Genesis 18:15

Translations

Modern

But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”

Traditional

Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Literal

And Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Latin

Negavit Sara, dicens: Non risi, timore perterrita. Dominus autem: Non est, inquit, ita: sed risisti.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”

Notes

Genesis 18:13–15

Sarah thought no one noticed her disbelieving laughter. But God knows what people do in secret and what they feel (see Psalm 69:5; Proverbs 20:27; Mark 4:22; Luke 8:43–48; Hebrews 4:13). He knows if they doubt promises or trust in him (see Hebrews 11:11–12).

Genesis 18:1–15

The Lord's visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac's birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham welcomed the visitors peacefully and generously, which contrasted with the chaos and corruption in Sodom (chapter 19).

Sharing a meal was important for making or confirming covenants. When God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he personally shared a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always included a communal meal (see Exodus 24:9–11; Matthew 26:17–30 // Luke 22:7–38; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:20–34).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Sarah Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
1 John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Ephesians 4:23
…to be renewed in the spirit of your minds;
Psalm 44:21
…would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?
Proverbs 12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Romans 3:19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Genesis 12:13
Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.”
Genesis 4:9
And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
John 18:25–27
Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”
Job 2:10
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
John 2:25
He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.
John 18:17
At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered.

People

Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac

Glossary

Abraham Angel Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Hospitality Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Peter, Second Letter of Prayer Presence of God Sodom and Gomorrah

Topics

Abraham: Angels Appear To Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Falsehood: To the Angels, Denying Her Derisive Laugh of Unbelief God: Appearances of To Abraham Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham Lying: Sarah Mamre: A Plain Near Hebron: Entertains Three Angels, and is Promised a Son Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Miraculous Conception of Isaac Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie

Genesis 18:15

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