Genesis 17:17

KJV

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Abraham {H85} fell {H5307} upon his face {H6440}, and laughed {H6711}, and said {H559} in his heart {H3820}, Shall a child be born {H3205} unto him that is an hundred {H3967} years {H8141} old {H1121}? and shall Sarah {H8283}, that is ninety {H8673} years {H8141} old {H1323}, bear {H3205}?

Complete Jewish Bible

At this Avraham fell on his face and laughed - he thought to himself, "Will a child be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah give birth at ninety?"

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?”

American Standard Version

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 17:17 captures Abraham's complex and deeply human response to God's astonishing covenant promise of a son through Sarah, despite their advanced ages of one hundred and ninety, respectively. His initial posture of prostration signifies profound reverence and submission to the divine, while his subsequent laughter and internal questioning reveal a natural, yet profound, human astonishment and incredulity at a divine declaration that defied all biological and natural expectations, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, immediately following the divine re-affirmation of the covenant and the renaming of Abram to Abraham ("father of a multitude") and Sarai to Sarah ("princess"). Crucially, God has just specified that the promised heir will come through Sarah, not through Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar. This divine decree, coming after years of waiting and Abraham's own attempt to fulfill the promise through Ishmael (see [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael")), sets the stage for Abraham's multifaceted reaction. The promise is made even more astounding by the explicit mention of Abraham's age (100) and Sarah's (90), highlighting the human impossibility of the divine promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and progeny were paramount, signifying blessing, legacy, and continuity. To be childless was often considered a curse or a sign of divine displeasure. The concept of a covenant, a binding agreement, was also well-understood, often involving solemn oaths and rituals. However, a covenant initiated unilaterally by a powerful deity, promising what was naturally impossible, would have been truly extraordinary. The ages of Abraham and Sarah (100 and 90) were considered far beyond the natural childbearing years, even in a time when lifespans were longer than today. This context underscores the radical nature of God's promise, which transcended all cultural and biological norms, demanding a supernatural act of creation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 17:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that God's plans are not constrained by human limitations or natural laws. What is impossible for humanity is entirely possible for God. It also deepens the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, showing His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human doubt or the passage of time. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Laughter** as a complex human response to divine revelation, foreshadowing the name of the promised son, Isaac, which means "he laughs." This laughter, whether of astonishment, joy, or initial incredulity, becomes a perpetual reminder of God's miraculous intervention, contrasting with earlier human attempts to secure the promise through natural means (e.g., [Genesis 16:1-4](/genesis/16-1-4 "Hagar and Ishmael")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Upon hearing God's astonishing and seemingly impossible promise, Abraham's reaction is portrayed as a profound and deeply human mixture of reverence and incredulity.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, "fell upon his face" (H6440, _pânîym_, meaning "face" or "presence") denotes a posture of profound humility, reverence, and submission before a superior being. It is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's majesty and authority, indicating that despite the human impossibility of the promise, Abraham recognized the divine source and power behind the words. This physical act precedes and contextualizes his internal reaction.
* **Laughed (Hebrew, _tsâchaq'_):** This primitive root means "to laugh outright," encompassing merriment, scorn, or even sporting/playing. In Abraham's case, coupled with his subsequent internal question, this laughter is generally interpreted not as mocking derision, but as an expression of overwhelming astonishment, disbelief, and perhaps an overwhelmed sense of the miraculous absurdity from a purely human perspective. It underscores the vast chasm between human limitations and divine omnipotence, a spontaneous overflow of emotion in response to the unfathomable.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term refers to the innermost being, encompassing feelings, will, and intellect. When Abraham "said in his heart," it indicates an internal monologue, a thought process or question that was not voiced aloud to God but remained within his private thoughts. This reveals the personal struggle and processing of the divine promise, a moment of intimate reflection where his human understanding grappled with God's supernatural declaration. It highlights the authenticity of his reaction, a mixture of reverence and human rationalization.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Abraham fell upon his face,"**: This initial action signifies Abraham's immediate and profound reverence for God. Despite the shocking nature of the promise, his first response is one of humble submission and worship, acknowledging the divine presence and authority. It sets a tone of awe before his subsequent internal struggle.
* **"and laughed,"**: This laughter is a spontaneous, deeply human reaction to the incredible nature of God's promise. It is not necessarily scornful but rather an expression of utter astonishment and incredulity, a visceral response to something so far beyond human comprehension or natural possibility. It marks the moment where human logic is confronted by divine omnipotence.
* **"and said in his heart,"**: This phrase indicates that Abraham's subsequent question was an internal thought, a private wrestling within his mind and spirit, rather than an open challenge to God. It reveals the depth of his processing and the personal nature of his struggle to reconcile the divine promise with the physical realities of his and Sarah's advanced ages.
* **"Shall [a child] be born unto him that is an hundred years old?"**: This rhetorical question expresses Abraham's astonishment and highlights the biological impossibility of the promise from his human perspective. It underscores the vast age gap between himself and the possibility of fatherhood, emphasizing the miraculous nature of what God was proposing.
* **"and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?"**: This parallel question further emphasizes the human impossibility, focusing on Sarah's advanced age and the cessation of her childbearing capacity. By mentioning both his and Sarah's ages, Abraham articulates the full scope of the natural barrier that God's promise was set to overcome, making the divine intervention even more profound.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Abraham's posture of profound reverence ("fell upon his face") with his immediate, deeply human reaction of laughter and incredulous questioning. This highlights the tension between faith and human understanding. The **rhetorical questions** ("Shall [a child] be born...?") serve not as genuine inquiries seeking information, but as expressions of astonishment and disbelief, emphasizing the seemingly impossible nature of the promise from a human perspective. Furthermore, the mention of specific ages (one hundred and ninety) functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, underscoring the extreme improbability and thus the miraculous nature of the impending birth. Finally, the **foreshadowing** of Isaac's name ("he laughs") is subtly woven into Abraham's reaction, connecting this moment of human incredulity to the future joy and fulfillment of God's promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 17:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him. It powerfully illustrates the absolute **omnipotence and sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that His divine will and promises are not constrained by human limitations, biological realities, or the passage of time. What is utterly impossible from a human perspective is entirely within the realm of God's creative power. Abraham's reaction, a blend of reverence and human incredulity, also offers a nuanced insight into the **nature of faith**. True faith is not necessarily the absence of questions, doubt, or astonishment, but rather a trust in God's character and power that coexists with the struggle to comprehend His ways. It is a journey where human frailty meets divine faithfulness, and where God's promises are often fulfilled in ways that defy rational expectation, thereby magnifying His glory. This verse also sets the stage for the **miraculous birth of Isaac**, whose very name ("he laughs") will forever commemorate the extraordinary circumstances of his conception, turning human disbelief into divine joy and a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "With God, nothing is impossible")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 17:17 offers profound encouragement and a realistic portrayal of faith for believers today. It reminds us that God's promises and plans for our lives often extend far beyond what our human logic, experience, or capabilities can naturally conceive. When faced with seemingly impossible situations—whether in our personal lives, our families, or the broader world—or when confronted with divine assurances that defy our natural understanding, we can find solidarity with Abraham's complex reaction. His initial prostration teaches us to maintain a posture of reverence and submission to God's authority, even when His ways are unfathomable. His subsequent laughter and internal questioning affirm that it is human to struggle with the magnitude of God's power and the miraculous nature of His work. The verse ultimately teaches us to trust in God's boundless power and unwavering faithfulness, even when our minds grapple with the "how" of His promises. God delights in working beyond what we can imagine, demonstrating His glory and power precisely in our moments of human limitation, ensuring that what He has promised, He is also able to perform.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" promises or situations in your life are you currently struggling to believe God can fulfill?**
* **How can you cultivate a posture of reverence and submission even when you are wrestling with doubt or incredulity?**
* **In what ways has God demonstrated His power to work beyond your natural expectations in the past?**
* **How does Abraham's reaction encourage you to bring your honest questions and struggles to God, rather than hiding them?**

