Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:6

What does Genesis 21:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:6 means

Sarah exclaimed that God had brought her laughter, implying a profound joy that others would share. Her previous laughter had been one of incredulity (Genesis 18:12), but now it was laughter of sheer delight and wonder at God's faithfulness. This statement acknowledges God as the source of her miraculous joy, recognizing His power to reverse human barrenness and fulfill His word, turning her personal history of sorrow into celebration.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh; every one that heareth will laugh with me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh; every one that heareth will laugh with me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Sarah said, God has given me cause for laughing, and everyone who has news of it will be laughing with me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Sarah saith, `God hath made laughter for me; every one who is hearing laugheth for me.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Sara said: God hath made a laughter for me: whosoever shall hear of it will laugh with me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Sarah said,God has made me laugh: all that hear will laugh with me.

Context

Following the details of Isaac's birth and covenant integration, Sarah herself speaks, expressing her astonishment and joy. This verse captures her personal reaction, highlighting the emotional impact of the fulfillment of God's promise. It connects back to the meaning of Isaac's name and contrasts with her earlier unbelieving laughter, demonstrating a transformation of heart.

v.5And Abraham was a hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

v.6This passage

v.7And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should give children suck? for I have borne him a son in his old age.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 49:15

    Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.

  • Isaiah 49:21

    Then shalt thou say in thy heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they?

  • Romans 12:15

    Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.

  • John 16:21

    A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.

  • Genesis 18:12

    And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

  • Isaiah 54:1

    Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith Jehovah.

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