Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:13

What does Genesis 18:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:13 means

Jehovah, knowing Sarah's internal thoughts and laughter, directly questioned Abraham about her disbelief. He quoted Sarah's unspoken words, demonstrating His omniscience and exposing her private skepticism. By addressing Sarah's laughter, the Lord made it clear that her doubt was not hidden from Him. This direct confrontation prepares for the powerful affirmation of God's ability to do the impossible, which follows immediately.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Lord said, Why was Sarah laughing and saying, Is it possible for me, being old, to give birth to a child?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Sarah laugheth in her heart, saying, `After I have waxed old I have had pleasure! --my lord also <FI>is<Fi> old!'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord said to Abraham: Why did Sara laugh, saying: Shall I, who am an old woman, bear a child indeed?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jehovah said to Abraham, Why is this, that Sarah laughs, saying, Shall I indeed bear, when I am become old?

Context

This verse marks the Lord's direct intervention, addressing Sarah's hidden laughter and doubt, which we learned about in verse 12. This divine knowledge of her secret thoughts is a crucial demonstration of His omniscience. This challenge to Sarah's skepticism sets the stage for the powerful declaration of God's unlimited power that follows, directly confronting human incredulity with divine capability.

v.12And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

v.13This passage

v.14Is 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 2:25

    and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 18

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 18.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 18:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary