Genesis 18:14
Genesis 18:14 in Multiple Translations
Is 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.”
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the set time I will return unto thee, when the season cometh round, and Sarah shall have a son.
Is there any wonder which the Lord is not able to do? At the time I said, in the spring, I will come back to you, and Sarah will have a child.
Is anything too difficult for the Lord to do? I will come back next year when I said I would, in the spring, and Sarah will have a son.”
(Shall any thing be hard to the Lord? at the time appointed will I returne vnto thee, euen according to the time of life, and Sarah shall haue a sonne.)
And Jehovah saith unto Abraham, 'Why [is] this? Sarah hath laughed, saying, Is it true really — I bear — and I am aged? Is any thing too wonderful for Jehovah? at the appointed time I return unto thee, about the time of life, and Sarah hath a son.'
Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return to thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Is there any thing hard to God? According to appointment I will return to thee at this same time, life accompanying, and Sara shall have a son.
I am Yahweh! ◄Is there anything too difficult for me?/There is nothing too difficult for me!► [RHQ] I will return about this time next year in the springtime, and Sarah will have an infant son.”
I’m telling you, nothing is too hard for me. I am God, and my name is Yahweh. Just like I said, at this time next year, I will come back, and Sarah will have a baby boy.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 18:14
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 18:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יִפָּלֵ֥א
מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה
דָּבָ֑ר
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֞ד
אָשׁ֥וּב
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
כָּ/עֵ֥ת
חַיָּ֖ה
וּ/לְ/שָׂרָ֥ה
בֵֽן
הֲ/יִפָּלֵ֥א
pâlâʼ
H6381
to wonder
Part | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֞ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
Prep | N-ms
אָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כָּ/עֵ֥ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
חַיָּ֖ה
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וּ/לְ/שָׂרָ֥ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
Conj | Prep | N-proper
בֵֽן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 18:14
הֲ/יִפָּלֵ֥א
pâlâʼ
H6381
"to wonder"
Part | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.
Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.
מֵ/יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לַ/מּוֹעֵ֞ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
אָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
כָּ/עֵ֥ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
חַיָּ֖ה
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וּ/לְ/שָׂרָ֥ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
Conj | 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.
בֵֽן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 18:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 18:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:14
- Sermons on Genesis 18:14
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.”
15But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” 16When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:37 | For no word from God will ever fail. ” |
| 2 | Matthew 19:26 | Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” |
| 3 | 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.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 32:27 | “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? |
| 5 | Ephesians 3:20 | Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, |
| 6 | Job 42:2 | “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. |
| 7 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
| 8 | 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! |
| 9 | Romans 4:21 | being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. |
| 10 | 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.” |
Genesis 18:14 Summary
[Genesis 18:14 reminds us that nothing is too hard for God, and He can do anything He wants (as seen in Jeremiah 32:17). This verse also shows us that God has a perfect plan and timing for our lives, and we can trust that He will fulfill His promises to us, just like He did for Abraham and Sarah (Romans 4:21, Galatians 4:4). We can learn to trust God's power and timing, even when things seem impossible, and wait patiently for His appointed time to bring about His promises in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'Is anything too difficult for the LORD?' in Genesis 18:14?
This phrase emphasizes God's omnipotence and ability to accomplish anything He desires, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, which says 'Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.'
Why does the verse mention 'the appointed time'?
The phrase 'the appointed time' refers to God's perfect timing and plan, highlighting that everything will happen according to His schedule, as also seen in Galatians 4:4, which says 'But when the appointed time came, God sent His Son.'
How can we apply the promise in Genesis 18:14 to our own lives?
We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives, just as He did for Abraham and Sarah, as Romans 4:21 says 'He was fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.'
What is the significance of the statement 'Sarah will have a son' in this verse?
This statement is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as mentioned in Genesis 17:16, and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's promises, as seen in Hebrews 11:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle to trust that God can accomplish the impossible, and how can I apply the truth of Genesis 18:14 to those areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's perfect timing, just like Abraham and Sarah had to wait for the appointed time?
- How can I, like Abraham, be fully convinced that God is able to do what He has promised, and what are some promises in Scripture that I can cling to?
