Genesis 21:3
Genesis 21:3 in Multiple Translations
And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
And Abraham gave to his son, to whom Sarah had given birth, the name Isaac.
Abraham named their son Isaac.
And Abraham called his sonnes name that was borne vnto him, which Sarah bare him, Izhak.
and Abraham calleth the name of his son who is born to him, whom Sarah hath born to him — Isaac;
Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
And Abraham called the name of his son, whom Sara bore him, Isaac.
Abraham gave the name ‘Isaac’ (which means ‘he laughs’) to the son Sarah gave birth to.
Abraham called his son Isaac. That name means laugh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:3
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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
אֶֽת
שֶׁם
בְּנ֧/וֹ
הַ/נּֽוֹלַד
ל֛/וֹ
אֲשֶׁר
יָלְדָה
לּ֥/וֹ
שָׂרָ֖ה
יִצְחָֽק
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֶׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
בְּנ֧/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
הַ/נּֽוֹלַד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Art | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
ל֛/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָלְדָה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שָׂרָ֖ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
יִצְחָֽק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:3
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אַבְרָהָ֜ם
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.
אֶֽת
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.
שֶׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
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.
בְּנ֧/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
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.
הַ/נּֽוֹלַד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Art | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
ל֛/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָלְדָה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
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.
יִצְחָֽק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
- Sermons on Genesis 21:3
Context — The Birth of Isaac
1Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised.
2So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.
3And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.
4When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded him. 5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:19 | But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. |
| 2 | Romans 9:7 | Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” |
| 3 | Genesis 21:6 | Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” |
| 4 | Joshua 24:3 | But I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates and led him through all the land of Canaan, and I multiplied his descendants. I gave him Isaac, |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:18 | even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” |
| 6 | Matthew 1:2 | Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. |
| 7 | Genesis 21:12 | But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. |
| 8 | Genesis 22:2 | “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” |
| 9 | Acts 7:8 | Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. |
Genesis 21:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Abraham named his son Isaac, which means 'he laughs' in Hebrew. Abraham had laughed when God first told him that he would have a son at his old age, and now he is giving a name to that son. This shows that Abraham trusted in God's promise and was obedient to Him, just like we are called to trust and obey God in our own lives (Romans 4:3, Genesis 22:1-14). By giving his son the name Isaac, Abraham is remembering God's promise and the joy that it brought him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham give the name Isaac to his son?
Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son because it means 'he laughs' in Hebrew, and Abraham had laughed when God first told him that he would have a son at his old age, as seen in Genesis 17:17 (Genesis 17:17).
What is the significance of naming a child in the Bible?
In the Bible, naming a child was a significant act that often reflected the child's character, purpose, or circumstances of birth, as seen in Genesis 21:3 and Genesis 25:26.
How does this verse relate to God's promise to Abraham?
This verse fulfills God's promise to Abraham, which is recorded in Genesis 18:10 and Genesis 18:14, where God said that Sarah would have a son, and now Abraham is giving a name to that son.
What does this verse reveal about Abraham's faith?
This verse reveals that Abraham trusted God and believed in His promise, as he had waited for many years for the birth of his son, and now he is obeying God by giving him a name, as seen in Genesis 15:6 and Romans 4:3.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible?
- How does Abraham's example of faith and obedience encourage me to trust in God's plan for my life?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's promises in my own life, just like Abraham did?
- How can I, like Abraham, find joy and laughter in the promises of God, even in difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:3
And Abraham called the name of his son that was borne unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:3
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. Abraham called ... circumcised. God was acknowledged in the name which, by divine command, was given for a memorial (cf.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
Genesis 21:3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.Ver. 3. And Abraham called the name, &c.] A ridiculous name, but such as God had imposed. All God’ s ways are foolishness to the world, - Christ and all. But - as old men use to say to young - they think us fools, we know them to be so. It will not be long ere they shall wail and howl out, Nos insensati , we fools held their life madness, &c. Say therefore with David, If this be to be vile, we will be more vile. God hath a barren womb for mocking Michal. He is a fool, we say, that would be laughed out of his coat; but he is a double fool that would be laughed out of his skin, that would hazard his soul, because loath to be laughed at. Caligula socerum Scyllanum, molestum ei propter virtutem et affinitatem, ad mortem sibi consciscendam ludibriis adegit . More fool he.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
(3) Abraham called the name of his son.—Attention has been called to the fact that we have here two things contrary to subsequent usage: for, first, the father names the child, and not the mother; and, secondly, he names him at his birth, instead of waiting until his circumcision. It might be enough to answer that the child was really named by God (Genesis 17:19), and that Abraham only acknowledges that the son born was the promised Isaac; but really, as we have seen before, there was as yet no settled rule as to either of these points. Isaac.—This name not only recorded the fact of the laughter of the father (Genesis 17:17) and of the mother (Genesis 18:12), but was a standing memorial that Isaac’s birth was contrary to nature, and one of which the promise was provocative of ridicule in the sight even of his parents.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
Verse 3. Isaac.] See the reason and interpretation of this name in Clarke's note on "Genesis 17:7".
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:3
3. And Abraham called, &c.] For the name Isaac, see note on Genesis 17:19. The father, in the P narrative, gives the name: see Genesis 16:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:3
3. Isaac — The name means, he shall laugh, or laughter. It was given to commemorate the laughter and excessive joy referred to in Genesis 21:6, and in Genesis 17:19; Genesis 18:12.
Sermons on Genesis 21:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Get Ready to Laugh With God by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 2 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty amidst societal challenges and the need for the Church to be a restraining influence against ev |
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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 17:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 17, which is considered a significant chapter in the book of Genesis. God appears to Abraham for the fifth time to make a covenant w |
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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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(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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Genesis 22:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Isaac as Abraham's most cherished possession, highlighting the long wait for God's promise of a son and the joy that followed Isaac's mir |
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Isaac and the Law of Life by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the sevenfold law of life as seen in Romans 8:2, emphasizing that life works out in seven different ways when allowed to govern us, resulting in inevit |