Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:15

What does Genesis 18:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:15 means

In response to the Lord's direct exposure of her laughter, Sarah, out of fear, denied that she had laughed. This denial was a natural human reaction when confronted with a truth she had tried to conceal. However, the Lord, with full knowledge, directly countered her denial, stating clearly, "Nay; but thou didst laugh." This final word from God affirms His perfect knowledge and leaves no room for Sarah's evasive response.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Sarah said, I was not laughing; for she was full of fear. And he said, No, but you were laughing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Sarah denieth, saying, `I did not laugh;' for she hath been afraid; and He saith, `Nay, but thou didst laugh.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Sara denied, saying: I did not laugh: for she was afraid. But the Lord said: Nay; but thou didst laugh.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Sarah denied, saying, I did not laugh; for she was afraid. And he said, No; but thou didst laugh.

Context

This verse concludes the direct confrontation between the Lord and Sarah regarding her laughter, following the Lord's powerful declaration of His omnipotence in verse 14. Sarah's denial and the Lord's firm rebuttal bring this specific interaction to a close. This exchange solidifies the reality of the promise and serves to underscore the Lord's perfect knowledge, preparing for the departure of the visitors.

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.

v.15This passage

v.16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 4:9

    And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?

  • Genesis 12:13

    Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee.

  • 1 John 1:8

    If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • John 18:17

    The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

  • John 2:25

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

  • Mark 2:8

    And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

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