Genesis 21:2
Genesis 21:2 in Multiple Translations
So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Sarah became with child, and gave Abraham a son when he was old, at the time named by God.
She became pregnant and had a son for Abraham when he was old, at the exact time God said she would.
For Sarah conceiued, and bare Abraham a sonne in his olde age, at the same season that God tolde him.
and Sarah conceiveth, and beareth a son to Abraham, to his old age, at the appointed time that God hath spoken of with him;
Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And she conceived and bore a son in her old age, at the time that God had foretold her.
She became pregnant and gave birth to a son for Abraham when he was very old, at the time God promised it would happen.
and a baby started to grow inside her. Then that baby boy was born at the time that God said he would be born. Abraham was an old man, and that baby was a son for Abraham.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:2
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 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּהַר֩
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶד
שָׂרָ֧ה
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֛ם
בֵּ֖ן
לִ/זְקֻנָ֑י/ו
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֕ד
אֲשֶׁר
דִּבֶּ֥ר
אֹת֖/וֹ
אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/תַּהַר֩
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שָׂרָ֧ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֛ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Prep | N-proper
בֵּ֖ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
לִ/זְקֻנָ֑י/ו
zâqun
H2208
extreme age
Prep | N-mp | Suff
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֕ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:2
וַ/תַּהַר֩
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
וַ/תֵּ֨לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
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.
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֛ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
Prep | 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.
בֵּ֖ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לִ/זְקֻנָ֑י/ו
zâqun
H2208
"extreme age"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word denotes extreme old age, signifying a life well-lived and a wealth of knowledge, as seen in the life of Abraham in Genesis 25:8. It emphasizes the value of age and experience.
Definition: old age, extreme old age
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: old age. See also: Genesis 21:2; Genesis 37:3; Genesis 44:20.
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֕ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
- Sermons on Genesis 21:2
Context — The Birth of Isaac
1Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised.
2So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.
3And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. 4When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 4:22 | For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:11 | By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. |
| 3 | Genesis 18:10 | Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. |
| 4 | Luke 1:36 | Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. |
| 5 | Luke 1:24–25 | After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” |
| 6 | Genesis 18:14 | Is 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.” |
| 7 | Genesis 17:19 | But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. |
| 8 | Acts 7:8 | Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. |
| 9 | Genesis 17:21 | But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” |
| 10 | 2 Kings 4:16–17 | And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. |
Genesis 21:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Sarah, Abraham's wife, had a baby boy, just like God had promised. This was a miracle because Sarah was very old, but God kept His word and did what He said He would do. This shows us that God is faithful and can do amazing things, even when it seems impossible, as we also see in Jeremiah 32:17 and Luke 1:37. It reminds us to trust in God's promises and timing, just like Abraham and Sarah did, and to wait on Him, even when things seem uncertain or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Sarah conceiving in her old age?
This miracle demonstrates God's faithfulness and power, as He had promised Abraham and Sarah a son despite their advanced age, as seen in Genesis 18:14 and Romans 4:19-21.
How does this verse relate to God's promise to Abraham?
This verse shows that God is a promise-keeper, fulfilling His word to Abraham at the exact time He had specified, highlighting His trustworthiness and sovereignty, as emphasized in Genesis 18:10 and Hebrews 11:11.
What does this verse teach us about faith and waiting on God?
This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and promises, even when they seem impossible or delayed, as Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of God's promise, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Psalm 27:14.
How does the birth of Isaac point to the coming of Jesus Christ?
Isaac's birth, as a miracle and a fulfillment of God's promise, foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, who was also born of a woman and was the fulfillment of God's promises to humanity, as seen in Galatians 3:16 and Luke 1:54-55.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promises and timing, just like Abraham and Sarah did?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in this verse to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and promises, even when things seem impossible or uncertain?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of waiting on God and trusting in His plan, rather than trying to take matters into my own hands?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:2
For Sarah conceived,.... This explains what is meant by the Lord's visiting her, and doing to her according to his word, see Hebrews 11:11; and bare Abraham a son in his old age; which circumstance
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:2
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
In his old age, or, for his old age, i.e. for the comfort of his old age.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
Genesis 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.Ver. 2. For Sarah conceived.] By the force of her faith, though at first she faltered. And bare Abraham a son in his old age.] Beatae senectutis et emeritae fidei filium , as one well calleth Isaac. St Paul, for this, saith he was "born after the Spirit". Bucholcer.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:2
2. in his old age] Cf. Genesis 21:7, Genesis 18:11, Genesis 24:36, Genesis 37:3, Genesis 44:20 (al+l from J); meaning literally “to his old age.” at the set time] Cf. Genesis 17:21 (P). It is to this verse that allusion is made in Hebrews 11:11, “by faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:2
2. At the set time — See Genesis 17:21.
Sermons on Genesis 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Kings 16-18 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and his encounter with King Ahab. He emphasizes the power of one person with God, using Elijah as an example. The preach |
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(Genesis) Genesis 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believers having two natures - an old nature and a new nature. He explains that before conversion, the old nature controls a p |
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(Genesis) Genesis 25:19-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rebecca and her struggle with barrenness. He highlights the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the spirit |
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(Through the Bible) Galatians 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being under the law and how it relates to our relationship with God. He explains that before Jesus came, humanity was in bondag |
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Isaac by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher recounts the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. He describes how Abraham obediently takes his son Isaac to be sacrificed on an altar, but just as Abr |
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Descendents of David & Abraham - Jim Cymbala by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both fully man and fully divine. He highlights how Jesus, despite being the promised Messiah, did not fit the pre |
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The Patriarchs of Faith by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of faith as demonstrated by the patriarchs in Hebrews 11, illustrating how their lives reflect a divine power that transcends mere human vi |