing Sarai. and would, no doubt, mention the extraordinary lightness of her complexion.The most probable derivation of the word Pharaoh is that which identifies it with a symbol constantly used in inscriptions to indicate the king, and which may be read per-ao or phar-ao. It signifies, literally, the double house, or palace. This would be a title of respect. veiling the person of the monarch under the name of his dwelling, in much the same manner as we include the sovereign and his attendants under the name of the Court. For the arguments in favour of this derivation, see Canon Cook's Excursus on the Egyptian words in the Pentateuch, at the end of Vol. I. of the Speaker's Commentary. He also gives there the reasons for his opinion, in opposition to that of M. Chabas, that the Pharaoh in whose days Abram visited Egypt was an early king of the twelfth dynasty, some time anterior to the usurpation of the Hyksos. Hebrew When Pharaoh’sפַרְעֹ֔ה (p̄ar·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings officials שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince saw וַיִּרְא֤וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see [Sarai], אֹתָהּ֙ (’ō·ṯāh) Direct object marker | third person feminine singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case they commended וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ (way·hal·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1984: To shine her to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to [him], פַּרְעֹ֑ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings and she הָאִשָּׁ֖ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female was taken וַתֻּקַּ֥ח (wat·tuq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - QalPass - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3947: To take into the palace בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Pharaoh. פַּרְעֹֽה׃ (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings Links Genesis 12:15 NIVGenesis 12:15 NLT Genesis 12:15 ESV Genesis 12:15 NASB Genesis 12:15 KJV Genesis 12:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 12:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 12:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 12:15 French Bible Genesis 12:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 12:15 The princes of Pharaoh saw her (Gen. 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