Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:2

What does Genesis 21:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:2 means

Sarah, despite her advanced age, conceived and bore a son to Abraham. The text emphasizes that this occurred in 'his old age' and 'at the set time of which God had spoken to him,' underscoring the miraculous nature of the birth and the divine precision of God's timing. This son, Isaac, is explicitly identified as the fulfillment of God's promise, proving that God's word is reliable and His plans cannot be thwarted by human limitations. This event marks a significant progression in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Sarah became with child, and gave Abraham a son when he was old, at the time named by God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Sarah conceiveth, and beareth a son to Abraham, to his old age, at the appointed time that God hath spoken of with him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And she conceived and bore a son in her old age, at the time that God had foretold her.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the appointed time of whichGod had spoken to him.

Context

Following the declaration of God's visitation in verse 1, this verse details the actualization of the promise: Sarah's conception and the birth of Isaac. It confirms the miraculous aspect of the birth, directly linking it to God's promised timing. This event is the climax of Abraham and Sarah's long wait and serves as the foundation for all subsequent developments concerning the covenant line.

v.1And Jehovah visited Sarah as he had said, and Jehovah did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

v.2This passage

v.3And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:19

    And 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.

  • Hebrews 11:11

    By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:

  • Genesis 18:14

    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.

  • Genesis 18:10

    And 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.

  • 2 Kings 4:16

    And he said, At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid.

  • Luke 1:24

    And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 21

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 21.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 21:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary