Genesis 18:11-14

11 Now 1Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was 2past childbearing *.
12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "3After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my 4lord being old also?"
13 And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed * bear a child, when I am so old?'
14 "5Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the 6appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

Genesis 18:11-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 18

Another appearance of God to Abraham is here recorded; three persons are seen by him in an human form, whom he kindly invites to stop with him, and generously entertains them, Ge 18:1-8; they inquire concerning Sarah his wife, and one of them renews the promise of her bearing a son to him, which occasions laughter in her, for which she is reproved, Ge 18:9-15; upon their departure the Lord thought fit, for reasons given, to make known to Abraham his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Ge 18:16-22; when Abraham intercedes for the preservation of those cities in a most importunate and affectionate manner, Ge 18:23-33.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Genesis 17:17; Romans 4:19
  • 2. Hebrews 11:11
  • 3. Genesis 17:17; Luke 1:18
  • 4. 1 Peter 3:6
  • 5. Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Zechariah 8:6; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Romans 4:21
  • 6. Genesis 17:21; Genesis 18:10

Footnotes 5

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.