Genesis 18:11

KJV

Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Abraham {H85} and Sarah {H8283} were old {H2205} and well stricken {H935} in age {H3117}; and it ceased {H2308} to be with Sarah {H8283} after the manner {H734} of women {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years; Sarah was past the age of childbearing.

Berean Standard Bible

And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.

American Standard Version

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:11 serves as a pivotal verse, meticulously detailing the advanced age and biological state of both Abraham and Sarah, specifically noting Sarah's cessation of menstruation. This precise contextual anchor establishes the absolute natural impossibility of conception for the elderly couple, thereby profoundly magnifying the miraculous nature of God's subsequent promise and its eventual, faithful fulfillment in the birth of Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the Lord, appearing as one of three men, reiterates His covenant promise to Abraham that Sarah would bear a son within the coming year. Sarah, listening from inside the tent, overhears this declaration. Genesis 18:11 functions as a crucial narrative interjection, providing the reader with objective, biological information that underscores the profound challenge to the divine promise. It sets the stage for Sarah's subsequent, understandable laughter in [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Genesis 18:12 - Sarah's Response to the Promise"), highlighting the human perspective of incredulity in the face of such a supernatural claim, and prepares for the Lord's rhetorical question in [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, barrenness was often perceived as a significant misfortune, sometimes even a divine curse, and a source of great social shame for women. Children, especially sons, were vital for continuing the family line, inheriting property, and ensuring security in old age. Abraham and Sarah had lived for decades with this cultural burden, having previously attempted to address it through Hagar and Ishmael ([Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael")). At this point, Abraham was ninety-nine years old and Sarah eighty-nine, an age far beyond typical childbearing years, even in their long-lived patriarchal society. The explicit mention of Sarah's physical condition in this verse emphasizes the cultural and biological finality of their situation, making the divine promise of a son from a human perspective utterly inconceivable.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Abrahamic narrative and the broader book of Genesis. It powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating God's ability to transcend natural laws and human limitations to fulfill His purposes. The verse also underscores the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, emphasizing that His promises are not dependent on human ability or favorable circumstances, but solely on His character and power. Furthermore, it sets up the theme of **Faith in the Impossible**, as both Abraham and Sarah are challenged to believe in a promise that defies all natural expectation, a theme later elaborated upon in the New Testament regarding Abraham's faith in [Romans 4:19-21](/romans/4-19-21 "Romans 4:19-21 - Abraham's Unwavering Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 18:11 presents a stark statement of biological reality, meticulously setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine power. The KJV text states, "Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **old (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** This word (H2205) signifies being aged or ancient. Its use here for both Abraham and Sarah emphasizes their advanced years, indicating a natural decline in their physical capabilities, particularly concerning reproduction. It sets the stage for the biological impossibility of their conceiving a child naturally.
* **ceased (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be flabby" or "to desist" (H2308), this word explicitly indicates a definitive stopping or lacking. In this context, it refers to the complete cessation of Sarah's menstrual cycle, unequivocally confirming her post-menopausal state and the biological end of her childbearing years. This word leaves no ambiguity about her physical condition.
* **women (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This common word for "woman" (H802) is used here in the idiomatic phrase "after the manner of women." It refers to the regular physiological processes associated with a woman's reproductive cycle, specifically menstruation and the capacity for conception. The phrase "it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women" is a delicate but unambiguous reference to menopause, signifying the absolute biological finality of her barrenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age":** This initial clause establishes the advanced chronological age of both Abraham (99) and Sarah (89). The phrase "well stricken in age" is a common biblical idiom emphasizing extreme old age and the accompanying physical decline. For both individuals, this condition signifies a natural end to their reproductive capabilities, with the subsequent clause focusing specifically on Sarah as the primary physical barrier to the promise's fulfillment.
* **"[and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women":** This crucial second clause provides specific biological detail regarding Sarah's condition. The phrase "after the manner of women" refers to the regular physiological processes of a woman's reproductive cycle, particularly menstruation. The verb "ceased" (H2308, _châdal_) unequivocally states that her menstrual cycle had definitively stopped. This confirms that Sarah's barrenness was not merely a lifelong condition but had been compounded by menopause, rendering natural conception biologically impossible. This detail is paramount for appreciating the magnitude of the miracle that is about to unfold.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 18:11 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its theological significance. The phrase "well stricken in age" is an **Idiom**, a common biblical expression emphasizing extreme antiquity, which immediately communicates the physical limitations of Abraham and Sarah. Similarly, "it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women" is a delicate but clear **Euphemism** or **Idiom** for menopause, a culturally sensitive way of stating a biological reality without explicit medical terms. This verse functions as a profound act of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Isaac by establishing the absolute natural impossibility of the event. By detailing the extreme natural limitations, the text creates a stark **Contrast** between human inability and divine omnipotence, intensifying the impact of the Lord's subsequent rhetorical question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" ([Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Genesis 18:14 - God's Rhetorical Question")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:11 profoundly illustrates God's omnipotence and sovereignty, demonstrating that His power is not bound by natural laws or human limitations. By explicitly stating the biological impossibility of Abraham and Sarah conceiving a child, the verse magnifies the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, revealing God's ability to bring life from "deadness" and to fulfill His promises against all odds. This passage underscores that God's covenant faithfulness is independent of human capacity or favorable circumstances, resting solely on His divine character and power to accomplish His word. It serves as a foundational testament to the truth that with God, nothing is impossible, challenging believers to trust Him even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless or contrary to natural expectation.

