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Genesis 18:13

13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’

Genesis 18:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?'
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?'
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 The LORD asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Can I really have a child now that I'm old?'
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 But the Lord asked Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Can I really have a baby when I'm old?'
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Will I really have a baby, now that I am old?'

Genesis 18:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:13

And the Lord said unto Abraham
This discovers who the person was that had been conversing with Abraham, that he was a divine Person, as appears by his name "Jehovah", as well as by his knowledge of Sarah's behaviour; he did not turn himself to her, that it might be more manifest that it was not upon the sight of her he judged she laughed, but from his own omniscience; and he chose rather to speak to her husband than to her, appearing as a stranger, and that he might reprove her: wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, shall I of a surety bear a child,
which am old?
suggesting there was no reason for it, and signifying his displeasure and indignation at it.

Genesis 18:13 In-Context

11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.
12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Genesis 17:17
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.