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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 18:9 "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked. "There, in the tent," he replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/18-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_18_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 18:9 - Sarah Laughs at the Promise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Where is your wife Sarah? they asked. 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And he said, Behold, in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they said to him, “Where <i>is</i> Sarah your wife?” So he said, “Here, in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then they said to him, &#8220Where is Sarah your wife?&#8221 And he said, &#8220There, in the tent.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “Behold, in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Where is your wife Sarah? ” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where is your wife Sarah?&#8221 they asked him.&#8221 There, in the tent,&#8221 he answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and they asked, "Where's your wife Sarah?" "She is right there in the tent," Abraham answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They asked him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" He answered, "Over there, in the tent."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then they asked him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" "She is there in the tent," he answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The men asked him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" "There, in the tent," he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Where is your wife Sarah?? they asked. ?There, in the tent,? he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then they asked him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" He replied, "There, in the tent."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, "Where is Sarah, your wife? He said, "See, in the tent."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they said to him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He said, “There, in the tent.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they say to him, “Where [is] Sarah your wife?” And he says, “Behold—in the tent”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they say unto him, 'Where is Sarah thy wife?' and he saith, 'Lo -- in the tent;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will say to him, Where is Sarah thy wife? and he will say, Behold, in the tent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when they had eaten, they said to him: Where is Sara thy wife? He answered: Lo, she is in the tent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when they had eaten, they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” He answered, “Behold, she is in the tent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There in the tent,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they said to him, Where is Sarah your wife? And he said, Behold, she is in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they said to him, “Where is Sara your wife?”, and he said, “Here, in the tent.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they said unto him: 'Where is Sarah thy wife?' And he said: 'Behold, in the tent.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said to him, Where is Sarrha thy wife? And he answered and said, Behold! in the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/18-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3768" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Sarah Laughs at the Promise</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/346.htm" title="346: ’ay·yêh (Interrog) -- Where?. Prolonged from 'ay; where?.">“Where</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·te·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">is your wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/8283.htm" title="8283: śā·rāh (N-proper-fs) -- Princess, a wife of Abraham. The same as sarah; Sarah, Abraham's wife.">Sarah?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ʾē·lå̄w (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“There,</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: ḇā·’ō·hel (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">in the tent,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he replied.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15-19</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah. / And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” / Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a></span><br />Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Romans 9:9</a></span><br />For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a></span><br />By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-23</a></span><br />For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Genesis 16:11</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4-5</a></span><br />Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” / And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-15.htm">Genesis 22:15-18</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, / saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, / I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Genesis 24:60</a></span><br />And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></span><br />Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22-24</a></span><br />Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. / She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19-20</a></span><br />The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16-17</a></span><br />And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” / But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13</a></span><br />But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they said to him, Where is Sarah your wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.</p><p class="hdg">Where.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-9.htm">Genesis 4:9</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Cain, Where <i>is</i> Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: <i>Am</i> I my brother's keeper?</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a></b></br> And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's <i>death</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Genesis 31:33</a></b></br> And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found <i>them</i> not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Titus 2:5</a></b></br> <i>To be</i> discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-16.htm">The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Where is your wife Sarah?</b><br>This question is posed by the visitors to Abraham, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. The inquiry about Sarah by name is significant, as it demonstrates the visitors' supernatural knowledge. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, women often remained in the background during male visitors' presence, which makes the direct question about Sarah unusual and highlights her importance in the unfolding narrative. This moment foreshadows the promise of a son, Isaac, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The mention of Sarah by name also emphasizes her role in God's plan, as she is to be the mother of nations (<a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16</a>).<p><b>they asked.</b><br>The plural form "they" indicates that all three visitors are involved in the conversation, though one of them, often interpreted as the Lord, takes the lead in the dialogue. This interaction is part of a theophany, where God appears in human form. The presence of these visitors is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the announcement of Isaac's birth. The divine nature of the visitors is further confirmed by their knowledge and authority, which is consistent with other biblical theophanies, such as the appearance of the Angel of the Lord in various Old Testament passages.<p><b>“There, in the tent,” he replied.</b><br>Abraham's response indicates Sarah's location within the tent, a typical dwelling structure of the time, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. The tent symbolizes domestic life and the private sphere, where women traditionally resided. This setting underscores the cultural norms of the period, where hospitality and the separation of gender roles were customary. The tent also serves as a backdrop for the miraculous announcement that follows, highlighting the contrast between the ordinary setting and the extraordinary promise of God. This moment is a precursor to the fulfillment of God's covenant, as Sarah's presence in the tent signifies her integral role in the divine plan.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord (Yahweh)</a></b><br>In <a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a>, the Lord appears to Abraham in the form of three men. This theophany is a significant event where God communicates directly with Abraham.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is hosting the three visitors. His hospitality and interaction with them are central to this chapter.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a></b><br>Abraham's wife, who is inside the tent during this encounter. Her role becomes crucial as the promise of a son is reiterated.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_three_visitors.htm">The Three Visitors</a></b><br>Often interpreted as a manifestation of God and possibly two angels, these visitors bring a message of promise and judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tent.htm">The Tent</a></b><br>Represents the domestic setting of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting the cultural norms of hospitality and the private nature of the promise given to Sarah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_virtue.htm">Hospitality as a Virtue</a></b><br>Abraham's welcoming of the visitors exemplifies the biblical call to hospitality. Believers are encouraged to open their homes and hearts to others, reflecting God's love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite their old age, Abraham and Sarah are reminded of God's promise. This teaches us to trust in God's timing and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Women in God's Plan</a></b><br>Sarah's inclusion in the promise highlights the significant role women play in God's redemptive history. It encourages valuing and recognizing the contributions of women in the faith community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_encounters_in_everyday_life.htm">Divine Encounters in Everyday Life</a></b><br>The appearance of God in a seemingly ordinary setting reminds us that God can meet us in our daily lives. We should be attentive to His presence and voice in our routines.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Abraham's immediate response to the visitors' inquiry about Sarah shows his obedience and respect. This serves as a model for how we should respond to God's inquiries and commands.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_lessons_from_sarah_and_hagar.htm">What lessons does the Sarah and Hagar story teach?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_new_anointing.htm">What does 'uncover the nakedness' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_claim_god_is_present_with_abraham.htm">Why does the text claim God is physically present and conversing with Abraham if other passages emphasize God’s transcendence (Genesis 18:1, 22)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_christmas_originally_pagan.htm">Why does God pose questions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">They said.</span>--But in <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm" title="And he said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life; and, see, Sarah your wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.">Genesis 18:10</a> "he said," and in <a href="/genesis/18-13.htm" title="And the LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?">Genesis 18:13</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-17.htm" title="And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;">Genesis 18:17</a>; <a href="/genesis/18-20.htm" title="And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;">Genesis 18:20</a>, &c, "the Lord (Jehovah) said." The messenger speaks as one with Jehovah, or as being His representative.<p><span class= "bld">Where is Sarah thy wife?</span>--This question is contrary to Oriental manners, as the women may be referred to only in the most indirect manner. But during the meal Abraham, as he talked with the strangers, had probably begun to recognise in them something more than human.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they said unto him</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the Principal One of the three, speaking for the others, interrogated Abraham during the progress, or perhaps at the close of, the meal saying), <span class="cmt_word">Where is Sarah thy wife?</span> (thus indicating that their visit had a special reference to her). <span class="cmt_word">And he said, Behold, in the tent</span>. It is obvious that if at first Abraham regarded his visitors only as men, by this time a suspicion of their true character must have begun to dawn upon his mind. How should ordinary travelers be aware of his wife s name? and why should they do so unusual a thing, according to Oriental manners, as to inquire after her? If thus far their behavior could not fail to surprise the patriarch, what must have been his astonishment at the subsequent communication? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Where</span><br /><span class="heb">אַיֵּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ay·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_346.htm">Strong's 346: </a> </span><span class="str2">Where?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is your wife</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·te·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sarah?”</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8283.htm">Strong's 8283: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they asked.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“There,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the tent,”</span><br /><span class="heb">בָאֹֽהֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/18-9.htm">Genesis 18:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:9 They said to him Where is Sarah (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>