Genesis 17:15-21

What does Genesis 17:15-21 mean?

God didn't just rename Sarai; He redefined her purpose. Her old name, "Sarai," meant "my princess," implying a limited dominion, perhaps just to Abraham's household. Her new name, "Sarah," signifies "princess" absolutely, pointing to her future role as the matriarch of a vast nation and a spiritual mother to many.

And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Genesis 17:15-21 means

Just after God establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham and changes his name from Abram to Abraham, He also directs Abraham to change his wife's name from Sarai to Sarah. This renaming signifies a shift in her identity and her role, moving from "my princess" to the broader title of "princess," which better reflects the promise that she will be the mother of nations. This moment directly precedes God's confirmation that Sarah will indeed bear him a son, solidifying the new covenant and its implications for their lineage.

A Name Reflecting a Wider Purpose

God is about to do something incredible in Abraham's life. Part of that involves a profound shift for Sarah, starting with her name. What does this change reveal about God's plan?

Abraham's wife, Sarai, receives a new name: Sarah. The original name, Sarai, likely carried the meaning of 'my princess,' suggesting a role or status limited to Abraham's household.

The new name, Sarah, broadens this meaning significantly. It's understood to mean 'princess' in a more absolute or unrestricted sense, signifying her future role not just within her family, but as the mother of many nations and a matriarch for all believers. This name change isn't just a minor adjustment; it's a divine declaration of Sarah's expanded destiny and her pivotal place in God's unfolding plan for humanity.

A Name Change Signifying Covenant Inclusion

In ancient times, names were deeply significant. When God changed a name, it often marked a turning point and a formal inclusion into something new. What does Sarah's name change signify in the context of the covenant?

The renaming of Sarai to Sarah occurs at a crucial moment – the establishment of God's covenant with Abraham. This isn't accidental. The change in her name signifies her inclusion in this sacred covenant, which promises a lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled.

While Abraham's name was also changed (from Abram to Abraham, meaning 'father of a multitude'), Sarah's name change emphasizes her unique and essential role within this covenant. She is not just Abraham's wife; she is destined to be the mother of the promised seed, the matriarch through whom the lineage of faith will flow. This divine renaming underscores that the covenant's blessings and responsibilities extend to her.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Genesis 17:15-21 means

The original words in Genesis 17:15-21

nameשֵׁם

shem · Hebrew Noun

A name given by God or humans that signifies a person's identity, character, or the divine calling placed upon their life. In Scripture, a name change often marks a transition in status, role, or a new phase in God's redemptive plan.

blessבָּרַךְ

barak · Hebrew Verb

In the Bible, blessing primarily refers to the bestowal of divine favor, prosperity, and the enablement of life and fruitfulness, especially in the context of the covenant.

nationsגּוֹי

goy · Hebrew Noun

A social or political unit often defined by common descent, language, or territory; in Genesis, it frequently refers to the various people groups descending from the patriarchs.

kingsמֶלֶךְ

melek · Hebrew Noun

A term denoting sovereignty, authority, and rule; in the Abrahamic context, it signifies the high status and royal influence of his descendants.

covenantבְּרִית

berit · Hebrew Noun

A solemn, binding agreement or promise established by God with humanity (or individuals), often involving obligations and the guarantee of divine fidelity and presence.

everlastingעוֹלָם

olam · Hebrew Adjective/Noun

Something that endures for an indefinite, age-long, or eternal duration; when applied to God's promises, it signifies their immutable and lasting nature.

offspringזֶרַע

zera · Hebrew Noun

The physical or spiritual descendants of a person, emphasizing the continuity of the promise or lineage.

fruitfulפָּרָה

parah · Hebrew Verb

Refers to being productive or bearing fruit, often used in the context of reproduction and the flourishing of life under God's mandate.

multiplyרָבָה

rabah · Hebrew Verb

A term denoting the increase in number or extent, frequently linked with the divine command to be fruitful and multiply.

princesנָשִׂיא

nasi · Hebrew Noun

A leader of a tribe or clan, representing authority and representative leadership within a larger social structure.

covenantבְּרִית

berit · Hebrew Noun

A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and human beings, often involving specific obligations and blessings. In the Old Testament, it frequently denotes God’s initiative to enter into a relationship with His people.

Isaacיִצְחָק

Yitshaq · Hebrew Noun

Literally 'he laughs,' this name was given by God to the son of Abraham and Sarah. He is the child of promise through whom the covenantal line continues, representing God’s power to bring life from barrenness.