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Book of Genesis - Chapter 12 - Verse 13

12:13
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.

Meaning

In this verse from Genesis chapter 12, Abraham, out of fear for his own life, asks his wife Sarah to pretend to be his sister when they enter a foreign land. This deceitful act was a common practice in that time to protect oneself from harm or to gain favor with powerful rulers. By presenting Sarah as his sister, Abraham hoped that he would be treated well and that his life would be spared. This verse highlights the lengths to which Abraham was willing to go to ensure his own safety, even at the expense of his wife's well-being. Despite the questionable morality of his actions, Abraham trusted that by Sarah portraying herself as his sister, they would both be spared from harm. It also reveals Abraham's reliance on Sarah and the importance of their relationship in his life. This verse brings to light the complex moral dilemmas faced by biblical figures and prompts readers to reflect on the ethical implications of their decisions.

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