Genesis 18:13

13 Forsooth the Lord said to Abraham, Why laughed Sarah, thy wife, saying, Whether I an eld woman shall bear a child verily? (And the Lord said to Abraham, Why did thy wife Sarah laugh, and say, Shall I, an old woman, truly bear a child?)

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 Forsooth both were old, and of great age, and woman's terms ceased to be made to Sarah (and a woman's terms had ceased to be made with Sarah).
12 And (so) she laughed, saying privily, After that I (have) waxed eld, and my lord is eld, shall I give diligence to lust?
13 Forsooth the Lord said to Abraham, Why laughed Sarah, thy wife, saying, Whether I an eld woman shall bear a child verily? (And the Lord said to Abraham, Why did thy wife Sarah laugh, and say, Shall I, an old woman, truly bear a child?)
14 whether anything is hard to God? By the promise I shall turn again to thee in this same time, if I live; and Sarah shall have a son. (is there anything too hard for God to do? By my word, I shall return to thee at this same time, as I live; and Sarah shall have a son.)
15 (And) Sarah was afeared for dread, and denied (it), saying, I laughed not. Forsooth the Lord said, It is not so, but thou laughedest.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.