Genesis 17:19
What does Genesis 17:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 17:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 17:19 means
God directly answered Abraham's plea, firmly rejecting his suggestion about Ishmael, stating, "Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son." God then gave the specific name for this promised child: "Isaac," meaning "he laughs." This name would serve as a perpetual reminder of Abraham's own laughter, acknowledging both his initial disbelief and the future joy this son would bring. Crucially, God declared, "and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him," clearly designating Isaac as the sole heir through whom the main covenant promises would be fulfilled.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And God said, Not so; but Sarah, your wife, will have a son, and you will give him the name Isaac, and I will make my agreement with him for ever and with his seed after him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and God saith, `Sarah thy wife is certainly bearing a son to thee, and thou hast called his name Isaac, and I have established My covenant with him, for a covenant age-during, to his seed after him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And God said to Abraham: Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac, and I will establish my covenant with him for a perpetual covenant, and with his seed after him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890AndGod said, Sarah thy wife shall indeed bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him, for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.
Context
This verse is a direct and definitive response from God to Abraham's plea regarding Ishmael (v. 18). God emphatically reiterates His original promise, specifying that Sarah will indeed bear the son, and gives him the prophetic name Isaac. This firm declaration clarifies the promised lineage, setting Isaac apart as the covenant heir. It logically leads into the following verses, where God addresses Ishmael's future while ensuring there is no confusion about the primary covenant line.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 1:13
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
- Genesis 17:21
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
- Genesis 21:2
And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
- Genesis 26:3
sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
- Genesis 21:6
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh; every one that heareth will laugh with me.
- Romans 9:6
Butit isnot as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel:
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