Definition: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 12:12. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God chooses to make a special connection between Abraham and his son, Isaac. It’s about a promise – a promise that God will bless and help Abraham with a child who will become a great leader and father of many nations. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore it shall come to pass…” : This is a prophecy – a prediction about what will happen . It's saying something significant is going to occur in the future. “…when the Egyptians shall see thee…” : This refers to the people of Egypt, who were powerful and controlling at the time. They were a major obstacle to Abraham’s journey and his potential to fulfill God’s plan. “…that they shall say, This [is] his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.” : This is the key part. The Egyptians interpret this as meaning that Abraham is destined to become a mother to Isaac (and eventually, many descendants). They see him as a woman – a pregnant woman – and believe that he will give birth to a child who will be killed. However, they will also save him alive. This highlights the incredible divine plan God has in store for Abraham. What it means practically: The Egyptians were a significant obstacle to the fulfillment of God's plan for Abraham. Their power and influence made it incredibly difficult for him to reach his destiny. This verse shows that God’s plan is powerful and can overcome even the mightiest forces – even those who are trying to hinder it. Symbolism: It’s often interpreted as a symbol of God's plan working through human events. It emphasizes that God’s purpose is not just about what happens, but also how He uses people and circumstances to achieve His will. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like a deeper dive into: The historical context of the story? The symbolism behind the phrase “this is his wife”?