### FAQ
**Was Abraham's laughter a sign of disbelief or joy?**

Answer: Abraham's laughter in [Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Reaction to God's Promise") is best understood as a complex and deeply human reaction, a mixture of profound astonishment, incredulity, and perhaps even an overwhelming, spontaneous joy at the sheer impossibility and miraculous nature of God's promise. It is generally not interpreted as mocking or derisive disbelief, especially given that he first fell on his face in a posture of reverence and worship. His laughter is more akin to an expression of being utterly overwhelmed by the divine declaration, highlighting the human struggle to reconcile divine omnipotence with natural limitations.

**How does Abraham's laughter compare to Sarah's laughter in Genesis 18:12?**

Answer: While both Abraham and Sarah laugh at the promise of a child in their old age, their laughter carries subtle, yet significant, differences. Abraham's laughter in [Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Reaction to God's Promise") seems to be an expression of awe and incredulity, occurring after an act of worship and expressed in his heart. Sarah's laughter in [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Sarah's laughter"), however, is explicitly described as being "within herself" and is met with a direct challenge from the Lord: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" This divine questioning suggests a more skeptical or cynical form of disbelief on Sarah's part, as she attempts to deny her laughter. Ultimately, both instances of laughter contribute to the profound significance of the promised son's name, Isaac ("he laughs"), serving as a perpetual reminder of the extraordinary circumstances of his birth and God's faithfulness.

**Why is the name Isaac significant in light of this verse?**

Answer: The name Isaac (Hebrew: *Yitzchak*), meaning "he laughs" or "laughter," is profoundly significant because it directly commemorates the extraordinary circumstances of his birth. It serves as a perpetual memorial to both Abraham's and Sarah's initial human reactions of astonishment and incredulity to God's seemingly impossible promise. More importantly, the name ultimately points to the great joy and laughter that God brought into their lives by miraculously fulfilling His word. Isaac's name transforms human doubt into divine triumph, underscoring that God's promises, even when they defy human logic and evoke initial disbelief, ultimately bring about profound joy, fulfillment, and a testament to His unwavering power and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of Isaac, born to Abraham and Sarah who were well beyond natural childbearing age, serves as a powerful Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate divine intervention in human history: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Just as Isaac's conception and birth defied all natural expectation and human possibility, so too the virgin birth of Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit, represents God's sovereign power to bring forth new life and salvation in ways that transcend all human limitations and natural laws (see [Luke 1:34-37](/luke/1-34-37 "The Annunciation to Mary")). Isaac, the son of promise, was the heir through whom God's covenant blessings flowed, ultimately leading to the very lineage of Christ, the true Son of Promise. In Christ, the "laughter" born of human incredulity finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment, as He brings eternal life, joy, and reconciliation to all who believe. He is the ultimate demonstration that "with God nothing will be impossible" ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "The angel's words to Mary")), and through Him, all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The seemingly impossible promise to Abraham finds its climactic and joyful reality in the person and work of Jesus, who brings about a new creation and an eternal inheritance for all who are called by His name (see [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "The inheritance of believers in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 11:16

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

Genesis 18:12

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Genesis 21:6

And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, [so that] all that hear will laugh with me.

John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Romans 4:19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: