Old Testament
Genesis 17:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, God reassures Abraham that his wife Sarah will indeed have a son, despite their old age.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related gods.
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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
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.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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