Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:14

What does Genesis 18:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:14 means

The Lord powerfully affirmed His omnipotence with the rhetorical question, "Is anything too hard for Jehovah?" This question serves as a profound rebuke to Sarah's doubt and a clear declaration of God's limitless power over natural limitations. He then re-stated His promise with certainty: at the appointed time, Sarah would indeed have a son. This verse underscores that what is humanly impossible is readily accomplished by God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jehovah saith unto Abraham, `Why <FI>is<Fi> 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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Is [any] matter too wonderful for Jehovah? At the time appointed I will return to thee, at [this] time of the year, and Sarah shall have a son.

Context

This verse contains the climactic divine response to Sarah's doubt, following the Lord's question about her laughter in verse 13. It is a profound theological statement directly affirming God's omnipotence and faithfulness to His word. This declaration utterly removes any room for skepticism regarding the promise, setting up Sarah's nervous denial and the Lord's final word on the matter.

v.13And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?

v.14This passage

v.15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 7:21

    Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a great God and a terrible.

  • Job 36:5

    Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding.

  • Job 42:2

    I know that thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of thine can be restrained.

  • Luke 1:18

    And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

  • Zechariah 8:6

    Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Ephesians 3:20

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

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