Genesis 12:10

“¶ And there was a famine in the land, and Abram went downe into Egypt, to soiourne there: for the famine was grieuous in the land.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




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Other Translations

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.
- King James Version

Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land.
- American Standard Version (1901)

And because there was little food to be had in that land, he went down into Egypt.
- Basic English Bible

And there was a famine in the land. And Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was grievous in the land.
- Darby Bible

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to dwell there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
- Webster's Bible

There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land.
- World English Bible

And there is a famine in the land, and Abram goeth down towards Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine [is] grievous in the land;
- Youngs Literal Bible

And there was a famine in the land; and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 12:10


12:10 And there was a famine in the land - Not only to punish the iniquity of the Canaanites, but to exercise the faith of Abram. Now he was tried whether he could trust the God that brought him to Canaan, to maintain him there, and rejoice in him as the God of his salvation, when the fig - tree did not blossom. And Abram went down into Egypt - See how wisely God provides, that there should be plenty in one place, when there was scarcity in another; that, as members of the great body, we may not say to one another, I have no need of you.


Discussion for Genesis 12

  • Rocky
    God was to make Abram the Father of a great nation.He himself would not see it, but his descendants would.
  • Milton kaluluma
    If we every word that our God tells us we will see the goodness of the Father in Heaven.
  • Nomagugu(MaNwabi) Rozani
    ENQUIRY God said He will show Abram the land where he must settle, but I don 't here anything about Canaan being a place where Abram was directed by God please may I have clarity.
  • Chisomo chipatala
    why God chose abram? We can say there was no any other prophet than abram in Haran
  • Dewey J
    Melchizedek, who many Christian and Theologians believe He was a manifestation of Jesus Christ himsel, a Theophany. Gen 14:8 says, he was King of Salem, which mean peace, and priest of the most high. Heb. 7:3 says, concerning this man that he is "without father, without mother, without descent having no beginning of days nor end of life but made like unto the Son of God abideth a Priest continually. The Scripture also says, the lesser Abram is blessed of the greater Melchizedek. May God bless us all and in the understanding of His Word.
  • Dewey J
    Jim, yes the bible is speaking of Israel because Abram grandson Jacob who name was changed to Israel by God was still in his grandfather 's loins is the person the nation is named after. The true subject is God, Jesus Christ our lord and Saviour, and the Holy Ghost. God said in Ezekiel 39:7 " So will I make my Holy name known midst of my people Israel ..... God bless us all and the understanding of His Word.

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