Genesis 18:10

KJV

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I will certainly {H7725} return {H7725} unto thee according to the time {H6256} of life {H2416}; and, lo, Sarah {H8283} thy wife {H802} shall have a son {H1121}. And Sarah {H8283} heard {H8085} it in the tent {H168} door {H6607}, which was behind him {H310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I will certainly return to you around this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."Sarah heard him from the entrance of the tent, behind him.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:10 records the pivotal moment when the Lord, appearing to Abraham at Mamre, definitively declared that Sarah, despite her advanced age and barrenness, would conceive and bear a son within the span of a year. This divine pronouncement, overheard by Sarah from within the tent, served as a powerful reaffirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promise, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Isaac and further demonstrating God's sovereignty over all natural limitations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a profound and intimate divine visitation at the oaks of Mamre, where the Lord, accompanied by two angels, appears to Abraham in human form. The preceding verses (Genesis 18:1-8) describe Abraham's exemplary hospitality towards these mysterious visitors, unknowingly entertaining angels. Following this gracious reception, the conversation shifts to the core purpose of the visit: the reaffirmation of the covenant promise concerning a son. The declaration in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "The Lord's Promise to Abraham and Sarah") directly precedes Sarah's internal reaction of disbelief and laughter, which is immediately challenged by the Lord in [Genesis 18:12-15](/genesis/18-12-15 "Sarah's Laughter and God's Question"), highlighting the tension between human skepticism and divine omnipotence. This entire episode serves as a crucial turning point, moving the promise from a general assurance to a specific, imminent fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, barrenness was often considered a great misfortune or even a curse, carrying significant social stigma. The continuity of a family line through male heirs was paramount, ensuring inheritance, perpetuating the family name, and providing security in old age. Abraham and Sarah, being elderly and childless, faced a seemingly insurmountable biological barrier to the fulfillment of God's promise. Abraham was 99 years old, and Sarah was 89, well past the age of childbearing. This context amplifies the miraculous nature of the divine promise, demonstrating that God's power transcends all human biological and social norms. The setting, a tent encampment, reflects the nomadic lifestyle of Abraham and his household, where daily life revolved around hospitality and communal living, making Sarah's discreet position "in the tent door" a culturally plausible detail for overhearing conversations.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant Promises**, as God reiterates His commitment to Abraham despite the natural impossibility of the situation. It powerfully illustrates **God's Supernatural Power and Sovereignty**, demonstrating His ability to bring life from barrenness and to fulfill His purposes regardless of human limitations, a theme echoed in [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible"). The verse also introduces the theme of **God's Appointed Time**, emphasizing that divine plans unfold according to a precise, perfect schedule, not human expectations. Finally, Sarah's overhearing of the promise, leading to her subsequent laughter, introduces the theme of **Human Doubt versus Divine Certainty**, a recurring motif in the journey of faith for Abraham and Sarah, as seen in [Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Laughter") and [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Sarah's Laughter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 18:10 presents a concise yet powerful divine declaration: "And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to say," but with a broad latitude, encompassing appointing, commanding, declaring, and promising. Here, it denotes a definitive and authoritative declaration from the Lord, not merely a casual remark. Its usage emphasizes the divine origin and certainty of the pronouncement.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This word means "to turn back," or "to return." In this context, it signifies a literal return of the Lord to Abraham's tent, but it also carries the weight of a divine appointment. The repetition of the root (used twice in the KJV translation "certainly return") underscores the absolute certainty and reliability of this promised future visit, which will coincide with the fulfillment of the promise.
* **life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from the root "to live," this word means "alive," "living," or "life." In the phrase "time of life" (`kā'ēt ḥayyāh`), it refers to the cyclical, living time, specifically indicating a year's duration. More profoundly, it alludes to the very essence of life itself—the miraculous new life that will emerge from Sarah, a testament to God's life-giving power.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This fundamental Hebrew word refers to a "son" (as a builder of the family name), encompassing a wide range of literal and figurative relationships. Here, it unequivocally refers to a male child. The declaration that Sarah "shall have a son" is the direct, unambiguous core of the promise, signifying the continuation of Abraham's lineage and the fulfillment of the covenant through this specific offspring.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life;"**: The speaker is the Lord Himself, one of the three mysterious visitors to Abraham. His declaration of return is not a mere social pleasantry but a divinely appointed and certain future event. The phrase "according to the time of life" (`kā'ēt ḥayyāh`) precisely indicates "at this time next year" or "at this living time," signifying a definite and fixed point in the future—approximately one year from that moment—when the promise would be fulfilled. This precision underscores God's sovereignty over time and His meticulous planning.
* **"and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son."**: This is the unequivocal core of the divine promise. The interjection "lo" (behold) serves to draw immediate attention to the extraordinary nature of the announcement. Despite Sarah's advanced age and barrenness, the Lord declares with absolute certainty that she will bear a son. This statement highlights God's ability to transcend all human and natural limitations, bringing forth life where it is humanly impossible, directly fulfilling the earlier covenant promises made to Abraham regarding his offspring.
* **"And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him."**: This detail is crucial for the unfolding narrative. Sarah's physical location, positioned discreetly just inside the tent entrance and behind the speaker, allows her to overhear this intimate and profound divine conversation. Her overhearing of this specific, miraculous promise directly precipitates her internal reaction of doubt and laughter, which is then immediately addressed by the Lord in the subsequent verses. This sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's knowledge of human hearts and His unwavering certainty in His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the precise declaration of Isaac's birth sets the stage for the miraculous event and the subsequent development of the Abrahamic covenant through him. The phrase "according to the time of life" uses **Figurative Language** to convey a specific timeframe, implying a natural cycle (a year) but in the context of a supernatural event. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** for the reader, who knows the outcome, while Sarah, in her hidden position, is about to react with disbelief to a truth that will soon manifest. The entire interaction is framed as **Divine Speech**, emphasizing the authority, certainty, and performative power of God's word, which brings into being what it declares.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Genesis 18:10 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His word is not subject to human limitations or natural impossibilities. Even when circumstances seem utterly bleak or contradictory to His word, God remains true to His character and His declared intentions. This verse also serves as a potent testament to God's absolute sovereignty and miraculous power; He is not bound by human biology or the laws of nature, but can bring life from barrenness and accomplish His will in ways that defy human comprehension. Furthermore, the phrase "according to the time of life" highlights the concept of God's perfect timing, assuring believers that His plans unfold precisely when and how He intends, even if our patience is tested. Sarah's hidden position and subsequent reaction also subtly introduce the tension between human doubt and divine certainty, a theme that will be resolved through God's miraculous intervention.

* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible")
* [Hebrews 11:11](/hebrews/11-11 "Sarah's Faith and the Power of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:10 offers profound encouragement and vital lessons for believers navigating the complexities of faith and life today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are absolutely trustworthy and will be fulfilled, regardless of how insurmountable our personal circumstances or the world's challenges may appear. When faced with situations that seem humanly impossible—whether in our health, finances, relationships, or spiritual growth—this verse calls us to remember that God's power transcends all natural laws and limitations. He is the God who brings life from barrenness, hope from despair, and fulfillment from what seems like an endless wait. It also teaches us the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing; His "time of life" is always the right time, even if it doesn't align with our impatient desires. Our role is to remain faithful, even when doubt creeps in, knowing that the God who promised is faithful to perform His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" promises or hopes are you holding onto today, and how does this verse encourage your faith?**
* **How does Sarah's initial reaction of doubt, despite God's clear promise, resonate with your own experiences of faith and skepticism?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's perfect timing, trusting that He acts "according to the time of life"?**

### FAQ
**What does "according to the time of life" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "according to the time of life" translates the Hebrew `kā'ēt ḥayyāh` (כעת חיה), which literally means "at this living time" or "at the time of life." It is universally understood to signify "at this time next year," implying a precise, annual cycle for the fulfillment of the promise. This specific timeframe underscores that God's plan for Isaac's birth was not vague or distant but had a definite, imminent, and divinely appointed timeline, demonstrating His meticulous sovereignty over all events.

**Why is Sarah's position in the tent significant?**

Answer: Sarah's position "in the tent door, which was behind him," is highly significant because it places her as an unseen, yet direct, auditor of the divine promise. Her overhearing the declaration that she would have a son directly leads to her internal reaction of disbelief and laughter, which is then immediately addressed by the Lord in the subsequent verses, specifically [Genesis 18:12-15](/genesis/18-12-15 "Sarah's Laughter and God's Question"). This detail sets the stage for a crucial dialogue about the nature of faith, God's omniscience (knowing Sarah's thoughts), and His omnipotence in overcoming human skepticism and natural barriers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of Isaac, promised by the Lord in [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "The Promise of Isaac's Birth"), serves as a profound prefigurement of the ultimate Son of Promise, Jesus Christ. Isaac, born supernaturally to elderly, barren parents, defied natural human limitations, much like Jesus' conception and birth, which were also miraculous, bypassing human fatherhood ([Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "The Birth of Jesus Christ")). Just as God's covenant with Abraham was established and continued through Isaac, the greater, eternal covenant of grace is established and fulfilled through Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, in whom all the nations of the earth are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham and His Seed")). God's power to bring life from barrenness in Sarah points to His divine ability to bring spiritual life and salvation to a humanity spiritually barren and dead in sin ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ")). This divine intervention, occurring "according to the time of life," foreshadows the perfect timing of Christ's incarnation and redemptive work, enacted "in the fullness of time" to accomplish salvation ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "God Sent His Son")). Thus, Isaac's birth is a powerful type, pointing to the greater miracle of Christ's coming and His power to bring new life to all who believe.

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

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.

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Romans 9:8

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Romans 9:9

For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.

2 Kings 4:16

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

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

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.