Genesis 18:12
Genesis 18:12 in Multiple Translations
So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And Sarah, laughing to herself, said, Now that I am used up am I still to have pleasure, my husband himself being old?
Sarah was laughing inside, saying to herself, “Now that I'm old and worn out, how would I experience pleasure? My husband is old too!”
Therefore Sarah laughed within her selfe, saying, After I am waxed olde, and my lord also, shall I haue lust?
and Abraham and Sarah [are] aged, entering into days — the way of women hath ceased to be to Sarah;
Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am become old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And she laughed secretly, saying: After I am grown old and my lord is an old man, shall I give myself to pleasure?
So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, “My body is worn out, and my husband is old. So how can I have the pleasure of having a child?” [RHQ]
so when she heard him say that, she laughed quietly and said to herself, “I am too old and worn out to have a baby, and my good boss, my husband, he is old too. If I had a baby, I would be really happy. But I’m too old for that now.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:12
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 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּצְחַ֥ק
שָׂרָ֖ה
בְּ/קִרְבָּ֣/הּ
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
אַחֲרֵ֤י
בְלֹתִ/י֙
הָֽיְתָה
לִּ֣/י
עֶדְנָ֔ה
וַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
זָקֵֽן
וַ/תִּצְחַ֥ק
tsâchaq
H6711
to laugh
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
בְּ/קִרְבָּ֣/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
בְלֹתִ/י֙
bâlâh
H1086
to become old
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
הָֽיְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לִּ֣/י
Prep | Suff
עֶדְנָ֔ה
ʻêden
H5730
delicacy
N-fs
וַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Conj | N-ms | Suff
זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:12
וַ/תִּצְחַ֥ק
tsâchaq
H6711
"to laugh"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To laugh outright in joy or scorn, as seen in Genesis when Abraham laughed at God's promise. It implies a strong emotional response, often translated as 'laugh' or 'mock'.
Definition: 1) to laugh, mock, play 1a) (Qal) to laugh 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to jest 1b2) to sport, play, make sport, toy with, make a toy of
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: laugh, mock, play, make sport. See also: Genesis 17:17; Genesis 21:9; Judges 16:25.
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.
בְּ/קִרְבָּ֣/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אַחֲרֵ֤י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
בְלֹתִ/י֙
bâlâh
H1086
"to become old"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To wear out or become old, like something that's been used up or decayed over time, as seen in the book of Isaiah. This concept is also related to consuming or spending something completely. It implies a sense of depletion or exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to wear out, become old 1a) (Qal) to wear out 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wear out 1b2) to wear out by use, use up completely 1b3) to enjoy, use to the full Aramaic equivalent: be.la (בְּלָא "to wear out" H1080)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: consume, enjoy long, become (make, wax) old, spend, waste. See also: Genesis 18:12; Job 21:13; Psalms 32:3.
הָֽיְתָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
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.
לִּ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
עֶדְנָ֔ה
ʻêden
H5730
"delicacy"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for delight or pleasure, used to describe something that brings joy. It is related to the name Eden, meaning a place of pleasure. In the Bible, it is used to describe beautiful and pleasant things.
Definition: luxury, dainty, delight, finery
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: delicate, delight, pleasure. See also H1040 (בֵּית עֵדֶן). See also: Genesis 18:12; Psalms 36:9; Jeremiah 51:34.
וַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
- Sermons on Genesis 18:12
Context — Sarah Laughs at the Promise
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?’ 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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:6 | just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. |
| 2 | 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?” |
| 3 | Luke 1:18–20 | “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” |
| 4 | Luke 1:34–35 | “How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:13 | And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ |
| 6 | Genesis 21:6–7 | Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Psalms 126:2 | Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” |
| 9 | Ephesians 5:33 | Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. |
Genesis 18:12 Summary
In this verse, Sarah laughs at the idea of having a child because she thinks it's too late for her, but God is not limited by our human constraints. This story teaches us to trust in God's power and promises, even when things seem impossible, as we see in Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26. Just like Sarah, we may have doubts and limitations, but God can still work in our lives in amazing ways, as seen in the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sarah laugh when she heard the promise of a child?
Sarah laughed because she thought it was humanly impossible for her to have a child at her advanced age, as stated in Genesis 18:11, but God's power is not limited by human constraints, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26
Was Sarah's laughter a sign of unbelief or doubt?
Sarah's laughter was a natural human response to an extraordinary promise, but it also revealed her limited faith, which is why the Lord asked Abraham about her laughter in Genesis 18:13, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as in Hebrews 11:11
What does this verse reveal about Sarah's character?
