Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:3

What does Genesis 21:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:3 means

Abraham named his newborn son Isaac. This name, meaning 'he laughs' or 'laughter,' recalls both Abraham’s initial reaction of laughter when God first announced the promise (Genesis 17:17) and Sarah's later laughter of disbelief (Genesis 18:12), which then turned into joy. By naming him Isaac, Abraham publicly acknowledged the miraculous circumstances of his birth and recognized him as the promised heir, the son through whom God's covenant would continue.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham gave to his son, to whom Sarah had given birth, the name Isaac.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Abraham calleth the name of his son who is born to him, whom Sarah hath born to him--Isaac;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abraham called the name of his son, whom Sara bore him, Isaac.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

Context

With the birth of the son confirmed in verse 2, this verse logically follows with the naming of the child. The chosen name, Isaac, is deeply significant, reflecting both the human reactions to God's promise and the ultimate joy of its fulfillment. This act formally integrates Isaac into the family and into the unfolding covenant narrative.

v.2And Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

v.3This passage

v.4And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 1:2

    Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;

  • Joshua 24:3

    And I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

  • Romans 9:7

    neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Genesis 21:12

    And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • 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 11:18

    even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:

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