Genesis 21:2 kjv

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:2 nkjv

For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:2 niv

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

Genesis 21:2 esv

And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:2 nlt

She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.

Genesis 21 verses

Genesis 21 2 Meaning

This verse succinctly proclaims the miraculous fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to Abraham and Sarah: the birth of their son, Isaac. It emphasizes two critical aspects: the human impossibility of the event ("in his old age") and the divine precision and power behind it ("at the set time of which God had spoken to him"). Isaac's birth marks a pivotal moment, being the physical manifestation and first stage of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

Genesis 21 2 Context

Genesis chapter 21 opens with the fulfillment of God's promise for Abraham and Sarah to have a son. This follows nearly a quarter-century of waiting and divine reaffirmation of the covenant, including God changing Abram's name to Abraham ("father of a multitude") and Sarai's to Sarah ("princess"). Prior to this, there was human attempt to fulfill the promise through Hagar and Ishmael, which led to significant domestic tension. Chapters 17 and 18 are especially significant immediately preceding this verse, where God explicitly promises a son to Sarah in their old age, despite their advanced years. The birth of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 21:2, marks the physical initiation of the Abrahamic covenant through the divinely appointed heir, setting the stage for the lineage of Israel and ultimately, the Messiah. Culturally, bearing an heir was of supreme importance for lineage and inheritance, making the delay and then miraculous birth even more profound.

Genesis 21 2 Word analysis

• For (וַתַּהַר - va-ta-har): This conjunction signifies a direct consequence or result. It introduces the main action, indicating that the following events (conception and birth) are directly linked to what precedes – the LORD's visitation and remembrance of Sarah (Gen 21:1).
• Sarah (שָׂרָה - Saráh): Her name means "princess." Given by God in Gen 17:15, this name change signaled her new identity and role as the mother of the promised seed. The very presence of her name highlights her improbable, yet now certain, capacity to bear a child.
• conceived (וַתַּהַר - va-ta-har): From the root hārâ, meaning "to be pregnant" or "to conceive." This word points to the biological process, yet in this context, it is supernaturally enabled, overcoming natural barrenness and old age.
• and bore (וַתֵּלֶד - va-te-led): From the root yālad, "to give birth." This denotes the completion of the pregnancy, the physical delivery of the promised child. The pairing with "conceived" underscores the full realization of the promise from inception to arrival.
• Abraham (אַבְרָהָם - Avrahám): His name, meaning "father of a multitude" (Gen 17:5), is fundamentally realized in this moment, albeit with one son from Sarah. This marks the beginning of the "great nation" promised to him.
• a son (בֵּן - bēn): Specifies the gender, vital for the continuation of the patriarchal line and covenant heir. The emphasis is on a son, singular and unique, signifying the specially chosen and designated heir, Isaac.
• in his old age (בְּזִקְנָתֹו - bə-ziq-nā-ṯōw): From ziqnâ, "old age," often implying infirmity or weakness due to advanced years. Abraham was 100 years old (Gen 21:5), Sarah 90 (Gen 17:17). This phrase powerfully emphasizes the human impossibility of natural procreation, thereby magnifying the miraculous divine intervention. It highlights that the birth was not a natural event but a divine act.
• at the set time (לַמּוֹעֵד - la-mōw-'ēḏ): From mô‘ēd, meaning "appointed time," "fixed season," or "definite time." This is a crucial theological detail. It highlights God's sovereign control over time and His meticulous execution of His promises according to His perfect plan, not by human will or random chance. It was the exact year God had specified (Gen 18:10, 14).
• of which (אֲשֶׁר - ’asher): A relative pronoun, linking the timing directly to God's prior statement.
• God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim): The generic but powerful Hebrew word for "God." It points to the Creator, the mighty One who transcends natural limitations and orchestrates all things. This reinforces the divine agency behind the miracle.
• had spoken (דִּבֶּר - dibber): From dābar, "to speak" or "to say." This confirms the verbal promise given by God to Abraham and Sarah on multiple occasions (e.g., Gen 17:19-21, 18:10). The verb tense signifies a completed action, confirming God's word is faithful and sure.
• to him (אֹתוֹ - 'ôtô): Referring specifically to Abraham, who had received the initial promises directly.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son: This phrase is concise, but loaded. It portrays the realization of a generations-long wait and an unprecedented biological event made possible only by divine power, confirming that the promised heir would indeed come through Sarah, dispelling any doubts from previous attempts to force the promise (e.g., Ishmael's birth).
• in his old age: This phrase dramatically underscores the supernatural character of Isaac's birth. It's not just that they were old, but well past the biological capacity for procreation. This setting heightens the glory due to God for performing the impossible. It speaks to God's power to create life even where it is humanly ceased.
• at the set time of which God had spoken to him: This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It reveals that the birth was neither a fortunate coincidence nor merely an answered prayer but a pre-ordained, divinely orchestrated event executed precisely according to God's calendar and word. This phrase solidifies God's complete control and the absolute reliability of His promises. It implicitly refutes any notion of capricious or delayed divine action.

Genesis 21 2 Bonus section

The birth of Isaac (whose name means "he laughs" or "laughter," reflecting both Sarah's incredulous laughter in Gen 18:12 and Abraham's joyful laughter in Gen 17:17, and then the joy the birth brought, Gen 21:6) stands as a foundational event for the theme of miraculous births throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the virgin birth of Jesus. Each of these impossible births signals a new redemptive stage initiated by God Himself. This verse also serves as a potent polemic against ancient pagan fertility cults; while other deities were supposedly invoked for fertility, the true God of Israel demonstrates His power over barrenness and natural limitations, showcasing that life and fruitfulness are sovereignly dispensed by Him alone. It assures believers across generations that God’s covenant promises are trustworthy and will be perfectly realized in His perfect time.

Genesis 21 2 Commentary

Genesis 21:2 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and omnipotence. After decades of waiting and numerous reaffirmations, God punctually fulfills His extraordinary promise to Abraham and Sarah. The specific details – "in his old age" and "at the set time" – serve as theological anchors. "In his old age" eliminates any human credit for the birth, underscoring that Isaac was a gift purely by God's power, conceived outside the realm of natural possibility. This showcases that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. "At the set time" emphasizes God's perfect timing and meticulous planning, validating His absolute sovereignty over human lives and historical progression. It reaffirms that God's word, once spoken, is sure and effective; it will not return to Him void. This birth of Isaac is not just a family event but a redemptive-historical linchpin, the direct physical beginning of the lineage through whom the promises to Abraham, including the blessing of all nations, would ultimately flow and find their culmination in Christ. It teaches us that God keeps His word, even when it seems impossible or delayed by human standards.