### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Sârâh**, represented by `{{H8283}}`, is the proper name **Sarah**, the wife of Abraham `{{H85}}`. It appears **38 times** across **32 unique verses**. Her name was changed by God from Sarai `{{H8297}}` as part of a covenant promise [[Genesis 17:15]]. As a key matriarch, her life is foundational to the story of God's covenant with Abraham and the lineage of Isaac `{{H3327}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8283}}` is central to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham `{{H85}}`. Despite being **old** `{{H2205}}` and past the age of childbearing [[Genesis 18:11]], God promised that **Sarah** would have a **son** `{{H1121}}` [[Genesis 18:10]]. Her initial reaction was laughter `{{H6711}}` in disbelief [[Genesis 18:12]], but God affirmed his promise was not too hard `{{H6381}}` for Him [[Genesis 18:14]]. **Sarah** conceived `{{H2029}}` and bore `{{H3205}}` Isaac `{{H3327}}` in her old age `{{H2209}}`, just as God had spoken `{{H1696}}` [[Genesis 21:2]]. Her story also includes complex family dynamics, such as her relationship with her handmaid `{{H8198}}` Hagar `{{H1904}}` [[Genesis 25:12]] and her death and burial `{{H6912}}` in Hebron `{{H2275}}` ([[Genesis 23:2]], [[Genesis 23:19]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative surrounding **Sarah**:
* `{{H8297}}` **Sâray** (dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham): This was Sarah's original name before God changed it as a sign of his covenant [[Genesis 17:15]]. The change signifies a new identity and purpose within God's plan.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)): The promise of a **son** is the central theme of Sarah's story. The miraculous birth of Isaac `{{H3327}}` fulfilled God's promise to make Abraham the father of nations through her [[Genesis 17:19]].
* `{{H6711}}` **tsâchaq** (to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); by implication, to sport): This word captures Sarah's initial human response of disbelief upon hearing she would bear a child in her old age [[Genesis 18:12]]. It is also connected to the joy she expressed after Isaac's birth [[Genesis 21:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8283}}` is significant, establishing key principles of God's relationship with His people.
* **Fulfillment of Divine Promise:** Sarah's story is a testament to God's faithfulness. The LORD `{{H3068}}` **visited** `{{H6485}}` her and did unto her exactly as he had **spoken** `{{H1696}}`, fulfilling his promise of a son against all natural odds [[Genesis 21:1]].
* **God's Power over Nature:** The birth of a son to Sarah when she was **ninety** `{{H8673}}` years old [[Genesis 17:17]] demonstrates that nothing is too **hard** `{{H6381}}` for God [[Genesis 18:14]]. It is a clear act of divine intervention that overrides human limitation.
* **Matriarch of the Covenant:** Along with Abraham, Sarah is presented as a foundational ancestor of the covenant people. The prophet Isaiah points to her as the mother from whom the nation was **bare** `{{H2342}}`, a source of blessing and identity [[Isaiah 51:2]]. God establishes his everlasting **covenant** `{{H1285}}` through her son, Isaac [[Genesis 17:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **Sârâh** `{{H8283}}` is more than just the name of Abraham's wife; she is a central figure in redemptive history. Her life story, marked by the divine name change from **Sâray** `{{H8297}}`, illustrates God's power to work miracles and fulfill his **covenant** `{{H1285}}` promises. From her laughter of doubt to the birth of the promised **son** `{{H1121}}`, Sarah's journey demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and establishes her as a foundational matriarch of faith [[Isaiah 51:2]].
TRV