Genesis 21:3 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:3 mean?

Genesis 21:3 says that Abraham named his son Isaac, the child born to him by Sarah. This verse records the moment Abraham gives his long-awaited son the name that God had previously told him to use.

The setting is after Sarah, Abraham’s wife, has finally given birth to a son in her old age, just as God had promised. Abraham is the one acting here, officially naming the boy Isaac, which means “he laughs” in Hebrew. This act fulfills both God’s promise and command, and marks a turning point in Abraham and Sarah’s story.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:3

• יִצְחָק (Yitzchak, “Isaac”): This name means “he laughs” or “laughter.” The name is significant because both Abraham and Sarah laughed when God promised them a child in their old age, and now the child’s name is a reminder of that joy and surprise.
• קָרָא (qara, “called”): This word means “to call” or “to name.” In this context, it shows Abraham’s authority and obedience in naming his son exactly as God instructed.
• שֵׁם (shem, “name”): The use of “name” here emphasizes the importance of identity and legacy in the ancient world, especially for a long-awaited heir.

Why Genesis 21:3 matters

• Genesis 21:3 confirms that Abraham obeyed God’s specific instruction to name his son Isaac, showing his trust in God’s promises.
• The verse highlights the fulfillment of a decades-long promise, connecting the birth and naming of Isaac directly to God’s faithfulness.
• Naming the child Isaac ties the story back to earlier chapters where laughter—both joyful and doubtful—marked Abraham and Sarah’s reactions to God’s promise, making the name a lasting reminder of their journey.