Sarah (Sarai)
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: Wife of Abraham, mother of Isaac, matriarch of Israel
- Family: Wife of Abraham, daughter of Terah, sister of Haran
- Key Books: Genesis
Biography
Born Sarai, she was both the daughter and wife of Abraham (Terah’s children). Barren from youth, she gave her maid Hagar to Abraham, resulting in Ishmael. At age 90, God fulfilled His promise and she bore Isaac — so miraculous that she laughed when she heard the news (Genesis 18:12).
God changed her name from Sarai (“my princess”) to Sarah (“princess”). Despite moments of doubt and impatience, Sarah demonstrated faith. She laughed again at Isaac’s birth, saying “God has made laughter for me.” She requested that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, and later arranged for Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah.
Sarah died at age 127 in Kiriath-arba (Hebron). Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah as her burial place — the first property owned by Israelites in Canaan.
Key Events
- Barrenness and giving Hagar to Abraham
- Visitation by three angels — promise of Isaac
- Birth of Isaac at age 90
- Laughter at God’s promise and at Isaac’s birth
Relationships
Important Verses
- “And she said, The LORD hath made me laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6
- “Isaac was a weanling when the LORD visited Sarah with a son.” — Genesis 21:1
Cross-References
- Romans 9:9 — Promise to Sarah as example of God’s sovereign calling
- Hebrews 11:11 — “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed”
- 1 Peter 3:6 — Sarah as example of virtuous wife who called Abraham “lord”