Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:7

What does Genesis 21:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:7 means

Sarah's rhetorical question underscores her amazement at becoming a mother in her extreme old age. She marvels that anyone would have predicted such a thing to Abraham, emphasizing the human impossibility of her situation. Her statement, 'for I have borne him a son in his old age,' not only reaffirms the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth but also serves as a testament to God's power to transcend natural limitations and bring forth life where it was no longer expected.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And she said, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would have a child at her breast? for see, I have given him a son now when he is old.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

She saith also, `Who hath said to Abraham, Sarah hath suckled sons, that I have born a son for his old age?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And again she said: Who would believe that Abraham should hear that Sara gave suck to a son, whom she bore to him in his old age?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And she said, Who would have said to Abraham, Sarah will suckle children? For I have borne [him] a son in his old age.

Context

This verse continues Sarah's joyful reflection from verse 6, further elaborating on the miraculous aspect of Isaac's birth from her perspective. It reiterates the theme of advanced age, solidifying the idea that this birth was a divine intervention, not a natural occurrence. This prepares for the domestic scenes that follow, now with the promised heir securely in place.

v.6And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh; every one that heareth will laugh with me.

v.7This passage

v.8And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 4:32

    For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and from the one end of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

    when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

  • Genesis 18:11

    Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

  • Numbers 23:23

    Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob; Neither is there any divination with Israel: Now shall it be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

  • Ephesians 3:10

    to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,

  • Psalms 86:10

    For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone.

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