Genesis 18:15

15 Sarah lied. She said, "I didn't laugh," because she was afraid. But he said, "Yes you did; you laughed."

Genesis 18:15 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 18:15

Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not
Some render the words, "Sarah lied" F26; and indeed it was no other than a lie, to say she did not laugh when she did; which she might be tempted to say in her confusion, partly because the back of the speaker was to her, and he could not see her, and partly because it was inward, and very little at least discoverable in her countenance: for she was afraid;
of the reproof of her husband; and of the charge of ill manners to a stranger; and especially as she had reason to believe that it was the Lord himself that had spoken these words, and therefore could gladly have excused herself, and wiped off the reproach: and he said, nay, but thou didst laugh;
it is not true what thou sayest, for thou didst certainly laugh; this he knew, being the omniscient God, notwithstanding, as he appeared as a man, his back was to her, and though her laughter was more internal than external.


FOOTNOTES:

F26 (vxkt) "mentita est", Drusius.

Genesis 18:15 In-Context

13 God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?'
14 Is anything too hard for God? I'll be back about this time next year and Sarah will have a baby."
15 Sarah lied. She said, "I didn't laugh," because she was afraid. But he said, "Yes you did; you laughed."
16 When the men got up to leave, they set off for Sodom. Abraham walked with them to say good-bye.
17 Then God said, "Shall I keep back from Abraham what I'm about to do?
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.