Pharaoh (Genesis 12:15)
The name Pharaoh means “that disperses; that spoils.” Pharaoh is mentioned in 4 verses of the Bible, first in Genesis 12:15.
Who was Pharaoh?
The Pharaoh who was on the throne when Abram went down into Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20) was probably one of the Hyksos, or “shepherd kings.” The Egyptians called the nomad tribes of Syria Shasu, “plunderers,” their king or chief Hyk, and hence the name of those invaders who conquered the native kings and established a strong government, with Zoan or Tanis as their capital. They were of Semitic origin, and of kindred blood accordingly with Abram. They were probably driven forward by the pressure of the Hittites. The name they bear on the monuments is “Mentiu.”
Biography adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain, linked via Theographic Bible Metadata.
Key verses about Pharaoh
- Genesis 12:15
The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.
- Genesis 12:17
And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.
- Genesis 12:18
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?
- Genesis 12:20
And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.
Timeline of Pharaoh's life
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920 BC | Abraham goes to Egypt |
| 1920 BC | Sojourn in Canaan and Egypt |