Genesis 21:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} called {H7121} the name {H8034} of his son {H1121} that was born {H3205} unto him, whom Sarah {H8283} bare {H3205} to him, Isaac {H3327}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham called his son, born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Yitz'chak.

Berean Standard Bible

And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:3 records the profound moment Abraham formally named his long-awaited son, Isaac, signifying the miraculous fulfillment of God's covenant promise to him and Sarah. This concise verse marks the culmination of decades of anticipation and divine intervention, establishing the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the miraculous birth of Isaac in [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "The Birth of Isaac"), a pivotal event that follows decades of barrenness for Sarah and the advanced age of both Abraham and Sarah. It directly fulfills the divine promise first given in [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac"), where God explicitly commanded Abraham to name the son born to Sarah "Isaac." The naming act in this verse is not merely a cultural formality but an act of obedience and a public declaration of the child's identity as the promised heir, setting him apart from Ishmael, who was born of human initiative in [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "The Story of Hagar and Ishmael"). The narrative proceeds to describe Isaac's circumcision and weaning, further establishing his identity and place within the covenant family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the naming of a child was a significant event, often performed by the father and carrying deep meaning. Names were not arbitrary labels but frequently reflected circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or divine pronouncements. For Abraham to name his son "Isaac" (meaning "he laughs" or "laughter") was a direct act of obedience to God's specific instruction, as detailed in [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Command to Name Him Isaac"). This act would have been understood by contemporary audiences as a public affirmation of the child's legitimacy and his unique role within the family and tribal structure. The cultural expectation was for a son to carry on the family line and inherit the father's blessings, making Isaac's birth and naming of paramount importance for the continuation of Abraham's lineage and, by extension, God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**, as Isaac's birth and naming directly fulfill the long-awaited covenant promise made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Call to Abraham and His Promises"). It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Miraculous Intervention**, demonstrating God's ability to act beyond human limitations and natural laws to achieve His purposes, particularly in light of Abraham and Sarah's advanced age, as reflected in [Genesis 18:14](/genesis/18-14 "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"). The significance of **Names and Their Meaning** is central, as Isaac's name ("laughter") encapsulates the complex emotions—disbelief, skepticism, and ultimate joy—that surrounded his conception and birth, a theme further explored in [Genesis 21:6](/genesis/21-6 "Sarah's Laughter of Joy"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faith** on Abraham's part, as he faithfully carries out God's command regarding the naming of his son, solidifying his role as a patriarch of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** H7121, a primitive root meaning "to call out to," "address by name," "mention," or "proclaim." In this context, it signifies Abraham's authoritative act of bestowing the divinely appointed name upon his son. It is not a casual naming but a formal declaration, an act of obedience that carries the weight of a public proclamation and acknowledgment of God's word.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, from the root meaning "to build," referring to a son as a "builder of the family name." This term emphasizes Isaac's role not just as a male offspring but as the designated heir, the one through whom the family line, and more importantly, the covenant promises, would continue and expand. His identity as "the son" is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan.
* **Isaac (Hebrew, _Yitschâq'_):** H3327, derived from a root meaning "to laugh" or "mockery." This name, explicitly commanded by God in [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Command to Name Him Isaac"), is profoundly symbolic. It encapsulates the initial laughter of disbelief from both Abraham and Sarah when they first heard the promise of a child in their old age, and ultimately, Sarah's laughter of profound joy and wonder upon his birth, as recorded in [Genesis 21:6](/genesis/21-6 "Sarah's Joyful Laughter"). The name thus serves as a perpetual reminder of God's power to transform human doubt into divine delight and fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham called the name of his son":** This clause highlights Abraham's pivotal role as the patriarch and the one responsible for formally naming the child. His act of "calling the name" is an act of obedience to God's prior instruction, signifying his acceptance of the divine promise and his active participation in its fulfillment. It underscores the authority and responsibility vested in him by God.
* **"that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him":** This phrase emphasizes the unique and miraculous parentage of Isaac. It explicitly states that the son was "born unto him" (Abraham) and that Sarah "bare to him" (Abraham), leaving no ambiguity about the mother's identity. This is crucial given the earlier narrative involving Hagar and Ishmael, firmly establishing Isaac as the legitimate, divinely appointed heir born of the covenant mother, Sarah, despite her advanced age.
* **"Isaac":** The culmination of the verse, this single word reveals the specific, divinely ordained name for the child. The name "Isaac" (meaning "laughter") is not merely an appellation but a summary of the entire miraculous story surrounding his birth, encapsulating the initial human disbelief and the ultimate divine joy that accompanied the fulfillment of God's impossible promise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Conciseness** is evident, as the verse succinctly captures a moment of immense theological weight without unnecessary elaboration. This brevity highlights the directness of God's fulfilled promise. **Repetition** of the idea of "birth" or "bearing" ("born unto him," "Sarah bare to him") subtly reinforces the miraculous nature of Isaac's arrival and his legitimate parentage, distinguishing him from Ishmael. Most notably, **Symbolism** is present in the name "Isaac" itself. The name "Laughter" is a powerful symbol of God's ability to turn human skepticism and the seemingly impossible into overwhelming joy and undeniable reality, serving as a perpetual reminder of divine faithfulness and the transformation of doubt into delight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:3 is a profound testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises despite human limitations and the passage of time. Isaac's birth, long-awaited and seemingly impossible, serves as a powerful illustration that God's word will always come to pass, regardless of the circumstances. This event solidifies the lineage through which the Abrahamic covenant would continue, emphasizing God's meticulous and sovereign plan for redemption. The naming of Isaac, as commanded by God, underscores the significance of divine revelation and human obedience, highlighting that God's promises often require a response of faith and action from His people.

