Genesis 18:14

14 Is anything too hard for ADONAI? At the time set for it, at this season next year, I will return to you; and Sarah will have a son."

Genesis 18:14 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:14

Is anything too hard for the Lord?
&c.] Whose power is infinite; or "too wonderful" F24, so wonderful and beyond all belief, that it can never be thought it will be done by him; and why then should it be thought incredible or impossible that Sarah should have a child, though she is old? Or, is "anything hidden from the Lord" F25? Nothing can be, not Sarah's laughter. At the time appointed will I return to thee, according to the time of
life, and Sarah shall have a son;
which words are repeated not merely for the confirmation of Abraham's faith, which staggered not, but to remove Sarah's unbelief, and to encourage her faith in the divine promise.


FOOTNOTES:

F24 (alpyh) "nunquid mirabile vel mirificabitur", Munster, Piscator, Schmidt.
F25 "Nunquid abscondetur", Pagninus, Cartwright; "an potest occultari", Junius & Tremellius, Fagius; so the Targum of Jonathan and Aben Ezra.

Genesis 18:14 In-Context

12 So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, "I am old, and so is my lord; am I to have pleasure again?"
13 ADONAI said to Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and ask, 'Am I really going to bear a child when I am so old?'
14 Is anything too hard for ADONAI? At the time set for it, at this season next year, I will return to you; and Sarah will have a son."
15 Sarah denied it, saying, "I didn't either laugh," because she was afraid. He said, "Not so - you did laugh."
16 The men set out from there and looked over toward S'dom, and Avraham went with them to see them on their way.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.