### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G4564, *Sárrha* (Σάῤῥα), is a proper noun directly transliterated from the Hebrew `{{H8283}}` (śārāh), which means "princess" or "noblewoman." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to referring exclusively to the individual Sarah, the wife of Abraham. The significance of her name is rooted in its Hebrew etymology, which anticipates her role as the matriarch of a multitude of nations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, G4564 consistently refers to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, a pivotal figure in the Old Testament narrative. Her story is primarily found in the book of Genesis, where she is first introduced as Sarai (`{{H8297}}`) in [[Genesis 11:29]]. Her name is divinely changed to Sarah in [[Genesis 17:15]], a change that accompanies God's covenantal promise that she would be the "mother of nations" and that kings would come from her. This name change signifies a new identity and a broadened scope of her significance beyond being merely "my princess" (Sarai) to "princess of many."
New Testament references to Sarah highlight specific aspects of her life and faith:
* **[[Romans 4:19]]**: Sarah's advanced age and barrenness are noted, emphasizing the human impossibility of her conceiving Isaac, thereby magnifying Abraham's faith in God's promise.
* **[[Romans 9:9]]**: Her miraculous conception of Isaac is cited as proof of God's sovereign choice and the fulfillment of His promise.
* **[[Hebrews 11:11]]**: This is a key passage, explicitly commending Sarah's faith: "By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bare a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." This verse underscores that her ability to conceive was not due to natural means but to a divine empowerment received through faith.
* **[[1 Peter 3:6]]**: Sarah is presented as an exemplary figure for Christian wives, demonstrating submission to her husband and embodying the "holy women who trusted in God." Her calling Abraham "lord" is cited as a model of reverent submission.
Across these occurrences, Sarah is consistently portrayed as a recipient of divine promise, a woman of faith, and a model for believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H8283}}` (śārāh)**: The Hebrew root of Sarah's name, meaning "princess," directly connects to her identity and the promise that she would be the mother of nations.
* **`{{H8297}}` (śāray)**: Her original name, "Sarai," meaning "my princess," which was changed by God to signify a broader, more universal role.
* **Abraham (`{{H85}}`)**: Her husband, whose faith is inextricably linked with hers in the unfolding of God's covenantal plan.
* **Isaac (`{{H3327}}`)**: Her son, the child of promise, whose miraculous birth through Sarah is central to the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Faith (`{{G4102}}` *pistis*)**: A central concept associated with Sarah in the New Testament, particularly in [[Hebrews 11:11]], where her faith is the catalyst for receiving the power to conceive.
* **Promise (`{{G1860}}` *epangelia*)**: God's covenantal promise to Abraham concerning his offspring, which was fulfilled through Sarah, despite her barrenness and old age.
* **Barrenness**: Sarah's initial inability to bear children highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and God's power to overcome human limitations.
* **Mother of Nations**: The prophetic title given to her in [[Genesis 17:16]], reflecting her pivotal role in the lineage of God's chosen people.
### Theological Significance
Sarah's story, as conveyed through G4564 in the New Testament, carries profound theological weight.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty**: Her miraculous conception of Isaac, despite her advanced age and barrenness, serves as a powerful testament to God's unfailing faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign power over natural limitations. It demonstrates that God's plan will be accomplished regardless of human impossibilities.
* **The Nature of Faith**: Sarah is presented as a paradigm of faith. [[Hebrews 11:11]] explicitly states that it was "by faith" that she received the ability to conceive. This underscores the New Testament's emphasis on faith as the essential response to God's promises, enabling believers to participate in His redemptive work. Her initial doubt ([[Genesis 18:12]]) is overshadowed by her ultimate trust, highlighting the journey of faith.
* **God's Call and Empowerment**: Her life illustrates that God often chooses to work through those who are naturally incapable, thereby magnifying His power and glory. Her weakness became the stage for God's strength.
* **Exemplar for Believers**: In [[1 Peter 3:6]], Sarah transcends her historical role to become a timeless example of godly character for Christian women, embodying inner beauty, reverence, and submission within marriage. She represents the "holy women who hoped in God."
* **Salvation History and the Lineage of Christ**: As the matriarch through whom the promised seed of Abraham would come, Sarah is a crucial figure in the unfolding of salvation history. Her miraculous pregnancy foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.
### Summary
G4564, *Sárrha*, refers to Sarah, the esteemed matriarch and wife of Abraham. Her name, derived from the Hebrew for "princess," signifies her divinely appointed role as the "mother of nations." In the New Testament, particularly in [[Hebrews 11:11]], Sarah is celebrated as a profound example of faith, through whom God's promise of a son was miraculously fulfilled despite her advanced age and barrenness. Her story underscores God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenants, even when human circumstances appear impossible. Moreover, [[1 Peter 3:6]] presents her as an enduring model of godly character for believers. Thus, Sarah's life, as illuminated by this Greek term, stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, God's miraculous intervention in human history, and her pivotal role in the lineage leading to the Messiah.
TRV