* [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Isaac")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Abraham's Faith in God's Promise")
* [Hebrews 11:11-12](/hebrews/11-11-12 "By Faith Sarah Received Power to Conceive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's unfailing faithfulness and His ability to bring His promises to fruition in His perfect timing. Just as Abraham and Sarah endured decades of waiting for Isaac, we are encouraged to persevere in faith, even when God's promises seem delayed or impossible from a human perspective. Our waiting periods are not periods of divine inaction but opportunities to deepen our trust, dependence, and intimacy with God. The very name Isaac, meaning "laughter," beautifully symbolizes God's capacity to transform our moments of doubt, skepticism, or even sorrow into overwhelming joy and a powerful testimony of His power. What may appear as an insurmountable obstacle or a source of disbelief in our lives can, through God's miraculous intervention, become a profound source of celebration and a living testament to His reliability. This verse powerfully reaffirms that God's word is utterly dependable and will always accomplish its intended purpose, inspiring us to stand firm on His promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in ways that often exceed our imagination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" promises or situations are you currently waiting on God to fulfill in your life?**
* **How can the story of Isaac's birth encourage you to maintain faith and hope during seasons of waiting?**
* **In what ways has God transformed your doubt or sorrow into joy, mirroring the meaning of Isaac's name?**

### FAQ
**Why is the name "Isaac" so significant?**

Answer: The name "Isaac" (Hebrew: *Yitschâq*) means "he laughs" or "laughter." It is profoundly significant because it encapsulates the entire narrative surrounding his miraculous birth. It reflects the initial laughter of disbelief from both Abraham ([Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Laughter of Disbelief")) and Sarah ([Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Sarah's Laughter of Skepticism")) when they first heard the promise of a child in their old age. This human skepticism then transforms into profound joy and laughter upon his actual, miraculous birth, as Sarah famously declares, "God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me" ([Genesis 21:6](/genesis/21-6 "Sarah's Declaration of Joy")). Thus, the name serves as a perpetual, living reminder of God's ability to turn human doubt and impossible circumstances into divine delight and the undeniable fulfillment of His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The birth and naming of Isaac in [Genesis 21:3](/genesis/21-3 "The Naming of Isaac") profoundly foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, serving as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Isaac, as the child of promise born supernaturally to aged parents, prefigures Jesus, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as Abraham's Seed")). Just as Isaac's birth defied natural limitations, pointing to God's miraculous power to bring forth life from what was humanly impossible, so too does the virgin birth of Jesus demonstrate God's ultimate, supernatural intervention in human history to bring forth the Savior ([Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "The Birth of Jesus Christ")). Isaac's very existence was a testament to God's faithfulness to His "impossible" promises, a faithfulness perfectly culminated in the incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the true "laughter" and everlasting joy for all humanity. Through Christ, the covenant promises made to Abraham find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "All of God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")), bringing spiritual life and blessing 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 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.

Romans 9:7

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Genesis 21:6

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

Joshua 24:3

And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

Hebrews 11:18

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Matthew 1:2

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

Acts 7:8

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs.