King James Version

What Does Genesis 12:20 Mean?

Genesis 12:20 in the King James Version says “And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.”

Genesis 12:20 · KJV

Context

18

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?

19

Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.

20

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he ... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְצַ֥ו1 of 12

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עָלָ֛יו2 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פַּרְעֹ֖ה3 of 12

“And Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֲנָשִׁ֑ים4 of 12
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֥וּ5 of 12

“concerning him and they sent him away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹת֛וֹ6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת7 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ8 of 12

“and his wife”

H802

a woman

וְאֶת9 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל10 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֽוֹ׃12 of 12
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 12:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 12:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:14-15Proverbs 21:1Exodus 18:271 Samuel 29:6-11

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