Pharaoh פַּרְעֹה
Egyptian ruler during Abraham's visit
Who is Pharaoh in the Bible?
Pharaoh in the Bible refers to the Egyptian ruler who encountered Abraham and his wife Sarah during their journey to Egypt around the time of a famine (Genesis 12:15-20). When Abraham entered Egypt, he instructed Sarah to claim she was his sister rather than his wife, fearing the Egyptians would kill him to take her because of her beauty. Pharaoh subsequently took Sarah into his palace, but God afflicted him and his household with plagues because of this arrangement. Upon discovering that Sarah was Abraham's wife, Pharaoh rebuked Abraham for his deception and sent them away with gifts and possessions. The specific identity of this Pharaoh remains unknown, as the Bible does not provide his individual name, using only the royal title "Pharaoh" to refer to him. This account demonstrates God's protection of His covenant promises and Abraham's faith being tested through deception and divine intervention.
Biography
This Pharaoh was the Egyptian ruler during the time of Abraham's visit to Egypt (Gen.12.10-20). When Abraham and his wife Sarah entered Egypt, Abraham asked Sarah to say that she was his sister, fearing that the Egyptians would kill him to take her, as she was very beautiful. As a result, Pharaoh took Sarah into his palace, believing her to be unmarried. However, God afflicted Pharaoh and his household with plagues because of Sarah. Pharaoh, realizing that Sarah was Abraham's wife, rebuked Abraham for his deception and sent them away with wealth and possessions. The Bible does not provide the specific name or historical identity of this Pharaoh, as the term "Pharaoh" was used as a title for Egyptian kings.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentGenesis 4 verses
- Genesis 12:15
"When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 12:17
"The LORD, however, afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife Sarai."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 12:18
"So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 12:20
"Then Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram, and they sent him away with his wife and all his possessions."
Study Genesis →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּרְעֹה | parĕʿōh | Paroh , a general title of Egyptian kings |