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Genesis 17:15 Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.
<!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 17:15 Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/17-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/01_Gen_17_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 17:15 - The Covenant of Circumcision" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/17-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/17-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/17-14.htm" title="Genesis 17:14">◄</a> Genesis 17:15 <a href="/genesis/17-16.htm" title="Genesis 17:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall</i> her name <i>be</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall be</i> her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, you shall not call her <i>by</i> the name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall be</i> her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall be</i> her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall be</i> her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (my princess), but her name will be Sarah (Princess).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah will be her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah will be her name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And God said unto Abraham, as for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham, from now on your wife's name will be Sarah instead of Sarai. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, "Don't call your wife by the name Sarai anymore. Instead, her name is Sarah [Princess].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, "You must no longer call your wife Sarai; from now on her name is Sarah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God told Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are not to call her Sarai any longer, because her name is to be Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, "As for your wife, you must no longer call her Sarai; Sarah will be her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name will be Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name shall be Sarah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And God says to Abraham, “Sarai your wife—you do not call her name Sarai, for Sarah [is] her name;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And God saith unto Abraham, 'Sarai thy wife -- thou dost not call her name Sarai, for Sarah is her name;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And God will say to Abraham, Sarai, thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, for Sarah her name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />God said also to Abraham: Sarai thy wife thou shalt not call Sarai, but Sara. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />God said also to Abraham: “Your wife Sarai, you shall not call Sarai, but Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God further said to Abraham: As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, for Sarah is her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall bless her, and also I shall give to you a son from her, and I shall bless him and he shall be for the nations, and Kings of the nations shall be from him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And God said unto Abraham: 'As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God said to Abraam, Sara thy wife - her name shall not be called Sara, Sarrha shall be her name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/17-15.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=3569" 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/17.htm">The Covenant of Circumcision</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">Then God</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.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·ray (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">“As for Sarai</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·tə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">your wife,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: ṯiq·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">call</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·māh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">her</a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·rāy (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">Sarai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·māh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">her name is to be</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> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>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.”…<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/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a></span><br />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. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-3</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. / And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Romans 4:19-21</a></span><br />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. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11-12</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. / And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.<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/16-1.htm">Genesis 16:1-2</a></span><br />Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3</a></span><br />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/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17-18</a></span><br />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. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”<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="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a></span><br />Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7-9</a></span><br />Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / 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="/1_peter/3-6.htm">1 Peter 3:6</a></span><br />just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21-26</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. / But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, / and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” ...<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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.</p><p class="hdg">As.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5</a></b></br> Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Genesis 32:28</a></b></br> And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-25.htm">2 Samuel 12:25</a></b></br> And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">Sarah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/11-29.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/11-29.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">God renews the covenant with Abram, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Circumcision is instituted.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-23.htm">Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then God said to Abraham</b><br>This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Abraham, emphasizing the personal relationship and covenant between them. It reflects the ongoing dialogue that God maintains with Abraham, a key figure in biblical history. This communication underscores the importance of Abraham's role in God's plan for humanity, as seen in previous chapters where God establishes His covenant with him.<p><b>As for Sarai your wife</b><br>Here, God specifically addresses Sarai, Abraham's wife, highlighting her significance in the unfolding of God's promises. Sarai's role is crucial as she is to be the mother of nations, despite her previous barrenness. This mention underscores the importance of women in God's plan and foreshadows the miraculous birth of Isaac.<p><b>do not call her Sarai</b><br>The instruction to change Sarai's name signifies a transformation in her identity and role. In ancient cultures, names held significant meaning and were often changed to reflect a new purpose or destiny. This change marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, indicating a shift in Sarai's life and her part in God's covenant.<p><b>for her name is to be Sarah</b><br>The name change from Sarai to Sarah, both meaning "princess," signifies a broader scope of influence and blessing. Sarah is to be the matriarch of nations and kings, as later verses reveal. This change aligns with God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, and Sarah's new name reflects her integral role in this promise. The name Sarah is also significant in the New Testament, where she is mentioned in <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a> as a woman of faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty, who initiates the covenant and changes Sarai's name to Sarah, signifying a new role and promise.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>Originally named Abram, he is the patriarch with whom God establishes His covenant, promising him numerous descendants.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarai/sarah.htm">Sarai/Sarah</a></b><br>Abraham's wife, whose name change signifies her role as the mother of nations and kings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/name_change.htm">Name Change</a></b><br>The act of changing Sarai's name to Sarah is significant, symbolizing a transformation in her identity and purpose.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The broader context of this passage is God's covenant with Abraham, which includes promises of land, descendants, and blessings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_names.htm">Significance of Names</a></b><br>In biblical times, names often reflected character or destiny. Sarah's name change from Sarai, meaning "my princess," to Sarah, meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," signifies her expanded role in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The name change underscores God's authority and His active role in shaping the lives of His people according to His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_promise.htm">Faith and Promise</a></b><br>Sarah's new name is a reminder of the importance of faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a></b><br>Just as Sarah received a new identity, believers are given a new identity in Christ, called to live out their God-given purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Sarah's transformation and role in God's plan encourage believers to consider the legacy of faith they are building for future generations.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Sarai.</span>--Probably <span class= "ital">princely, </span>an adjective of the same form as <span class= "ital">shaddai, </span><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm" title="And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect.">Genesis 17:1</a>; while <span class= "ital">Sarah </span>means <span class= "ital">princess. </span>The change of name shows that she was admitted to the covenant. (Comp. <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm" title="This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.">Genesis 17:10</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife</span>, - who, not having hitherto been mentioned in any of the promises, is now expressly taken into covenant, and accordingly receives a new name (cf. Ver. 5; <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Genesis 32:28</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">thou shalt not call her name Sarai</span>, - "my princess" (Gesenius); "princely, noble" (Ikenins, Rosenmüller, Keil, Delitzsch); "the heroine" (Knobel); "strife, contention" (Ewald, Murphy), with special reference to her struggle against sterility. (Kalisch) - but Sarah "princess" (Gesenius), the meaning being that, whereas formerly she was Abram's princess only, she was henceforth to be recognized as a princess generally, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> as the mother of the Church (Jerome, Augustine), or as princess to the Lord, the letter A being taken from the name Jehovah, as in the change of Abram into Abraham (the Rabbis); though Ikenius and Rosenmüller derive from an Arabic root, <span class="accented">sara, to</span> have a numerous progeny - shall <span class="cmt_word">her name</span> be. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/17-15.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">Then God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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 /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abraham,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“As for Sarai</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sarai -- a wife of Abram</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your wife,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשְׁתְּךָ֔</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·tə·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">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">call</span><br /><span class="heb">תִקְרָ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her Sarai,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sarai -- a wife of Abram</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her name [is to be]</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sarah.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרָ֖ה</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">OT Law: Genesis 17:15 God said to Abraham As for Sarai (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/17-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 17:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 17:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/17-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 17:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 17:16" /></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>