Genesis 12:16 kjv

And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

Genesis 12:16 nkjv

He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Genesis 12:16 niv

He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

Genesis 12:16 esv

And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Genesis 12:16 nlt

Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her ? sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.

Genesis 12 verses

Genesis 12 16 Meaning

Genesis 12:16 describes the substantial material possessions bestowed upon Abram by Pharaoh as a direct consequence of Sarai being taken into Pharaoh's house, under the mistaken belief she was Abram's sister. This verse illustrates Abram's significant initial acquisition of wealth, paradoxically obtained through an act of deception rather than direct divine grant, yet permitted by God's overarching providence. It sets the stage for Abram's journey and future prominence, establishing his material basis.

Genesis 12 16 Context

Genesis chapter 12 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, introducing Abram (later Abraham) and God's call for him to leave his homeland for a land God would show him. God makes sweeping covenant promises to Abram: to make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, bless those who bless him, curse those who curse him, and through him, bless all the families of the earth. Immediately following these grand promises, Abram, facing a famine, goes down to Egypt. Fearing for his life because of his wife Sarai's beauty, he instructs her to say she is his sister. Pharaoh hears of Sarai, takes her into his house, and in a customary act of diplomatic goodwill or compensation, lavishes gifts upon Abram for her sake. This verse directly precedes the divine intervention where the Lord sends plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai (Gen 12:17), leading to Sarai's return and Abram's departure from Egypt.

Historically and culturally, a pharaoh in ancient Egypt was the ultimate authority, and his word was law. Gift-giving was a significant practice for diplomacy, honor, and securing alliances or compensation in the ancient Near East. Livestock, servants, and beasts of burden were primary forms of wealth, representing economic power, labor, and mobility for nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples. The specific mention of various animals and servants paints a vivid picture of substantial wealth accumulation consistent with the status expected of a person given favorable treatment by a great ruler.

Genesis 12 16 Word analysis

• And he dealt well with (וַיֵּיטֶב - wayyêṭeḇ): From the root יטב (yaṭav), meaning "to do good, to make pleasant, to prosper." It indicates Pharaoh’s actions towards Abram were benevolent and advantageous, leading to prosperity. This phrase suggests an intentional, positive action taken by Pharaoh in exchange for Sarai's presence.
• Abram (אַבְרָם - ʾaḻrām): The original name of Abraham, meaning "exalted father." The narrative centers on his unfolding story as the patriarch of God's chosen people.
• for her sake (בַּעֲבוּרָהּ - baʿăḇûrâh): Literally, "on account of her," referring to Sarai. This phrase explicitly states the direct motivation for Pharaoh's gifts—they were a result of Sarai being brought into his household. This emphasizes the consequence of Abram's deceptive plan.
• he had (וַיְהִי - wayhî): "And there was to him," indicating possession and the result of Pharaoh’s dealings. This denotes the new assets Abram acquired.
• sheep (צֹאן - ṣōn): A collective term for flocks, including both sheep and goats. These animals were fundamental to the ancient economy, providing meat, milk, wool, and skins. They represented liquid wealth and sustenance for a nomadic people.
• oxen (בָּקָר - bāqār): Large cattle. Essential for plowing, labor, food, and as sacrifices. A significant indicator of agricultural wealth and productivity.
• he asses (חֲמֹרִים - ḥămōrîm): Male donkeys. Valuable as pack animals for transport, especially in trade, and for general labor. Their presence signifies economic utility.
• menservants (עֲבָדִים - ʿăvādîm): Male servants or slaves. A key indicator of a household's size, labor force, and status. These individuals managed the livestock, performed manual labor, and protected the family's assets.
• maidservants (שְׁפָחֹת - šĕp̄āḥōṯ): Female servants or bondwomen. Like menservants, they augmented the household labor force, contributing to various domestic and possibly pastoral tasks. The later story of Hagar (Gen 16) arises from this group.
• she asses (אֲתֹנֹת - ʾăṯōnōṯ): Female donkeys. Valued for breeding and milk production, and often preferred for riding due to their smoother gait. Their specific mention highlights the comprehensive nature of the gifts and their full economic utility.
• camels (גְּמַלִּים - gəmallîm): Dromedary camels, crucial for long-distance travel and trade across arid regions. Their possession signifies significant wealth and capacity for extended journeys, particularly important for Abram's nomadic lifestyle. Their mention here signifies a prominent and valuable asset, facilitating wide-ranging movements.

Words-group analysis:

• "And he dealt well with Abram for her sake": This phrase introduces an ironic twist. Pharaoh’s generosity is motivated by a deceptive pretense, not genuine admiration for Abram or recognition of his calling. It shows God’s providential hand working even through human deceit to fulfill His broader purpose of blessing Abram.
• "and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels": This comprehensive enumeration of assets provides a vivid inventory of the foundational components of wealth in the ancient Near East. It portrays Abram as receiving not just a few gifts, but an extensive estate that positioned him as a wealthy and influential patriarch, fulfilling in part God's promise to bless him materially (Gen 12:2). This detailed list also emphasizes the economic power and self-sufficiency crucial for a mobile group.

Genesis 12 16 Bonus section

• The irony in this verse lies in Abram's increase in wealth due to an act of faithlessness (his lie about Sarai being his sister), demonstrating God's sovereign ability to protect and provide for His people even when they falter. This shows God's covenant promises are ultimately secure in His faithfulness, not human perfection.
• The extensive list of animals and servants details the very components necessary for survival, travel, and prosperity in a semi-nomadic society. This was not mere ornament but vital economic and logistical support, underscoring the functional significance of the gifts.
• This material blessing, acquired at the outset of Abram's wanderings, also sets the stage for future narratives involving Lot's separation from Abram due to their immense combined possessions (Gen 13:5-6), further solidifying Abram’s status as a blessed and wealthy leader.

Genesis 12 16 Commentary

Genesis 12:16 encapsulates a profound moment where divine promise intersects with human imperfection and providence. Though Abram acted out of fear and deceit regarding Sarai, God's protection and overarching plan for blessing Him remained. Pharaoh, unknowingly honoring God's chosen, lavished upon Abram an array of wealth – livestock and servants – that significantly amplified his material possessions. This enrichment, despite its problematic origin, served to equip Abram for the patriarchal journey ahead, demonstrating God’s ability to work through complex human situations. The verse foreshadows the later "plundering of the Egyptians" by Israel during the Exodus (Exod 12:35-36), where a subsequent Egyptian power also contributed to the material wealth of God's people as they left the land. This instance highlights that God can leverage even adverse or misguided human actions to achieve His divine purposes and manifest His covenant faithfulness, providing abundantly for His servant Abram.