Topical Encyclopedia Name Changed from Sarai to SarahSarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for her role as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a matriarch of the Israelite people and a woman of faith. Early Life and Marriage to Abram Sarai, as she was initially called, was the daughter of Terah and the half-sister of Abram (later Abraham). Her name, Sarai, is thought to mean "my princess," reflecting her noble status. Sarai married Abram, and together they embarked on a journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan, following God's call to Abram. Despite her beauty, Sarai faced the challenge of barrenness, a significant issue in the ancient world, as it was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor. God's Promise and Name Change In Genesis 17, God established a covenant with Abram, promising that he would be the father of many nations. It was during this divine encounter that God changed Sarai's name to Sarah, meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," signifying her role in the fulfillment of God's promise. Genesis 17:15-16 states, "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.'" The Birth of Isaac Despite her advanced age, Sarah's faith was tested and ultimately rewarded when she conceived and bore a son, Isaac, as God had promised. This miraculous event is recorded in Genesis 21:1-3 : "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." Legacy and Death Sarah's life was marked by moments of doubt and laughter, as seen when she initially laughed at the promise of bearing a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12). However, her account is ultimately one of faith and fulfillment of God's promises. Sarah lived to be 127 years old, and her death is recorded in Genesis 23. She was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased as a family burial site. Sarah is remembered as a matriarch of the faith, and her account is celebrated in the New Testament as an example of faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:11 commends her faith: "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." Sarah's life and legacy continue to be a source of inspiration and reflection for believers, illustrating the power of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:15And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. Nave's Topical Index Library Of the Change of Name in Abraham and Sarah, who Received the Gift ... Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. Chapter xvii Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Resources Who was Abraham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sarah: Also Called Sarai is Sterile; Gives Her Handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham As a Concubine Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Character of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Death and Burial of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Gives Birth to Isaac Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Jealousy of Hagar Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Miraculous Conception of Isaac Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Name Changed from Sarai to Sarah Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Near of Kin to Abraham Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Wife of Abraham Related Terms |
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