Genesis 21:6

The Birth of Isaac · Genesis 21:1–8
Read Genesis 21

Translations

Modern
Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.”
Traditional
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
Literal
And Sarah said, “God has brought to me laughter; all who hear will laugh with me.”
Latin
Dixitque Sara: Risum fecit mihi Deus: quicumque audierit, corridebit mihi.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.”

Notes

Sarah’s made a wordplay with the name Isaac (Hebrew yitskhaq, meaning “he laughs”). It shows how laughing in disbelief turned to laughing in joy when God fulfilled the promise (18:12). Isaac’s name might reflect the pleasure of God and his parents at his birth. Sarah knew everyone who heard about this would laugh and celebrate with her.

Sarah was filled with joy and praise for this amazing event. Only God could enable her to have a child.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Ishmael Sarah Symbolic Numbers

People

Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Laughter Meaning of Names in the Bible Patriarchs, Period of the Primogeniture

Topics

Children were Named: from Remarkable Events Humor and Laughter Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Sent Away by Abraham Laughing Thankfulness: To God of Sarah