Genesis 17:19

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.

And God {H430} said {H559}, Sarah {H8283} thy wife {H802} shall bear {H3205} thee a son {H1121} indeed {H61}; and thou shalt call {H7121} his name {H8034} Isaac {H3327}: and I will establish {H6965} my covenant {H1285} with him for an everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285}, and with his seed {H2233} after him {H310}.

God answered, "No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you are to call him Yitz'chak [laughter]. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

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.

And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.

Commentary

Genesis 17:19 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, marking a clear and specific declaration regarding the heir through whom the divine promises would be fulfilled. It directly addresses Abraham's previous attempt to fulfill the promise through Ishmael, unequivocally stating God's chosen path.

Context

This declaration comes after God has appeared to Abraham (then Abram) at 99 years old, establishing the covenant of circumcision and reiterating the promise of countless descendants. Abraham had previously laughed at the idea of having a son with Sarah (then Sarai), who was 90 years old (Genesis 17:17). Earlier, Abraham and Sarah had sought to fulfill God's promise of an heir through Hagar, leading to the birth of Ishmael. In this verse, God directly counters Abraham's implicit hope that Ishmael might be the promised heir (Genesis 17:18), making it clear that the covenant line would continue through Sarah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Specificity: God emphatically reaffirms His promise, not just generally, but with precise details: the mother will be Sarah, and the son's name will be Isaac. This underscores God's commitment to His word, even when human efforts or doubts arise.
  • Miraculous Birth: The birth of Isaac is presented as a divine miracle, demonstrating God's power to act beyond natural limitations and human expectation. It is a testament to His ability to bring life out of barrenness and old age, as also highlighted in Romans 4:19-21.
  • The Everlasting Covenant: The phrase "everlasting covenant" (Hebrew: b'rit olam) emphasizes the enduring and perpetual nature of God's commitment to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac. This covenant was not temporary but had eternal implications, ultimately pointing to the spiritual lineage of Christ.
  • God's Chosen Path: Despite Abraham's affection for Ishmael, God makes it clear that His divine plan for the covenant's continuation is through Isaac, establishing the specific lineage for the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The name Isaac (Hebrew: Yitzchak) literally means "he laughs" or "laughter." This name is deeply significant, reflecting Abraham's initial reaction of laughter when God announced Sarah's pregnancy at their advanced age (Genesis 17:17), and later Sarah's own incredulous laughter before the angel (Genesis 18:12). Upon Isaac's birth, Sarah exclaimed, "God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6), turning initial skepticism into joy and celebration.

Practical Application

Genesis 17:19 serves as a profound reminder that God's promises are sure and His plans will be accomplished, regardless of human limitations or attempts to expedite them outside of His will. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Trust in God's Timing: It teaches patience and reliance on God's perfect timing, rather than trying to force outcomes through human means.
  • Faith in the Impossible: It reinforces the truth that nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 1:37), inspiring faith even in seemingly hopeless situations.
  • Confidence in God's Covenant: It assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, which ultimately find their culmination in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:2 (6 votes)

    For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

  • Genesis 21:3 (6 votes)

    And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

  • Luke 1:13 (6 votes)

    But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

  • Luke 1:20 (6 votes)

    And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

  • 2 Kings 4:16 (5 votes)

    And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

  • 2 Kings 4:17 (5 votes)

    And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

  • Romans 9:6 (5 votes)

    ¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: