Genesis 18:11

11 Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies.

Genesis 18:11 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:11

Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old, [and] well stricken in
age
The one being ninety nine years of age, and the other eighty nine; and which is observed to make it the more surprising that they should have a son at such an age; and what follows still makes it more so: [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women;
her monthly visitors had left her, so that she was unfit for conception, and there could be no hope of it in a natural way; though the philosopher F23 intimates, that there are some, that it is possible, may conceive without them.


FOOTNOTES:

F23 Aristot. Hist. Animal. l. 7. c. 2.

Genesis 18:11 In-Context

9 The men said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" He said, "In the tent."
10 One of them said, "I'm coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was listening at the tent opening, just behind the man.
11 Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies.
12 Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?"
13 God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?'
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.