Old Testament
Genesis 17:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But God replied, "No — Sarah your wife will truly bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him."
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And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
What Genesis 17:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God reassures Abraham that his wife Sarah will indeed have a son, despite their old age. This son, named Isaac, will be the one through whom God will fulfill His promises. God emphasizes that His covenant, a special agreement, will be established with Isaac and will last forever, extending to his descendants. This is a significant promise, showing that God is committed to Abraham's family and their future. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plans, even when they seem impossible. Abraham's doubts are met with God's unwavering assurance, reminding us that divine promises can change our lives in profound ways. The name Isaac means 'laughter,' symbolizing the joy and surprise of God's blessings. This passage encourages us to hold onto hope, as God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, bringing joy and fulfillment to our lives. It teaches us that God is faithful to His word, and His timing is perfect, even when we struggle to see it.
How to apply Genesis 17:19 to your life
When faced with doubts about the future, remember that God has a plan for you. Trust in His timing and promises, even when they seem unlikely. Embrace the joy that comes from believing in something greater than yourself, and share that hope with others around you. Your faith can inspire those who are struggling to believe in their own possibilities.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: A New Name: Abraham (Genesis 17:1–27)
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Abraham
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Genesis 17:19
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 17:19 mean?
Genesis 17:19 means that God assures Abraham that his wife Sarah will have a son named Isaac, despite their old age. This son will be central to God's covenant, which will last forever and extend to Isaac's descendants.
What is the significance of the name Isaac in Genesis 17:19?
The name Isaac means 'laughter,' symbolizing the joy and surprise of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. It reflects the miraculous nature of their situation, as they were both very old when they were told they would have a child.
How does Genesis 17:19 relate to God's covenant?
Genesis 17:19 highlights that God will establish His covenant with Isaac, indicating that Isaac will play a crucial role in God's plan for Abraham's family and future generations.
What themes are present in Genesis 17:19?
The themes in Genesis 17:19 include faith, promise, covenant, hope, family, and joy. It illustrates the importance of trusting God's plans and the joy that can come from unexpected blessings.
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