Genesis 17:15
Genesis 17:15 in Multiple Translations
Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.
¶ And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And God said, As for Sarai, your wife, from now her name will be not Sarai, but Sarah.
Then God told Abraham, “Now about Sarai your wife. Don't call her Sarai any longer. Instead, her name will be Sarah.
Afterward God said vnto Abraham, Sarai thy wife shalt thou not call Sarai, but Sarah shalbe her name.
And God saith unto Abraham, 'Sarai thy wife — thou dost not call her name Sarai, for Sarah [is] her name;
God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name shall be Sarah.
And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
God said also to Abraham: Sarai thy wife thou shalt not call Sarai, but Sara.
God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai, your wife, you must not call her Sarai any longer. Since I changed your name, I will change her name also. Her name will now be Sarah.
Then God said to Abraham, “I am changing your wife’s name too. Don’t call her Sarai any more. Call her Sarah.” (Both of those names mean important woman.)
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 17:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֱלֹהִים֙
אֶל
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
שָׂרַ֣י
אִשְׁתְּ/ךָ֔
לֹא
תִקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
שָׂרָ֑י
כִּ֥י
שָׂרָ֖ה
שְׁמָֽ/הּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
שָׂרַ֣י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
אִשְׁתְּ/ךָ֔
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
שָׂרָ֑י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
שְׁמָֽ/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:15
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
שָׂרַ֣י
Sâray
H8297
"Sarai"
N-proper
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283) § Sarai = "princess" original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sarai. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 16:1; Genesis 17:15.
אִשְׁתְּ/ךָ֔
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שָׂרָ֑י
Sâray
H8297
"Sarai"
N-proper
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283) § Sarai = "princess" original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sarai. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 16:1; Genesis 17:15.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
N-proper
Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.
שְׁמָֽ/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
- Sermons on Genesis 17:15
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
13Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.
14But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
15Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.
16And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” 17Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 12:25 | and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him. |
| 2 | Genesis 32:28 | Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
| 3 | Genesis 17:5 | No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. |
Genesis 17:15 Summary
[God changed Sarai's name to Sarah to show that she would be the mother of many nations, as He promised in Genesis 17:15-16. This name change was a significant event in Abraham's life, as it marked a new chapter in God's plan for him and his family. Just like Sarah, we can trust God to give us new identities and roles in life, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where we become new creations in Christ. By trusting in God's plan, we can experience the same kind of transformation that Sarah did, and become the people God has called us to be.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God change Sarai's name to Sarah?
God changed Sarai's name to Sarah to signify her new role and identity as a mother of nations, as seen in Genesis 17:15-16, where God promises to bless her and give her a son, making her the mother of nations.
What is the significance of names in the Bible?
In the Bible, names often carry significant meaning and purpose, as seen in Genesis 17:15, where God changes Sarai's name to Sarah, and in Genesis 32:28, where God changes Jacob's name to Israel, indicating a change in their identity or role.
Is this name change only for Abraham's wife, or does it apply to how others should address her?
The name change from Sarai to Sarah is not just for Abraham's personal reference, but also for how others should address her, as indicated by God's instruction to Abraham in Genesis 17:15, implying a public recognition of her new identity.
How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Abraham?
This verse is part of God's broader covenant with Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:13-14, where God establishes His everlasting covenant with Abraham, and Genesis 17:15-16, where God promises to bless Sarah and give her a son, further solidifying the covenant.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's personal and intimate relationship with His people, and how can I apply this to my own relationship with God?
- How does the change of Sarai's name to Sarah reflect the transformation that occurs in our lives when we surrender to God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, trust and obey God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or uncertain, as seen in Genesis 12:4 and Hebrews 11:8?
- What are some areas in my life where God may be calling me to a new identity or role, and how can I respond in faith, as seen in Genesis 17:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:15
And God said unto Abraham,.... After he had changed his name, and given him the covenant of circumcision: as for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah her name [shall be]; her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:15
And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
Sarai signifies my lady, or my princess, which confines her dominion to one family; but Sarah signifies either a lady or princess, simply and absolutely without restriction, or the princess of a multitude, the Hebrew letter he being taken out of Hamon, and added to her name, as it was to Abram’ s name.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah [shall] her name [be].Ver. 15. Thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah.] The Chaldee, Sarai, is made Hebrew, Sarah: One of the four letters of Jehovah being also added (as before in Abraham), that she may be, absolutely, a lady or princess.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
(15) Sarai.—Probably princely, an adjective of the same form as shaddai, Genesis 17:1; while Sarah means princess. The change of name shows that she was admitted to the covenant. (Comp. Genesis 17:10.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
Verse 15. Thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah] See Clarke on Genesis 17:5.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:15
15–22. The Promise to Sarai 15. Sarah shall her name be] That is, Princess. The name “Sarai” (LXX Σάρα) is altered to “Sarah” (LXX Σάῤῥα). The name “Sarah” is the feminine form of the Heb. Sar, “a prince.” Other explanations which give the meaning “the contentious one,” or “the merry one,” are improbable. “Sarai” may possibly have been an older form of “Sarah.” It cannot mean, as used to be asserted, “my princess.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:15
15. Sarai… Sarah — The precise meaning of the name Sarai (ùׂ ?øé) is not easy to decide, but the sense of my princess, generally adopted by the older interpreters, appears the most simple.
Sermons on Genesis 17:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Blood Covenant) 1 - Blood Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the covenant between God and His people. The speaker refers to various passages in the Bible, such as Genesis |
|
Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 17:5-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He emphasizes that even though Abraham didn't have any children at the time, God |
|
Marriage Series #1 - Aquila & Priscilla by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of investing one's life into others and seeing the kingdom of heaven increase. He shares a personal story about his grandson a |
|
The Messenger by William Carrol | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision that the prophet Daniel had. Daniel sees a majestic messenger, clothed in linen and with a golden belt. The preacher draw |
|
Solomon Missed God's Plans by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the tragic downfall of King Solomon, who, despite being chosen and loved by God, succumbed to his lust and led a life of sexual immorality, ultimately missin |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 32:24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak. He clarifies that Jacob did not initiate the wrestling match and did not want to figh |