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And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) <a href="/nasb_/genesis/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said, “I will certainly return to you at this time next year; and behold, your wife Sarah will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/nasb/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> He said, &#8220I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.&#8221 And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/lsb/genesis/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door which was behind him. <a href="/amp/genesis/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/csb/genesis/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said, “I will certainly come back to you in about a year’s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son! ” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD said, &#8220I will certainly come back to you in about a year&#8217s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son!&#8221 Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. <a href="/asv/genesis/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/cev/genesis/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> One of the guests was the LORD, and he said, "I'll come back about this time next year, and when I do, Sarah will already have a son." Sarah was behind Abraham, listening at the entrance to the tent. <a href="/erv/genesis/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/gwt/genesis/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD said, "I promise I'll come back to you next year at this time, and your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah happened to be listening at the entrance of the tent, which was behind him. <a href="/gnt/genesis/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> One of them said, "Nine months from now I will come back, and your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah was behind him, at the door of the tent, listening. <a href="/isv/genesis/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then one of them said, "I will certainly return to you in about a year's time. By then, your wife Sarah will have borne a son." Now Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. <a href="/msb/genesis/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/18.htm">NET Bible</a> One of them said, "I will surely return to you when the season comes round again, and your wife Sarah will have a son!" (Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, not far behind him. <a href="/nheb/genesis/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then he said, "I will certainly return to you at the time of life. Look, Sarah your wife will have a son." Sarah heard from the entrance of the tent, which was behind him. <a href="/wbt/genesis/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said, I will certainly return to thee according to the time of life; and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/web/genesis/18.htm">World English Bible</a> He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and He says, “Returning I return to you, about the time of life, and behold, to Sarah your wife a son.” And Sarah is listening at the opening of the tent, which is behind him; <a href="/ylt/genesis/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he saith, 'returning I return unto thee, about the time of life, and lo, to Sarah thy wife a son.' <a href="/slt/genesis/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say, Returning, I will return to thee according to the time of life; and behold, a son to Sarah thy wife. And Sarah heard at the door of the tent, and she behind him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to him: I will return and come to thee at this time, life accompanying and Sara thy wife shall have a son. Which when Sara heard, she laughed behind the door of the tent. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to him, “When returning, I will come to you at this time, with life as a companion, and your wife Sarah will have a son.” Hearing this, Sarah laughed behind the door of the tent. <a href="/nabre/genesis/18.htm">New American Bible</a> One of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, just behind him. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said, I will certainly return to you at this time next year, and lo, Sarah your wife shall be with child, and shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door which was behind her. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to him, “Returning, I shall return to you at this time when she is living, and Sara your wife shall have a son”, and Sara heard at the door of the tent and it was behind him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And He said: 'I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.' And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.-- <a href="/sep/genesis/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said, I will return and come to thee according to this period seasonably, and Sarrha thy wife shall have a son; and Sarrha heard at the door of the tent, being behind him. <a href="/parallel/genesis/18-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3775" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/18.htm">Sarah Laughs at the Promise</a> 9“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked. “There, in the tent,” he replied. 10<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Then the LORD said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šō·wḇ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">“I will surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ā·šūḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: kā·‘êṯ (Prep-k, Art:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">at this time next year,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yāh (Adj-fs) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></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.">and your wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/8283.htm" title="8283: lə·śā·rāh (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- Princess, a wife of Abraham. The same as sarah; Sarah, Abraham's wife.">Sarah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">will have a son!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/8283.htm" title="8283: wə·śā·rāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- Princess, a wife of Abraham. The same as sarah; Sarah, Abraham's wife.">Now Sarah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">was behind him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·ma·‘aṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listening</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">at the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hel (Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">to the tent.</a> 11And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> 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. <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Romans 9:9</a> For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a> 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. <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Luke 1:13</a> 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. <a href="/luke/1-18.htm">Luke 1:18-20</a> “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” / “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. / And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” <a href="/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34-37</a> “How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” / The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. / Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. ... <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19</a> But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed 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. <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Genesis 21:6-7</a> Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” / She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16-17</a> 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. <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-23</a> 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. <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4-5</a> 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.” <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22-24</a> 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.” <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a> He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah! <a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a> “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17-21</a> As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. / Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.he said.<a href="/genesis/18-13.htm">Genesis 18:13,14</a> And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? … <a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">Genesis 16:10</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.<a href="/genesis/22-15.htm">Genesis 22:15,16</a> And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, … according.<a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Genesis 17:21</a> But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.<a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Genesis 21:2</a> For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.<a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">2 Kings 4:16,17</a> And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid… lo, Sarah.