- What are some promises or dreams that I have been waiting to see fulfilled, and how can I trust that God will bring them to pass in His appointed time?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord?.... Whose power is infinite; or "too wonderful" (x), so wonderful and beyond all belief, that it can never be thought it will be done by him; and why then should it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 18:14
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? Heb. Hid from God? So the sense is: Though she laughed only in her heart, it is not unknown to me. Or rather, too wonderful for God to effect? Which best suits with the following words.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.Ver. 14. Is anything too hard for the Lord?] He can do all things possible and honourable. He cannot lie, die, deny himself, for that implieth impotency. "He could do no mighty work" in his own country "because of their unbelief." He could not, because he would not. He can do more than he will, as "of stones raise up" churches, call for "legions of angels," create more worlds in an instant. But whatsoever he willeth, that he doeth in heaven and earth, and none can say, what doest thou? "Our God can deliver us". "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean". I will return to thee, according to the time of life.] He returned not personally, that we read of; but virtually he did, by making good his promise at the appointed time.
That of Dr Sands, afterwards Bishop of Worcester, is wonderful, and worth relating. He, departing the land for fear of Queen Mary, took his leave of his host and hostess, who was childless, and had been married eight years. When the wind served, as he went toward the ship, he gave his hostess a fine handkerchief, and an old royal of gold in it, thanking her much, and said, Be of good comfort; ere that one whole year be past, God shall give you a child, a boy. And it came to pass, that day twelve months later, lacking one day, God gave her a fair son. Act. and Mon., fol. 1894.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
(14) Is anything too hard for the Lord?—Heb., Is anything too wonderful for Jehovah? At last it is made evident that the travellers are messengers from God; but until this declaration, there could have been, at most, only a dim feeling that the visitation was more than human. Though the angel does not claim for himself divinity, yet the narrator prefixes to his words, And Jehovah said. In some ineffable way there was an identity between Jehovah and the angel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 18:14
Verse 14. Is any thing too hard for the Lord?] היפלא מיהוה דבר hayippale meihovah dabar, shall a word (or thing) be wonderful from the Lord? i.e., Can any thing be too great a miracle for him to effect? The Septuagint translate the passage, ΜηαδυνατησειπαρατῳΘεῳῥημα; which St. Luke adopts almost literatim, only making it an affirmative position instead of a question: ΟυκαδυνατησειπαρατῳΘεῳπανῥημα, which we translate, "With God nothing shall be impossible," Lu 1:37. Many copies of the Septuagint insert the word παν before ῥημα, as in St. Luke; but it makes little difference in the sense. It was to correct Sarah's unbelief, and to strengthen her faith, that God spoke these most important words; words which state that where human wisdom, prudence, and energy fall, and where nature herself ceases to be an agent, through lack of energy to act, or laws to direct and regulate energy, there also God has full sway, and by his own omnific power works all things after the counsel of his own will. Is there an effect to be produced? God can produce it as well without as with means. He produced nature, the whole system of causes and effects, when in the whole compass of his own eternity there was neither means nor being.
HE spake, and it was done; HE commanded, and it stood fast. How great and wonderful is God!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 18:14
14. too hard for the Lord] Lit., as marg, wonderful. The LXX rendering μὴἀδυνατεῖπαρὰτῷθεῷῥῆμα finds an echo in St Luke 1:37. Compare Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah! Lord God! behold, thou hast made, the heaven and the earth by thy great power …: there is nothing too hard for thee.” He who thus speaks of Jehovah, is Himself Jehovah. Cf. Genesis 16:11, Genesis 19:13.
Sermons on Genesis 18:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our God Can Fix Anything - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | Pastor Wilkerson of Times Square Church welcomes worshippers from various nationalities and encourages them to draw closer to Jesus through worship and preaching. The sermon emphas |
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The Danger of a Compromised Life by Greg Laurie | In this sermon titled "The Danger of a Compromised Life," Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights how the Israelites |
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Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and faithfulness of God. He assures the listeners that if they obey God's commands, He will take responsibility for their actions |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will |
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Why Should We Pray? by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about coming home from a trip and the importance of prayer. He mentions having two notebooks, one for speaking and one for pr |
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The King Is Coming: Faith 2: Church Life and His Return by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the shrinking world we live in due to mass media and instantaneous communication. He emphasizes the blessings of being able to c |
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New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the real power of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the importance of submission and faith in God's promises. It highlights the need for believers to surrender to |