Genesis 21:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} visited {H6485} Sarah {H8283} as he had said {H559}, and the LORD {H3068} did {H6213} unto Sarah {H8283} as he had spoken {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI remembered Sarah as he had said, and ADONAI did for Sarah what he had promised.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah visited Sarah as he had said, and Jehovah did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:1 records the momentous fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to Abraham and Sarah, signaling the miraculous and divinely orchestrated birth of Isaac. This pivotal verse powerfully declares that the Lord actively intervened to bring about this event precisely as He had foretold, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness, sovereign power, and the absolute reliability of His spoken word, even in the face of human impossibility and prolonged waiting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 21:1 serves as the climactic culmination of a narrative arc stretching back many chapters, beginning with God's initial promise to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham and Initial Promise"). Throughout subsequent chapters, the promise of a son and a multitude of descendants is reiterated and affirmed, notably in [Genesis 15:1-6](/genesis/15-1-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham") where God makes a covenant with Abraham, and in [Genesis 17:1-27](/genesis/17 "The Covenant of Circumcision and Promise of Isaac") where the covenant is formalized through circumcision and the specific promise of a son through Sarah, to be named Isaac, is given. The immediate preceding chapters detail Abraham's and Sarah's advanced age, Sarah's initial disbelief and laughter upon hearing the promise in [Genesis 18:9-15](/genesis/18-9-15 "The Promise of Isaac to Sarah"), and Abraham's sojourn in Gerar, where he again presents Sarah as his sister ([Genesis 20:1-18](/genesis/20 "Abraham and Abimelech")). Genesis 21:1 thus marks the triumphant resolution of a long period of anticipation, doubt, and human attempts to fulfill God's promise (like Hagar and Ishmael in [Genesis 16:1-16](/genesis/16 "Sarai and Hagar")), unequivocally demonstrating God's sovereign control over His plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, barrenness was considered a great shame and misfortune for a woman, often implying divine displeasure. The ability to bear children, especially sons, was crucial for family lineage, inheritance, and social standing. Abraham and Sarah were living in a patriarchal society where the continuation of the family line was paramount. Their advanced age (Abraham was 100, Sarah 90, as noted in [Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Age and Laughter")) made natural conception utterly impossible, highlighting the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth. The narrative takes place during the patriarchal period, where nomadic or semi-nomadic life was common, and divine communication often involved direct appearances or angelic messengers, as seen in the visitation of the Lord to Abraham in [Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1-8 "The Lord Appears to Abraham"). This context underscores that Isaac's birth was not merely a biological event but a profound theological statement about God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises, defying all human and natural limitations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God is utterly reliable and will always fulfill His promises, regardless of human doubt or impossibility, as seen in His repeated assurances to Abraham in [Genesis 15:1-6](/genesis/15-1-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham") and [Genesis 17:1-8](/genesis/17-1-8 "God's Covenant with Abraham and His Descendants"). It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, portraying God as actively involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, even when it means overriding natural processes. The miraculous nature of Isaac's birth underscores the theme of **God's Power Over Impossibility**, setting a precedent for God working through human weakness to display His strength, a truth echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Nothing is Impossible with God")). Finally, it emphasizes the **Efficacy of God's Word**, showing that what God "says" and "speaks" is not merely a suggestion but a decree that will inevitably come to pass, a foundational truth for understanding the authority of Scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its presence here emphasizes that it is not merely a generic deity but the specific, self-existent, and eternal God who is actively involved in fulfilling His promises. The use of this name highlights the personal and covenantal nature of God's interaction with Sarah, underscoring His commitment to His word.
* **visited (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range beyond a simple social call. In this context, it signifies a purposeful and active remembrance, often with the intent to intervene, bless, or sometimes judge. Here, it denotes God's deliberate, benevolent, and effective intervention to fulfill His promise, "remembering" Sarah in a way that led to her miraculous conception. It implies a divine inspection or oversight that leads to a decisive act, confirming God's active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to arrange," but is used figuratively of words, meaning "to speak," "declare," "command," or "promise." Its usage here, alongside "said" (H559, _ʼâmar'_), emphasizes the authority, certainty, and efficacy of God's verbal declarations. It highlights that God's word is not empty or idle but possesses inherent power to bring about what it declares, serving as the foundation for the fulfillment of His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD visited Sarah":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject and the miraculous nature of the event. The "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God, is the active agent. His "visitation" (pâqad) is not a casual encounter but a purposeful, decisive, and benevolent intervention. It signifies that God "remembered" Sarah and acted upon His long-standing promise, initiating the supernatural process that would lead to conception in her barren and aged womb. This was not a natural occurrence but a direct act of divine power.
* **"as he had said":** This phrase directly links the present action to God's prior verbal declarations. It refers back to the specific promises made to Abraham and Sarah regarding the birth of Isaac, particularly in [Genesis 17:15-19](/genesis/17-15-19 "God's Promise of Isaac to Sarah") and [Genesis 18:10-14](/genesis/18-10-14 "The Promise of Isaac and Sarah's Laughter"). This emphasizes God's precision and adherence to His own word, confirming that the event unfolded exactly according to His divine blueprint.
* **"and the LORD did unto Sarah":** This clause reiterates God's active role, using the verb "did" (ʻâsâh), which means "to do or make" in its broadest sense. It confirms that the Lord not only "visited" but also "performed" or "accomplished" His will concerning Sarah. This highlights the practical, tangible outcome of His visitation—the actual conception and subsequent birth of Isaac. It underscores that God's promises are not just words but are backed by His power to bring them to fruition.
* **"as he had spoken":** This final phrase serves as a powerful reinforcement of the preceding "as he had said." The repetition emphasizes the absolute reliability and authority of God's spoken word (dâbar). It leaves no doubt that Isaac's birth was not a coincidence or a natural development, but the direct, precise, and certain fulfillment of God's prior declarations. This double affirmation underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and the inherent power of His divine decrees.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 21:1, though concise, employs several significant literary devices to amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Parallelism**. The phrases "as he had said" and "as he had spoken" are used in parallel constructions, creating a powerful rhetorical emphasis on the absolute certainty and reliability of God's word. This **Anaphora** ensures that the reader grasps the foundational truth: God's promises are immutable. The verse also functions as a **Climax** in the narrative, bringing to a head the long-standing tension and anticipation surrounding the promised heir. The simplicity of the language belies the immense significance of the event, allowing the divine action to stand out clearly. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** at play when considering Sarah's earlier laughter of disbelief ([Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Sarah's Laughter")), which is now transformed into the joy signified by Isaac's name ("he laughs").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:1 is a foundational declaration of God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His word is not merely a suggestion but a decree that will inevitably come to pass. This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human life, particularly His power to transcend natural limitations and bring about His will. The miraculous birth of Isaac, through a barren and elderly woman, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to accomplish what is humanly impossible, reinforcing the truth that His power is not constrained by human weakness or biological realities. This event is a critical juncture in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, establishing the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, thereby connecting the Abrahamic covenant directly to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "For with God nothing will be impossible")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "He who promised is faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:1 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is perpetually faithful to His word, even when circumstances seem to contradict divine promises or when prolonged delays test our patience. Sarah's long wait for Isaac's birth, and its eventual occurrence when she was "past age," teaches us perseverance and the importance of holding onto hope, knowing that God's timing is perfect. The "appointed time" ([Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "God's appointed time for Isaac's birth")) will come when it is clear that the breakthrough is solely God's doing, leaving no room for human boasting. Furthermore, if God can enable a barren, elderly woman to conceive, He can certainly work in seemingly impossible situations in our own lives, strengthening our faith in His power to act beyond human capability. This verse calls us to trust in God's character and the efficacy of His promises, even when the path forward is unclear or seems humanly impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situation in your life are you waiting for God to "visit" and act upon?**
* **How does Sarah's long wait and God's perfect timing encourage you in your own periods of waiting?**
* **In what ways can you better trust in the absolute reliability of God's spoken word in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the LORD visited Sarah"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "visited" (*paqad*) means more than a casual call. In this context, it signifies God's deliberate, purposeful, and benevolent intervention. It means He "remembered" Sarah with the intent to act on His promise, actively intervening in her life to bring about the miraculous conception and birth of Isaac. It highlights God's personal and sovereign involvement in fulfilling His word, demonstrating His active presence and power in human affairs, especially in bringing His promises to fruition.

**Why is the repetition "as he had said, and... as he had spoken" emphasized?**

Answer: This repetition serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the absolute certainty, authority, and reliability of God's word (*davar* and *ʼâmar*). It is not merely a stylistic choice but a theological declaration, stressing that God's promises are not suggestions but divine decrees that will inevitably come to pass. It ensures that the reader understands that Isaac's birth was not a coincidence or a natural event, but the direct, precise, and unfailing fulfillment of God's prior declarations, reinforcing His unwavering faithfulness and the immutable nature of His promises, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 21:1 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways, serving as a powerful foreshadowing of God's greater redemptive plan. The miraculous birth of Isaac, the promised son through whom Abraham's lineage would continue, directly anticipates the even more miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as the Seed of Abraham")). Just as Isaac's birth defied natural limitations, so too did Christ's virgin birth demonstrate God's sovereign power to bring forth life in impossible circumstances, highlighting that "with God nothing will be impossible" ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Nothing is Impossible with God")). Furthermore, God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham through Isaac ultimately culminates in the New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Christ is the true Isaac, the son of promise, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "All Nations Blessed Through Abraham's Seed"); [Acts 3:25](/acts/3-25 "The Promise to Abraham Fulfilled in Christ")). The reliability of God's word demonstrated in [Genesis 21:1](/genesis/21-1 "The Lord visits Sarah and fulfills His promise") serves as a foundational assurance for the greater promises of salvation, eternal life, and the coming of God's Kingdom, all secured and fulfilled in Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' 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

Psalms 12:6

The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Genesis 18:10

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.

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.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Galatians 4:23

But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.

1 Samuel 2:21

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;