Genesis 17:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God renames Sarai to Sarah, marking her new role in the covenant.
The Context of Genesis 17:15
God renames Sarai to Sarah, giving her a new identity in the covenant.
What Does Genesis 17:15 Mean?
Sarai means my princess; Sarah means princess. The name change, though subtle in English, shifts from a personal possession (my princess) to a broader, more universal identity (princess). Sarah's renaming parallels Abraham's—both receive new identities that reflect their new destinies. Her name change suggests she, too, has a crucial role in the covenant fulfillment.
God's attention to Sarah is deliberate. She is not a passive participant but a named, identified partner in the covenant. By changing her name, God acknowledges her agency and importance. What follows will make clear that Sarah, not merely Abraham, is essential to God's plan. Her name becomes a promise that she will bear a son and become mother of nations.
Genesis 17:15 in the Original Language
Sarah (שָׂרָה), 'princess' — a name suggesting nobility, dignity, and elevated status befitting a mother of nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 17:15
What does Genesis 17:15 mean?
God renames Sarai to Sarah, marking her new role in the covenant.
What is the context of Genesis 17:15?
God renames Sarai to Sarah, giving her a new identity in the covenant.