King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:3 Mean?

Genesis 21:3 in the King James Version says “And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.”

Genesis 21:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

3

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

4

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

5

And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨א1 of 12

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַבְרָהָ֜ם2 of 12

“And Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶֽת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֶׁם4 of 12

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנ֧וֹ5 of 12

“of his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יָֽלְדָה6 of 12

“bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֛וֹ7 of 12
H0
אֲשֶׁר8 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָֽלְדָה9 of 12

“bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לּ֥וֹ10 of 12
H0
שָׂרָ֖ה11 of 12

“unto him whom Sarah”

H8283

sarah, abraham's wife

יִצְחָֽק׃12 of 12

“to him Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 21:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:19Romans 9:7Genesis 21:6Hebrews 11:18Joshua 24:3Matthew 1:2

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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