<a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16,19,21</a> And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her… <a href="/genesis/21-2.htm">Genesis 21:2</a> For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.<a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3-5</a> And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Door</a> <a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/15-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/8-3.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Round</a> <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Season</a> <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/17-22.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/19-6.htm">Door</a> <a href="/genesis/19-13.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Returning</a> <a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Round</a> <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Season</a> <a href="/genesis/18-14.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/genesis/18-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/exodus/33-8.htm">Tent-Door</a> <a href="/genesis/18-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 18</div>1. <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/18-9.htm">Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son.</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/18-16.htm">The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then the LORD said This phrase indicates a direct communication from God, emphasizing the personal nature of God's interaction with Abraham. In the context of Genesis, God often speaks directly to the patriarchs, establishing His covenant and promises. This direct speech underscores the importance of the message being delivered.I will surely return to you The promise of God's return signifies His active involvement in the fulfillment of His promises. This assurance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His control over time and events. The certainty of His return is a testament to His commitment to His covenant with Abraham.at this time next year The specificity of the timing highlights God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. It also sets a timeline for the fulfillment of the promise, which requires faith from Abraham and Sarah. This precise timing is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God sets specific times for His actions, such as the birth of Jesus Christ.and your wife Sarah will have a son! This promise is the culmination of God's covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants. The birth of Isaac is a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it continues the lineage through which the nation of Israel and ultimately Jesus Christ would come. This promise also serves as a test of faith for Sarah, who was beyond childbearing age.Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. Sarah's position behind Abraham and at the tent entrance suggests a cultural context where women were often in the background during significant discussions. Her eavesdropping indicates her curiosity and perhaps skepticism, which is later revealed in her laughter. This moment sets the stage for her personal encounter with God's promise and her eventual faith journey.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> In this passage, the LORD is speaking directly to Abraham, making a divine promise. The Hebrew term used here is "YHWH," indicating the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelite nation, Abraham is the recipient of God's promise. His faith and obedience are central themes in his account. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> Abraham's wife, who is initially barren. Her role in this passage highlights themes of doubt and eventual fulfillment of God's promises. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_tent.htm">The Tent</a> Represents the temporary dwelling of Abraham and Sarah, symbolizing their nomadic lifestyle and the transient nature of their earthly journey. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_promise_of_a_son.htm">The Promise of a Son</a> This event marks a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises a son to Abraham and Sarah, despite their old age.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> God's promises are sure and steadfast, even when circumstances seem impossible. Believers can trust in His timing and faithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a> When God speaks, His words have the power to bring about change and fulfillment. This encourages believers to hold fast to His promises. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_face_of_doubt.htm">Faith in the Face of Doubt</a> Like Sarah, believers may struggle with doubt, but God's plans are not thwarted by human disbelief. Faith involves trusting God beyond our understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a> Sarah was listening at the tent entrance. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God's voice and promises in our lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a> The promise of a son "at this time next year" underscores that God's timing is perfect. Patience and trust are essential in the Christian walk.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18</a> <a href="/q/can_sarah_conceive_at_an_old_age.htm">Is it scientifically plausible for Sarah to conceive a son at an advanced age (Genesis 18:10–12)? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_zeal.htm">Is anything too hard for the Lord?</a> <a href="/q/what_lessons_from_sarah_and_hagar.htm">What lessons does the Sarah and Hagar story teach?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_a_right_time_for_everything.htm">Is there a right time for every action?</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>(10) According to the time of life.--Heb., according to the living time. It is evident from <a href="/genesis/18-14.htm" title="Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.">Genesis 18:14</a>, and <a href="/context/2_kings/4-16.htm" title="And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, you shall embrace a son. And she said, No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid.">2Kings 4:16-17</a>, that these words denote some fixed period, but the exact rendering is in dispute. "When the season revives" = next spring, is entirely remote from Oriental thought, and the rendering of Zunz "at the living time" is poetical, but meaningless. The true rendering is probably "a year hence," as when the year is over it dies, and a new year lives in its place. Jewish tradition is strongly in favour of this view, translating "according to this time next year," and adding that the season was the Passover. The only other tenable rendering is "in course of time."Which was behind him.--The LXX. has a preferable reading, and she was behind it. The door, as we have seen, was an opening made by looping back the curtain, which would effectually conceal Sarah's person.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - And he said (the Principal Guest, as above, who, by the very nature and terms of his announcement, identifies himself with Jehovah), I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life. Literally, at the time reviving; i.e. when the year shall have been renewed, in the next year, or rather spring (vide Ewald, 'Hebrews Synt.,' § 337; Rosenmüller, Drusius, Keil, Kalisch, Lange, Ainsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary'); though other interpretations of the phrase have been suggested, as, e.g., "according to the time of that which is born," i.e. at the end of nine months (Willet, Calvin, Bush, Murphy). And, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. I.e. at the time specified. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/18-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the LORD said, וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “I will surely שׁ֣וֹב (šō·wḇ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again return אָשׁ֤וּב (’ā·šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to you אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to at this time next year, כָּעֵ֣ת (kā·‘êṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when and your wife אִשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ (’iš·te·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female Sarah לְשָׂרָ֣ה (lə·śā·rāh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8283.htm">Strong's 8283: </a> Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham will have a son!” בֵ֖ן (ḇên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son Now Sarah וְשָׂרָ֥ה (wə·śā·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8283.htm">Strong's 8283: </a> Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham was behind him, אַחֲרָֽיו׃ (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part listening שֹׁמַ֛עַת (šō·ma·‘aṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently at the entrance פֶּ֥תַח (pe·ṯaḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> An opening, door, entrance way to the tent. הָאֹ֖הֶל (hā·’ō·hel) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> A tent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">OT Law: Genesis 18:10 He said I will certainly return (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/18-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 18:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/18-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 18:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 18:11" /></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>