Genesis 18:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sarah denies laughing out of fear, but the visitor insists she did laugh.
The Context of Genesis 18:15
Sarah denies her laughter, then is gently corrected.
What Does Genesis 18:15 Mean?
Sarah's denial shows fear—she is afraid of the one who has revealed her hidden thought. Her response is human: caught in doubt by one claiming divine knowledge, she retreats into denial as self-protection.
The visitor's gentle correction—'Nay; but thou didst laugh'—is not harsh. It simply affirms truth, asserting that Sarah's laughter is known and witnessed. No judgment is rendered, only acknowledgment.
Genesis 18:15 in the Original Language
yare (יָרְאָה), 'afraid'—to fear, be afraid, or have reverential awe, describing Sarah's reaction to being known.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 18:15
What does Genesis 18:15 mean?
Sarah denies laughing out of fear, but the visitor insists she did laugh.
What is the context of Genesis 18:15?
Sarah denies her laughter, then is gently corrected.