Genesis 18:11
Genesis 18:11 in Multiple Translations
And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Now Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was past the time for giving birth.
Abraham and Sarah were old, getting on in years. Sarah was well past the age of having children.
(Nowe Abraham and Sarah were old and striken in age, and it ceased to be with Sarah after the maner of women)
And Sarah is hearkening at the opening of the tent, which is behind him;
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and far advanced in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Now they were both old, and far advanced in years, and it had ceased to be with Sara after the manner of women.
Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was far past the time of when she could bear children.
Abraham and Sarah were both very old. She knew she was too old to have a baby,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:11
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 18:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַבְרָהָ֤ם
וְ/שָׂרָה֙
זְקֵנִ֔ים
בָּאִ֖ים
בַּ/יָּמִ֑ים
חָדַל֙
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
לְ/שָׂרָ֔ה
אֹ֖רַח
כַּ/נָּשִֽׁים
וְ/אַבְרָהָ֤ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Conj | N-proper
וְ/שָׂרָה֙
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
Conj | N-proper
זְקֵנִ֔ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
בָּאִ֖ים
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
בַּ/יָּמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
חָדַל֙
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/שָׂרָ֔ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
Prep | N-proper
אֹ֖רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
כַּ/נָּשִֽׁים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:11
וְ/אַבְרָהָ֤ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
Conj | 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.
וְ/שָׂרָה֙
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
Conj | 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.
זְקֵנִ֔ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
בָּאִ֖ים
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַּ/יָּמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
חָדַל֙
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
לִ/הְי֣וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/שָׂרָ֔ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
Prep | 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.
אֹ֖רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
כַּ/נָּשִֽׁים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fp
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:11
- Sermons on Genesis 18:11
Context — Sarah Laughs at the Promise
9“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked. “There, in the tent,” he replied.
10Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent.
11And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
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?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:17 | Abraham 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?” |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:11–12 | 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. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 3 | Luke 1:36 | Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. |
| 4 | Romans 4:18–21 | Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 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. |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:19 | Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. |
| 6 | Luke 1:18 | “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” |
| 7 | Luke 1:7 | But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. |
| 8 | Leviticus 15:19 | When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. |
| 9 | Genesis 17:24 | So Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, |
| 10 | Genesis 31:35 | Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols. |
Genesis 18:11 Summary
[Genesis 18:11 tells us that Abraham and Sarah were very old and that Sarah was no longer able to have children, which makes the promise of a son seem impossible. This sets the stage for a miraculous event that showcases God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 21:1-8. The story of Abraham and Sarah reminds us that with God, all things are possible, as Jesus says in Matthew 19:26, and that He can bring life and fulfillment even in the most unexpected circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abraham and Sarah's age in Genesis 18:11?
The mention of their age emphasizes the miraculous nature of the promised child, as Sarah had passed the age of childbearing, highlighting God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 17:15-16 and Genesis 21:1-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse sets the stage for the test of Abraham and Sarah's faith, as they are asked to trust in God's promise despite their advanced age and the seeming impossibility of having a child, which is a theme also explored in Hebrews 11:11.
What does this verse reveal about Sarah's physical condition and her ability to bear children?
According to Genesis 18:11, Sarah had passed the age of childbearing, indicating that she was no longer physically capable of becoming pregnant, which makes the subsequent birth of Isaac a miraculous event, as noted in Genesis 21:2-3.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham?
Genesis 18:11 is part of the story of God's promise to Abraham, which includes the birth of a son, Isaac, through whom God will establish His covenant, as outlined in Genesis 17:1-27 and reaffirmed in Genesis 22:15-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am struggling to trust in God's promises, and how can I apply the example of Abraham and Sarah's faith to these situations?
- How do I respond when faced with circumstances that seem impossible or beyond my control, and what can I learn from Sarah's reaction in the subsequent verses?
- In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when His plans seem to contradict my own understanding or abilities?
- What role does faith play in overcoming the limitations and challenges of my current circumstances, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:11
Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old, [and] well stricken in age,.... The one being ninety nine years of age, and the other eighty nine; and which is observed to make it the more surprising that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:11
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
As to those monthly effluviums peculiar to her sex, which are necessary to conception, compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.Ver. 11. Now Abraham and Sarah were old.] So, when we were altogether "without strength," according to the time of life, "Christ died for the ungodly".
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:11
Verse 11. It ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.] And consequently, naturally speaking, conception could not take place; therefore if she have a son it must be in a supernatural or miraculous way.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:11
11. well stricken in age] An Old English expression for well-advanced in years: cf. “… his noble queen Well struck in years” (Shakespeare, Rich. III, i. 1). Heb. “entered into days,” LXX προβεβηκότες, Lat. provectae aetatis. Cf. Luke 1:7; Hebrews 11:11-12.
Sermons on Genesis 18:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God, Please Hurry Up by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches on the story of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting their struggles with age, infertility, and doubts while waiting for God's promise of descendants to be fulfille |
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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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 |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:15-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 4 and the story of Abraham. He highlights how Abraham believed in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, even though h |
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(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 |
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The Flesh and the Spirit by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the two ways one can live - in the flesh or in the spirit. He refers to the book of Romans and Galatians to emphasize this point. Living in t |