And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
GENESIS 17:15KJVWhat does Genesis 17:15 mean?
Genesis 17:15 records God telling Abraham that his wife’s name should no longer be Sarai, but Sarah. This marks a significant moment where God gives Sarai a new name, signaling a new role or identity in His promises.
In this verse, God (speaking directly to Abraham) addresses a change in Sarai’s status by renaming her. The context is a larger conversation where God is establishing a covenant with Abraham, promising descendants and blessings. Changing Sarai’s name to Sarah is a sign that she, too, is included in these promises and will play a key part in what God is about to do.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 17:15
- שָׂרַי (Sarai, Sarai): This name is often understood as “my princess,” with a personal or possessive sense.
- שָׂרָה (Sarah, Sarah): This new name means “princess” or “noblewoman,” but without the possessive “my.” The shift suggests a broader role, not just for Abraham’s family but for nations.
- קָרָא (qara, call): The instruction not to “call” her Sarai anymore emphasizes a deliberate change in identity and status, not just a casual nickname.
Why Genesis 17:15 matters
- Genesis 17:15 clarifies that God’s covenant and promises are not just for Abraham but also directly involve Sarah, highlighting her importance in the unfolding story.
- The change from Sarai to Sarah signals a shift from a personal, family-centered role to a wider, more public one—she will become the mother of nations, not just Abraham’s household.
- This verse connects closely to the surrounding passage, where God is making foundational promises about descendants and blessing, showing that both Abraham and Sarah are central to God’s plan.