Genesis 18:13
Genesis 18:13 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’
And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?
And the Lord said, Why was Sarah laughing and saying, Is it possible for me, being old, to give birth to a child?
The Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and ask, ‘How could it possibly be true that I'll have a child now I'm so old?’
And ye Lord saide vnto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah thus laugh, saying, Shall I certainely beare a childe, which am olde?
and Sarah laugheth in her heart, saying, 'After I have waxed old I have had pleasure! — my lord also [is] old!'
The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’
And the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I certainly bear a child, who am old?
And the Lord said to Abraham: Why did Sara laugh, saying: Shall I who am an old woman bear a child indeed?
Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why was she thinking, ‘I am too old, so how can I bear a child?’
God said, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say to herself, ‘I can’t have a baby now, I am too old’?
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 18:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
לָ֣/מָּה
זֶּה֩
צָחֲקָ֨ה
שָׂרָ֜ה
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
הַ/אַ֥ף
אֻמְנָ֛ם
אֵלֵ֖ד
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
זָקַֽנְתִּי
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זֶּה֩
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
צָחֲקָ֨ה
tsâchaq
H6711
to laugh
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
שָׂרָ֜ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H637
also
Part | Adv
אֻמְנָ֛ם
ʼumnâm
H552
truly
Adv
אֵלֵ֖ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
זָקַֽנְתִּי
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:13
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּה֩
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
צָחֲקָ֨ה
tsâchaq
H6711
"to laugh"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To laugh outright in joy or scorn, as seen in Genesis when Abraham laughed at God's promise. It implies a strong emotional response, often translated as 'laugh' or 'mock'.
Definition: 1) to laugh, mock, play 1a) (Qal) to laugh 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to jest 1b2) to sport, play, make sport, toy with, make a toy of
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: laugh, mock, play, make sport. See also: Genesis 17:17; Genesis 21:9; Judges 16:25.
שָׂרָ֜ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
N-proper
Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/אַ֥ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
Part | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
אֻמְנָ֛ם
ʼumnâm
H552
"truly"
Adv
This word means truly or verily, emphasizing the truth of something. It is used to confirm or affirm a statement, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used by authors to stress the certainty of their words.
Definition: verily, truly, indeed
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: in (very) deed; of a surety. See also: Genesis 18:13; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 58:2.
אֵלֵ֖ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
זָקַֽנְתִּי
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
- Sermons on Genesis 18:13
Context — Sarah Laughs at the Promise
11And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
12So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
13And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’
14Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” 15But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 2:25 | He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. |
Genesis 18:13 Summary
In Genesis 18:13, God asks Abraham about Sarah's laughter, showing that He is aware of her doubts and unbelief. This verse teaches us that God is all-knowing and cares about our thoughts and feelings, as also seen in Psalm 139:1-2. It also reminds us that God is capable of doing the impossible, as stated in Genesis 18:14, and that we should trust in His power and promises, just like Abraham and Sarah eventually did, as seen in Romans 4:20-21. By trusting in God's sovereignty and power, we can overcome our doubts and fears and experience His grace and mercy in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask Abraham about Sarah's laughter?
God asked Abraham about Sarah's laughter because He wanted to address her unbelief and doubt, as seen in Genesis 18:13, and to reassure her that nothing is too difficult for Him, as stated in Genesis 18:14.
Was Sarah's laughter a sign of faith or unbelief?
Sarah's laughter was a sign of unbelief, as she doubted her ability to bear a child at her old age, but God's response in Genesis 18:14 shows that He is capable of doing the impossible, as also seen in Jeremiah 32:17.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and power?
This verse shows that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, as He is aware of Sarah's thoughts and laughter, and is able to do what seems impossible to humans, as stated in Genesis 18:14 and also in Psalm 115:3.
What can we learn from Sarah's mistake?
We can learn from Sarah's mistake that doubting God's promises and abilities can hinder our faith and trust in Him, but God's grace and mercy can still work despite our doubts, as seen in Genesis 18:14 and Romans 3:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am doubting God's power and promises, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I, like Abraham and Sarah, trust God's timing and plan for my life, even when it seems impossible or unclear?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Genesis 18:14 and other Bible verses?
- In what ways can I, like Sarah, be honest with God about my doubts and fears, and how can I receive His reassurance and comfort?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:13
And the Lord said unto Abraham,.... This discovers who the person was that had been conversing with Abraham, that he was a divine Person, as appears by his name "Jehovah", as well as by his knowledge
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:13
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
Genesis 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?Ver. 13. Said to Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh?] The wife’ s sin reflects upon the husband. But Solomon shows that some wives are so intemperate and wilful, that a man may as well hide the wind in his fist, or oil in his hand, as restrain them from ill doing. Liberum arbitrium, pro quo tantopere contenditur, viri amiserunt, uxores arripuerunt , saith one wittily. Heidfeld.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
Verse 13. And the LORD (Jehovah) said, c.] So it appears that one of those three persons was Jehovah, and as this name is never given to any created being, consequently the ever-blessed God is intended and as he was never seen in any bodily shape, consequently the great Angel of the covenant, Jesus Christ, must be meant. See Clarke on Genesis 16:7.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:13
13. Wherefore did Sarah laugh?] The Divine nature of Abraham’s guest is shewn in His knowledge of Sarah’s thought, cf. Genesis 17:19. Here, for the first time, Abraham’s Visitant is identified with Jehovah.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:13
13. The Lord said — Here the speaker is expressly called Jehovah. He also shows his knowledge of the thoughts of Sarah, and in the next verse identifies himself with Jehovah, saying: “Is any thing too hard for Jehovah?
Sermons on Genesis 18:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Did Sarah Laugh? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the story of Sarah laughing at God's promise of a son, emphasizing the lesson of faith that God can do the impossible. Despite her disbelief due to her age |
|
(John - Part 23): Man's Accountability to God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of judgment and the role of Jesus Christ as the judge. He emphasizes that Jesus is qualified to be the judge because he seeks the g |
|
The Truth in Jesus (Part 2) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of sin and its consequences, particularly death. He emphasizes that the scripture reveals the reality of sin and its impact on th |