Genesis 21:3

3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, ¹Isaac. ^[a]

Genesis 21:3 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 21:3

And Abraham called the name of his son that was borne unto
him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
] Which is the name he was directed to give him, ( Genesis 17:19 ) ; and he remembers the order, and is obedient to it; the reason of which name, which signifies laughter, was on account of his laughing for joy at the promise made him, as well as there might be afterwards a further reason for it, from Sarah's laughing through distrust; and it might presignify the joy and laughter that would be expressed by others at his birth; and perhaps also that he would be the object of the laughter and derision of his brother; such a number of events agreeing with his name.

Genesis 21:3 In-Context

1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.

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

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

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

5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Cross References

• 1. 21:3 ch. 17:19

Footnotes

• [a] 21:3 'Isaac' means 'he laughs'