Genesis 18:13
And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Abraham {H85}, Wherefore {H4100} did Sarah {H8283} laugh {H6711}, saying {H559}, Shall I of a surety {H552} bear {H3205} a child, which {H589} am old {H2204}?
ADONAI said to Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and ask, 'Am I really going to bear a child when I am so old?'
And the LORD asked Abraham, โWhy did Sarah laugh and say, โCan I really bear a child when I am old?โ
And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?
Cross-References
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John 2:25 (2 votes)
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Commentary
Genesis 18:13 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abraham and Sarah, revealing God's intimate knowledge of human hearts and the power of His promises.
Context
This verse follows the miraculous announcement by one of three divine visitors to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son within the year, despite their advanced age. Sarah, who was listening from the tent door, laughed inwardly at the seemingly impossible prospect. Her husband, Abraham, was already a hundred years old, and Sarah was ninety. The LORD, one of the visitors, directly addresses Abraham, revealing His omniscience by knowing Sarah's private thought and challenging her doubt.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "laugh" here is tzachaq (ืฆึธืึทืง). This word is highly significant because the promised son's name, Isaac (Yitzchak), literally means "he laughs" or "laughter." This connection subtly foreshadows that the very source of Sarah's initial doubt would become the source of immense joy and the fulfillment of God's covenant, turning her laughter of disbelief into laughter of joy.
Practical Application
Genesis 18:13 offers profound lessons for believers today:
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