Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ New Living Translation Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ English Standard Version The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Berean Standard Bible And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ King James Bible And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? New King James Version And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ New American Standard Bible But the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I actually give birth to a child, when I am so old?’ NASB 1995 And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ NASB 1977 And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ Legacy Standard Bible And Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a son, when I am so old?’ Amplified Bible And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh [to herself], saying, ‘Shall I really give birth [to a child] when I am so old?’ Christian Standard Bible But the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Can I really have a baby when I’m old? ’ Holman Christian Standard Bible But the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Can I really have a baby when I’m old? American Standard Version And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old? Contemporary English Version The LORD asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? English Revised Version And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Can I really have a child now that I'm old?' Good News Translation Then the LORD asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Can I really have a child when I am so old?' International Standard Version The LORD asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and think, 'Am I really going to bear a child, since I'm so old?' Majority Standard Bible And the LORD asked Abraham, ?Why did Sarah laugh and say, ?Can I really bear a child when I am old?? NET Bible The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child when I am old?' New Heart English Bible God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Will I really bear a child when I am old?' Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I certainly bear a child, who am old? World English Bible Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Abraham, “Why [is] this? Sarah has laughed, saying, Is it really true—I bear—and I am aged? Young's Literal Translation and Sarah laugheth in her heart, saying, 'After I have waxed old I have had pleasure! -- my lord also is old!' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say to Abraham, For what did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall truly even I bring forth, and I have become old? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to Abraham: Why did Sera laugh, saying: Shall I who am an old woman bear a child indeed ? Catholic Public Domain Version Then the Lord said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh, saying: ‘How can I, an old woman, actually give birth?’ New American Bible But the LORD said to Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really bear a child, old as I am?’ New Revised Standard Version The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I truly bear a child, when I am so old? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH said to Abraham: “Why did Sara laugh and say, ‘Truly, shall I give birth when I am old?’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said unto Abraham: 'Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying: Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old? Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord said to Abraam, Why is it that Sarrha has laughed in herself, saying, Shall I then indeed bear? but I am grown old. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sarah Laughs at the Promise…12So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”… Cross References Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. Romans 4:19-21 Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jeremiah 32:17 “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. Numbers 11:23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.” Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Psalm 115:3 Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. Psalm 135:6 The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Luke 18:27 But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Wherefore. John 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. Jump to Previous Abraham Bear Birth Child Heart Indeed Laugh Laugheth Pleasure Possible Really Sarah Surety Waxed WhereforeJump to Next Abraham Bear Birth Child Heart Indeed Laugh Laugheth Pleasure Possible Really Sarah Surety Waxed WhereforeGenesis 18 1. The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.9. Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son. 16. The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham. 23. Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants. And the LORD asked Abraham, This phrase indicates a direct communication between God and Abraham, highlighting the personal relationship they share. In the context of Genesis, God frequently speaks to Abraham, establishing him as a key patriarch in the biblical narrative. This interaction underscores the covenant relationship God has with Abraham, which is foundational for the nation of Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. This moment occurs at Mamre, a significant location where Abraham often encounters God (Genesis 13:18). “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’” Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDIn this passage, the LORD refers to God Himself, who is speaking directly to Abraham. This highlights the personal relationship and communication between God and Abraham. 2. Abraham The patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is a central figure in this account. He is known for his faith and obedience to God, and here he is being addressed by God regarding Sarah's reaction. 3. Sarah Abraham's wife, who laughed in disbelief at the promise of bearing a child in her old age. Her reaction is a focal point of this passage, illustrating human doubt in the face of divine promises. 4. The Tent The setting where Sarah overhears the conversation between the LORD and Abraham. It symbolizes the domestic and intimate setting of this divine encounter. 5. Promise of a Son The event revolves around the promise that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, despite her old age, which is a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. Teaching Points God's OmniscienceGod knows our thoughts and reactions, even those we do not express openly. This should encourage us to be honest with God about our doubts and fears. Faith in God's Promises Like Sarah, we may struggle with doubt, but God is faithful to fulfill His promises. We are called to trust in His timing and power. Divine Timing God's plans often defy human logic and timing. We should remain patient and hopeful, knowing that God's timing is perfect. Human Doubt and Divine Assurance Doubt is a natural human response, but God provides assurance and evidence of His faithfulness throughout Scripture. The Role of Laughter Sarah's laughter can be seen as a mix of disbelief and joy. It reminds us that God can turn our skepticism into joy when His promises are fulfilled.Verse 13. - And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, - a question which must have convinced Abraham of the Speaker's omniscience. Not only had he heard the silent, inaudible, inward cachinnation of Sarah's spirit, but he knew the tenor of her thoughts, and the purport of her dubitations - saying, Shall I of a surely bear a child, whilst (literally, and I) am old? Sarah s mental cogitations clearly showed that the temporary obscuration of her faith proceeded from a strong realization of the weakness of nature, which made conception and pregnancy impossible to one like her, who was advanced in years; and accordingly her attention, as well as that of her husband, was directed to the Divine omnipotence as the all-sufficient guarantee for the accomplishment of the promise. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the LORDיְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel asked וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Abraham, אַבְרָהָ֑ם (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation “Why לָ֣מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what did Sarah שָׂרָ֜ה (śā·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8283: Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham laugh צָחֲקָ֨ה (ṣā·ḥă·qāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 6711: To laugh outright, to sport and say, לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Can I really הַאַ֥ף (ha·’ap̄) Conjunction Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though bear a child אֵלֵ֖ד (’ê·lêḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage when I am וַאֲנִ֥י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I old?’ זָקַֽנְתִּי׃ (zā·qan·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2204: To be or become old Links Genesis 18:13 NIVGenesis 18:13 NLT Genesis 18:13 ESV Genesis 18:13 NASB Genesis 18:13 KJV Genesis 18:13 BibleApps.com Genesis 18:13 Biblia Paralela Genesis 18:13 Chinese Bible Genesis 18:13 French Bible Genesis 18:13 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 18:13 Yahweh said to Abraham Why did Sarah (Gen. 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