Genesis 18:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, I will certainly return unto 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The visitor promises that Sarah will have a son within a year.
The Context of Genesis 18:10
A visitor announces that Sarah will bear a son.
What Does Genesis 18:10 Mean?
'According to the time of life' refers to the natural cycle of bearing children—a way of indicating the definite timing of the promise. The visitor speaks with absolute certainty: 'I will certainly return' and 'Sarah shall have a son,' as if the future is already established.
Sarah's position behind Abraham, listening from the tent door, is crucial. She hears the promise personally, making her faith a central element of the covenant promise about to unfold.
Genesis 18:10 in the Original Language
kayim hayim (כַּיִּם הַיִּם), 'time of life'—the season of childbearing, indicating a specific calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 18:10
What does Genesis 18:10 mean?
The visitor promises that Sarah will have a son within a year.
What is the context of Genesis 18:10?
A visitor announces that Sarah will bear a son.