This verse shows that Sarah was a real person with real doubts and limitations, but it also sets the stage for her growth in faith, as seen in her later actions and the fulfillment of God's promise in Genesis 21:1-7
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God?
This verse illustrates the ongoing struggle between human understanding and God's sovereign power, emphasizing the need to trust in God's goodness and provision, even when circumstances seem impossible, as in Romans 4:20-22 and Isaiah 55:8-9
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I struggle to trust in God's power and promises, and how can I apply the lesson of Sarah's story to those situations?
- In what ways do I, like Sarah, limit God's power and promises by my own human understanding and experiences?
- How can I, like Abraham and Sarah, wait patiently and trustfully for God's promises to be fulfilled in my life, even when the timing seems uncertain or the circumstances seem impossible?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my own limitations, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God's power and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:12
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself,.... Not for joy of a son, and as pleased with it, believing so it would be; but as disbelieving it, and perhaps deriding it, and confuting it with a laugh,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:12
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
Sarah laughed within herself; not from joy and admiration, but from distrust and contempt, as if it were incredible. Heb. In her heart, i.e. she secretly derided it, though none but herself, as she thought, knew it. Shall I have pleasure? Not so much in the conception, as in the education and fruition of a child.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
Genesis 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?Ver. 12. Sarah laughed.] God’ s promises seem absurd and ridiculous, many of them, to human reason, which therefore must be silenced, and shut out, as Hagar was; for it will argue carnally, as that unbelieving lord storms at God’ s offers, as Naaman at the message looks upon God’ s Jordan with Syrian eyes, as he, and after all, cries out with Nicodemus, "How can these things be?" measuring God by its own model; and casting him into its own mould. After I am waxed old, shall I lust?] Old and cold, is our English proverb; and the Greek word for an old body signifies one in whom natural heat is extinct. It is a most undecent thing to see the pleasure of youth prevailing in times of age, among old decrepit goats. Were it not monstrous to behold green apples on a tree in winter? My lord being old also?] This was the only good word in the whole sentence: God takes notice of it, and by St Peter records it to her eternal commendation; yea, he was so well pleased with her subjection to her husband, whom she here in her heart calleth Lord, that he is content to forgive her great sin of unbelief. Pρεσβυς, απυρ et σβεω
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
(12) Sarah laughed.—See Note on Genesis 17:17. The laughter of both husband and wife brings into prominence the inconceivable character of the fact. Sarah’s conduct has been very unjustly condemned. Though Abraham may have begun to guess that his visitors were more than men, she probably had no such suspicions. Sitting inside the tent, and catching their words only occasionally, listening, perhaps, now only because she heard her own name mentioned, when she hears them talk of her having a child she naturally laughs. thinking possibly that they did not know how old she was. After I am waxed old.—The Hebrew word is stronger and more lively. It means “to be worn out like an old garment.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
Verse 12. Sarah laughed] Partly through pleasure at the bare idea of the possibility of the thing, and partly from a conviction that it was extremely improbable. She appears to have been in the same spirit, and to have had the same feelings of those who, unexpectedly hearing of something of great consequence to themselves, smile and say, "The news is too good to be true;", see Genesis 21:6. There is a case very similar to this mentioned Psalms 126:1-2. On Abraham's laughing, See Clarke on Genesis 17:17.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:12
12. Sarah laughed within herself] This is the laughter, according to J, which furnished a reason for the name “Isaac”; and on that account it is here emphasized. See, for the reason in P, Genesis 17:17. waxed old] The word in the original is forcible, and is used elsewhere for worn-out raiment, e.g. “shall wax old like a garment,” Psalms 102:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 18:12
12. Sarah laughed — The context here shows that Sarah’s laugh was that of incredulity, as the context of Gen 17:17, shows that Abraham’s laughing was that of joyful wonder.
Sermons on Genesis 18:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Test of Confusion - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who was struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. The man had a vision of his own funeral, which confirmed his f |
|
Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a man's behavior towards his wife as a reflection of his holiness. He suggests that if the conversation between a preacher |
|
1 Peter 3:6 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the example of Sarah's obedience to Abraham as a model for women, illustrating her faithfulness in following him and fulfilling her role with respect and honor |
|
War on Earth - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the topic of demons, distinguishing them from devils and exploring their potential origins as disembodied spirits. It recounts a personal experience of deli |
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God Strengthens Us by the Gospel by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the need for true strength that comes from God, not from worldly sources like sexiness, assertiveness, or power. It highlights the power of the Gospel to str |
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Last Things Last by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of prioritizing 'last things' in our lives, warning against the human tendency to procrastinate on matters of eternal significance, such as prep |
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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 |