Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:9

What does Genesis 18:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:9 means

During the meal, one of the visitors inquired about Sarah, Abraham's wife. Abraham's simple reply, "Behold, in the tent," indicates that she was observing customary seclusion for women in that culture, likely within earshot. This question about Sarah is significant because it directly precedes the reaffirmation of the promise concerning her, signaling that the visitors' purpose extends beyond mere travel and hospitality. They knew about Sarah and her circumstances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said to him, Where is Sarah your wife? And he said, She is in the tent.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they say unto him, `Where <FI>is<Fi> Sarah thy wife?' and he saith, `Lo--in the tent;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when they had eaten, they said to him: Where is Sara thy wife? He answered: Lo she is in the tent.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they said to him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

Context

This verse marks a turning point in the narrative, as one of the visitors poses a direct question about Sarah, immediately following the meal in verse 8. This inquiry shifts the focus from general hospitality to a more specific and personal matter concerning Abraham's household. This question directly sets up the momentous announcement about Sarah's pregnancy, which is the immediate next revelation.

v.8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

v.9This passage

v.10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.

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?

  • Titus 2:5

    to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:

  • Genesis 24:67

    And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

  • Genesis 31:33

    And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two maid-servants; but he found them not. And he went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent.

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