* [Romans 4:19](/romans/4-19 "Romans 4:19 - Abraham's Faith in God's Power")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For with God Nothing Will Be Impossible")
* [Hebrews 11:11](/hebrews/11-11 "Hebrews 11:11 - Sarah's Faith for Conception")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:11 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is not limited by our circumstances, our perceived limitations, or by what seems naturally impossible. Just as He enabled Abraham and Sarah to conceive a child in their extreme old age, defying biological norms, He can work beyond all human limitations and perceived barriers in our lives. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, long-standing challenges, or situations that appear biologically, financially, or practically unfeasible, this passage encourages us to remember God's boundless ability to bring about the miraculous. It calls us to place our trust not in our own capabilities or the dictates of natural law, but in the unfailing power and faithfulness of the Almighty God, who specializes in doing the impossible and bringing life where there is "deadness."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you currently facing that you need to surrender to God's limitless power?**
* **How does the explicit detail of Sarah's physical condition deepen your appreciation for God's miraculous intervention?**
* **In what ways might you be limiting God's ability to work in your life by focusing on natural limitations rather than His supernatural power?**

### FAQ

**Why is Sarah's age and physical condition so emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: Sarah's advanced age and the explicit statement about her having ceased menstruation are emphasized to underscore the absolute natural impossibility of her conceiving a child. This detail is crucial because it magnifies the miraculous nature of God's intervention, demonstrating that the birth of Isaac was solely a work of divine power, not human capability or chance. It sets the stage for the theological truth that "with God nothing shall be impossible" ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For with God Nothing Will Be Impossible")). Without this emphasis, the subsequent birth would be less miraculous and the demonstration of God's power less profound.

**What does 'it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women' mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a delicate biblical idiom referring to menopause. It means that Sarah had passed the age of childbearing and her menstrual cycles had definitively stopped. This detail is significant because it confirms that her barrenness was not merely a lifelong condition but had become biologically irreversible, making the subsequent conception of Isaac a clear and undeniable miracle. It highlights that the life God was about to bring forth was entirely His doing, not a natural occurrence.

**Does this verse imply a lack of faith from Sarah?**

Answer: While Sarah's immediate reaction to the news in [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Genesis 18:12 - Sarah's Laughter") is laughter, which stems from a natural human incredulity given her physical state, this verse itself primarily serves to establish the objective biological impossibility. Her laughter is a human response to an astonishing claim, highlighting the magnitude of the miracle required. The emphasis in [Genesis 18:11](/genesis/18-11 "Genesis 18:11 - Abraham and Sarah's Old Age") is less on her lack of faith and more on God's power to overcome such natural limitations, ultimately strengthening faith by showcasing His omnipotence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous conception and birth of Isaac, against all natural odds as starkly highlighted in [Genesis 18:11](/genesis/18-11 "Genesis 18:11 - Abraham and Sarah's Old Age"), serves as a profound type and shadow of the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Isaac, the "child of promise," born through divine intervention from a "dead" womb and an aged body, powerfully foreshadows the even greater miracle of Christ's virgin birth, where life enters the world not by human will or natural means, but by the direct, creative power of the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Luke 1:34-35 - The Virgin Conception")). Furthermore, the power of God to bring life from "deadness"—Abraham's body and Sarah's womb—points directly to Christ's resurrection from the dead, conquering sin and death ([Romans 6:9-11](/romans/6-9-11 "Romans 6:9-11 - New Life in Christ")), and the spiritual new birth He offers to those who are spiritually dead in sin ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). Abraham's faith in the face of such impossibility, as recounted in [Romans 4:19-21](/romans/4-19-21 "Romans 4:19-21 - Abraham's Faith in God's Promise"), becomes a model for our faith in Christ, who is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Power to Do More")). In Christ, God continues to bring life and hope where human limitations declare it impossible.

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 17:17

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?

Hebrews 11:11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:12

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Romans 4:18

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Luke 1:36

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

Luke 1:7

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years.