Genesis 18:15
Genesis 18:15 in Multiple Translations
But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Then Sarah said, I was not laughing; for she was full of fear. And he said, No, but you were laughing.
Sarah denied it because she was afraid, claiming, “I didn't laugh.” “Yes, you did laugh,” the Lord replied.
But Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not: for she was afraide. And he said, It is not so: for thou laughedst.
And Sarah denieth, saying, 'I did not laugh;' for she hath been afraid; and He saith, 'Nay, but thou didst laugh.'
Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Sara denied, saying: I did not laugh: for she was afraid. But the Lord said, Nay: but thou didst laugh:
Then Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But Yahweh said, “Don’t deny it! You did laugh.”
Sarah was frightened, and so she lied and said, “I didn’t laugh.” But God said, “That’s not true. You did laugh.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:15
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 18:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּכַחֵ֨שׁ
שָׂרָ֧ה
לֵ/אמֹ֛ר
לֹ֥א
צָחַ֖קְתִּי
כִּ֣י
יָרֵ֑אָה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
לֹ֖א
כִּ֥י
צָחָֽקְתְּ
וַ/תְּכַחֵ֨שׁ
kâchash
H3584
to deceive
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
שָׂרָ֧ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֛ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
צָחַ֖קְתִּי
tsâchaq
H6711
to laugh
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרֵ֑אָה
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צָחָֽקְתְּ
tsâchaq
H6711
to laugh
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:15
וַ/תְּכַחֵ֨שׁ
kâchash
H3584
"to deceive"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
To deceive or lie, as seen in Psalm 116:11 where the psalmist says all people are liars. It means to be untrue in word or deed, disappointing or failing others. This concept is also found in Proverbs 10:18.
Definition: 1) to deceive, lie, fail, grow lean, be disappointing, be untrue, be insufficient, be found liars, belie, deny, dissemble, deal falsely 1a) (Qal) to become lean 1b) (Niphal) to cringe, feign obedience 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to deceive, deny falsely 1c2) to act deceptively 1c3) to cringe 1c4) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hithpael) to cringe, feign obedience
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves. See also: Genesis 18:15; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 66:3.
שָׂרָ֧ה
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/אמֹ֛ר
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
צָחַ֖קְתִּי
tsâchaq
H6711
"to laugh"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרֵ֑אָה
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
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.
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
צָחָֽקְתְּ
tsâchaq
H6711
"to laugh"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
- Sermons on Genesis 18:15
Context — Sarah Laughs at the Promise
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.”
16When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off. 17And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 1:8 | If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:23 | to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; |
| 4 | Psalms 44:21 | would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? |
| 5 | John 2:25 | He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. |
| 6 | Job 2:10 | “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. |
| 7 | John 18:25–27 | Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed. |
| 8 | Proverbs 12:19 | Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. |
| 9 | Mark 2:8 | At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked. |
| 10 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
Genesis 18:15 Summary
This verse shows that Sarah was afraid and denied laughing when the Lord asked her about it, but the Lord gently corrected her and said that she did laugh. This teaches us that God knows our hearts and desires us to be honest with Him, even when we are struggling with doubt and fear (Psalm 139:1-2). The Lord's response to Sarah encourages us to trust in His power and promises, even when things seem impossible (Genesis 18:14). By being honest and humble, we can deepen our relationship with God and learn to trust in His goodness and love (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sarah afraid and denied laughing?
Sarah was afraid because she had been overheard by the Lord, and she knew that her laughter was a sign of unbelief, as seen in Genesis 18:13, where the Lord asks Abraham why Sarah laughed and said she could not bear a child at her age.
What does the Lord's response to Sarah reveal about His character?
The Lord's response to Sarah reveals that He is all-knowing, as He knew that Sarah had laughed, and that He is also a God of truth, who does not tolerate dishonesty, as seen in Psalm 119:160, where it says that the sum of Your word is truth.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and doubt?
This verse shows that faith and doubt can coexist, even in the hearts of believers, as Sarah's laughter and subsequent denial demonstrate, but the Lord's response encourages us to trust in His power and promises, as seen in Romans 4:20-21, where Abraham's faith is commended despite his initial doubt.
What can we learn from Sarah's mistake and the Lord's correction?
We can learn that honesty and humility are essential in our relationship with God, and that He desires us to trust in His goodness and power, even when we face seemingly impossible circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, where the prophet declares that nothing is too difficult for God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God, and how can I apply the lesson of Sarah's mistake to my own faith journey?
- How do I respond when God confronts me with my own doubts and fears, and what can I learn from Sarah's example?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and promises, even when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances?
- What role does honesty and humility play in my relationship with God, and how can I practice these virtues in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:15
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not,.... Some render the words, "Sarah lied" (z); and indeed it was no other than a lie, to say she did not laugh when she did; which she might be tempted to say
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:15
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
Sarah denied, from the sense of guilt, and the discovery of her shame, and the expectation of a sharp rebuke, both from this person, and from her husband.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
Genesis 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. Ver. 15. I laughed not: for she was afraid.] And well she might; for as everybody hath its shadow, so hath every sin its fear. Her sin she saw was detected, and her conscience she felt was troubled; hence her fear. Nay, but thou didst laugh.] A lie must be roundly reproved, and the truth asserted. She laughed but within herself, but as good she might have laughed out aloud; for God searcheth the heart. "I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was in my country? No, Jonah, it was not thy saying, it was only thy thinking: but that is all one before him who understandeth thy thoughts afar off".
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
(15) Sarah denied.—With strange inconsistency Sarah knows that the speaker is Divine, and that He perceived the thoughts that passed “within herself” in the retirement of the tent, and yet denies; but it was the inconsistency of fright. Struck with terror at the thought that she had ridiculed the promise of Jehovah, she offers no excuse, but takes refuge, as frightened people are apt to do, in falsehood. Gently reproved, the result was the building-up of her faith, just as Mary’s doubt was removed and her faith perfected by the angel’s words (Luke 1:34-37).
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:15
15. I laughed not] Sarah apparently emerges, in confusion and fear, to deny the guest’s statement. This occasions the fourth repetition of the word “laugh” in these four verses, by the short reply, “Nay, but thou didst laugh.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:15
15. She was afraid — The direct response to her thoughts, the searching words, the implied rebuke, the evidence from the words that the speaker was Jehovah, all this filled her with a sudden
Sermons on Genesis 18:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present |
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 1. in the Crucible of Suffering by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth test that Job faced, which was the counsel of his three friends. These friends, who were oriental philosophers, constantly implied |
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Biblical Assurance (Part 2) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of being truly born again and how to know if one is a genuine believer. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's lifestyle w |
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8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humilit |
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Apostasy/healing/prosperity? by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of |
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(1 John #18) in Prospect and Restrospect by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two important aspects of the Christian faith: hope and habit. He emphasizes the Christian hope, which is centered around the belief that Jes |